CNC Programmer

About RTCA :

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 CNC Programmer plans and develops machining processes and CNC programs precision parts manufactured on 3, 4 and 5-axis CNC milling machines and CNC lathes, with multi-axis experience a plus, using Mastercam 2026. Assist in process improvement and cost reductions through productivity improvement and machine time reductions, including tool and new product program testing. Responsible for the CAD / CAM system that generates computer models and machining programs of the parts. This position requires a high degree of concentration and multitasking.

What you’ll be doing as a CNC Programmer :

• Working a Full-time, onsite position at our Chatsworth, CA location.
• Develop machine processes and programs for the manufacturing of products in 3, 4 and 5-axis CNC milling machines and CNC lathes (multi-axis a plus) interfacing with tool engineers, manufacturing engineers, quality engineers and production personnel.
• Develop, maintain, and optimize CNC programs for multi-axis mills and lathes using Mastercam 2026, leveraging advanced CAD / CAM programming capabilities.
• Analyze part drawings, sketches, and design data to determine dimension and configuration of cuts, selecting cutting tools, and machine speeds and feeds, according to knowledge of machine shop processes.
• Perform debugging and testing of CNC programs on the shop floor in the CNC mills and lathes.
• Program and implement in-machine deburring and edge-break operations within CNC milling processes to reduce secondary operations and improve part quality.
• Develop and maintain CNC programs of multiple-axis lathes and mills using an advanced three-dimensional programming CAD system.
• Write instruction sheets and tool lists to guide set-up and operation of the lathes and mills.
• Observes operation of machine on trial run to prove taped or programmed instructions.
• Revises program to eliminate instruction errors or omissions.
• Perform cutting tools evaluations, cost analysis and new technology implementation as well as analyze tooling failures.
• Support cycle time reduction efforts by adjusting feed and speeds, wasted machine moves, and evaluation of better cutters.
• Maintain status reports on program availability on a timely basis.
• Receives, Loads, verifies, and stores digital data from customer per CAD / CAM / CAI Quality Assurance Plan
• Ensures synchronization of software revision levels to customer software revision level requirements per CAD / CAM / CAI Quality Assurance Plan and notifies customer of software and / or application changes per CAD / CAM / CAI Quality Assurance Plan
• Works with estimating staff to ensure timely support of company proposal effort, synchronization between sales proposal, estimating, programming, quality and manufacturing.
• Adheres to all workplace safety guidelines, policies, and laws determined by the company, state, and federal authorities, and ensures that personnel within the Programming department comply as well.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Education, skills, and experience) :

Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills, and experience) :

Physical Demands :

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following :

Work Environment :

A large percentage of work time is spent in a machine shop where temperatures vary from hot to cold. The environment may also include exposure to noise, dust, fumes, vapor from coolant, etc. Industry standard safety equipment is provided by the Company, and specific notice is posted in areas where safety equipment is required.

Compensation and Benefits :

Employee Benefits :   Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, long-term disability and 401(k) with up to 6% QACA company match.

The CNC Programmer Compensation range  for onsite California applicants is $80,000 - $120,000 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.

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.