RTCA is a precision aerospace and defense manufacturing group built on decades of hands-on machining expertise, with roots spanning more than 50 years. We support mission-critical commercial and government aerospace programs across North America through four U.S. Centers of Excellence operating as an integrated platform with 150+ CNC machines and a team of 250+ professionals.
Unlike large organizations where roles can be narrow, RTCA offers hands-on ownership and real visibility – you understand how your work supports the team, the operation, and the end customer. Our flat structure allows employees to take initiative, grow their skills, and have their contributions recognized, while still providing the stability, advanced technology, and meaningful work of an established aerospace manufacturer.
At RTCA, we believe in teamwork, excellence, and delivering with pride. One Team! One Mission!
How You’ll Make an Impact:
The HR Associate is an early-career opportunity designed for someone looking to build a strong foundation in Human Resources while also gaining meaningful exposure to the fundamentals of Aerospace Manufacturing Operations. This role offers hands-on experience supporting the full employee lifecycle while developing an understanding of how production, operations, and business functions integrate within a precision manufacturing environment.
Partnering closely with HR and operations leadership, the HR Associate can contribute to key people activities such as onboarding, employee programs, benefits administration, compliance activities, and workforce support. This position provides visibility into both HR strategy and shop-floor operations, creating a strong platform for long-term career growth within HR, operations, or broader business leadership.
What you’ll be doing as an HR Associate:
- Working a full-time, onsite position at our Fife, WA location.
- Support core HR processes across the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, employee records management, and HR programs.
- Partner with operations and HR leadership to support personnel-related initiatives and workforce needs.
- Assist with onboarding activities such as coordinating new hire documentation, scheduling orientations, and ensuring a smooth employee transition into the organization.
- Maintain accurate employee data and documentation in compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Provide support for benefits processes including enrollments, status changes, and responding to general employee questions.
- Participate in HR projects and initiatives that enhance the employee experience and improve internal processes.
- Assist with interview coordination and recruiting activities as business needs require.
- Support HR reporting, audits, and data tracking with a strong focus on accuracy and organization.
- Help coordinate employee communications, programs, and engagement efforts.
- Maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive employee and business information.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to interact professionally across all levels of the organization.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and sound judgment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and comfort learning new systems and technologies.
- Self-motivated with a willingness to learn, take initiative, and grow within the HR or Aerospace Manufacturing fields.
Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):
- Internship or prior exposure to Human Resources or business operations.
- Familiarity with HR systems or applicant tracking platforms.
- Experience working in fast-paced or team-oriented environments.
- Interest in pursuing a long-term career in Human Resources or Aerospace Manufacturing.
- Exposure to manufacturing or production environments is a plus.
- Bilingual abilities are a plus.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment described are representative of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
While performing the duties of this role, the employee is frequently required to:
- Lift or move up to 50 lbs.
- Reach forward, up, down, and to the side
- Stand and walk for extended periods
- Use hands to handle, manipulate, or feel materials
- Access, input, and retrieve information from a computer
Work is primarily performed in a machine shop environment with varying temperatures and potential exposure to noise, dust, fumes, and coolant vapors. Required safety equipment is provided and must be worn where designated.
Compensation and Benefits:
Employee Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; basic and supplemental life insurance; long-term disability; a 401(k) 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; and discretionary bonus programs based on position and company performance.
The Human Resources Associate Compensation range for onsite Washington applicants is $20 - 22 per hour 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.
RTCA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants wishing to receive information on RTCA’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact the RTCA Human Resources Department. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact the RTCA Human Resources Department. Candidates will receive consideration without discrimination in accordance with the requirements of article 9 to chapter XVIII of the City of Los Angeles Municipal Code, federal and state laws of California.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department.
