Aerospace Assembly Lead

RTCA • Sumner, WA

2d • $28 - $34 • Onsite

About The Position

The Assembly Lead is a hands-on working Assembly Technician who provides day-to-day leadership within the Assembly department or an assigned shift while actively performing assembly work. The role coordinates daily workflow and priorities, trains and coaches Assembly Technicians, and upholds RTCA’s safety, quality, and procedural standards. The Assembly Lead partners closely with the Assembly Manager, Planning, Quality, and Engineering to deliver compliant aerospace assemblies on schedule. This is a full-time, onsite position in Sumner, Washington.

Requirements

• Several years of hands-on assembly experience in an aerospace or precision manufacturing environment.
• Strong blueprint-reading and GD&T interpretation skills, with the ability to build to customer drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Proficiency in assembly processes including riveting, sealing, press and shrink fits, and installation of bushings, bearings, and standard hardware.
• Proficiency with hand tools, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment, and precision measuring instruments such as calipers and micrometers.
• Demonstrated ability to lead by example and effectively support and train others.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to balance hands-on production responsibilities with team coordination.
• Must meet Export Control compliance requirements as a “US Person” defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading a work cell, shift, or small assembly team.
• Experience with first-article, prototype, or first-run assembly builds.
• Experience creating or updating assembly work instructions and standard work.
• Experience operating manual machines such as a Bridgeport or lathe to make tooling and fixtures.
• Working knowledge of AS9100 and FOD prevention program requirements.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production scheduling.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex commercial and aerospace assembly operations while serving as a working lead within the Assembly department or assigned shift.
• Lead daily team stand-ups and keep production metrics, scheduling boards, and job status current.
• Coordinate daily workflow and assign work with the Assembly Manager and Planning to meet schedule priorities and on-time delivery commitments.
• Confirm kits, hardware, sealants, tooling, and fixtures are staged before jobs start, and escalate shortages to Planning and Supply Chain.
• Train, mentor, and coach Assembly Technicians; assist with onboarding new team members and help track training and skill qualifications.
• Provide technical guidance on blueprint interpretation, assembly sequencing, riveting, sealing, press fits, and hardware installation.
• Verify work conforms to customer drawings, specifications, and work instructions, and ensure travelers and build records are accurate and complete.
• Assist with troubleshooting assembly, fit-up, tooling, and process issues, involving Engineering, Quality, and the Senior Assembly Technician and escalating when appropriate.
• Lead by example in safety, 5S, FOD prevention, quality, and procedural compliance, addressing issues as they arise.
• Communicate production status, resource needs, and concerns to the Assembly Manager, Quality, Engineering, and Planning.
• Drive continuous improvement and lean manufacturing activity in the assembly area, including updates to work instructions and standard work.
• Support customer audits, source inspections, and first-article builds as needed.
• Take on tasks outside normal duties when needed and perform other duties as assigned.

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 paid company holidays.
• Shift differentials for applicable off-shifts.
• Discretionary bonus programs based on position and company performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed