How You'll Make an Impact: The Assembly Manager takes ownership of RTCA's Assembly department, providing strong day-to-day leadership to the team while building the systems, processes, and accountability needed to support our continued growth. This is a hands-on manufacturing leadership role for someone who understands aerospace assembly operations and can lead the department - not simply supervise the daily workload - while partnering effectively across Operations, Quality, Engineering, Planning, and Supply Chain to keep programs on schedule and in compliance.
What you'll be doing as an Assembly Manager:- Working a full-time, onsite position at our Fife, WA location.
- Own the day-to-day performance of the Assembly department, including safety, quality, throughput, and on-time delivery.
- Provide strong, hands-on leadership and direction to Assembly Leads and Technicians, setting clear expectations and holding the team accountable to them.
- Develop technicians and leads through coaching, training, and performance management, building bench strength and supporting career growth within the department.
- Establish and maintain department metrics and accountability systems to track performance, identify gaps, and drive corrective action.
- Build, document, and continuously improve standard work, processes, and procedures to support consistent quality and scalable growth.
- Plan and manage staffing, scheduling, and capacity to meet production and program requirements.
- Partner effectively with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Planning, and Supply Chain to resolve issues, support new program launches, and keep work flowing smoothly across departments.
- Prioritize workload, resource allocation, and tooling/equipment needs across the department.
- Lead root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cost, cycle time, and non-conformances.
- Ensure compliance with customer, quality system (AS9100), and regulatory requirements across all assembly operations.
- Communicate department status, risks, and priorities to leadership and cross-functional partners.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):- Significant experience in aerospace or precision manufacturing assembly operations, including hands-on knowledge of assembly processes, tooling, and blueprint/GD&T interpretation.
- Proven experience leading and developing a manufacturing team, with a track record of establishing accountability and improving team performance.
- Demonstrated ability to build and implement processes, work instructions, and systems that support a growing operation.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with experience working effectively across Operations, Quality, Engineering, Planning, and Supply Chain.
- Strong communication, coaching, and performance management skills.
- Working knowledge of AS9100 or other aerospace quality system requirements.
Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):- Bachelor's degree in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Prior supervisory or management experience in an aerospace manufacturing environment.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems for scheduling, planning, and reporting.
Compensation and Benefits: - Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- Choice of medical plan options, including a no-cost employee-only coverage plan
- HSA-eligible health plan with employer contributions
- Basic and supplemental life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- 401(k) plan with up to a 6% QACA company match
- Paid time off including vacation, sick time, and nine (9) paid company holidays
- Shift differentials for applicable off-shifts
- Discretionary bonus programs based on position and company performance
The Assembly Manager Compensation range for onsite Washington applicants is $83,000-95,000 annually commensurate with experience. Some shifts may include shift differential pay rates. Other site ranges may differ.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a "US Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.15 is required.
