Advance Manufacturing Manager

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; Whitehall Township (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. in Whitehall, MI, is seeking an Automation and AI leader to drive technical direction and supervise engineers. The role requires directing multiple projects, coordinating with vendors and customers, and mentoring staff to achieve manufacturing excellence.

Ideal candidates will have a strong engineering background with leadership experience, a willingness to travel up to 50%, and the ability to manage complex automation initiatives across facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 7 years of experience, or 10 years’ equivalent work experience.
• 3 years in a manager or supervisory capacity leading teams larger than 5.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% for project work and site visits.
• Employee must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Directs all Automation and AI projects and provides supervisory direction.
• Manages multiple projects simultaneously ensuring timely, high‑quality deliverables.
• Develops engineers and guides career development within the group.
• Maintains communication with vendors and customers to support design and manufacturing capability.
• Sets priorities, oversees projects, and drives cost reduction and standardization.

Skills

Automation & AI leadership

Team leadership

Project management

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Job description

• Locations One Misco Drive, Whitehall, MI, 49461-1799, US (On-site)
• Job Schedule Full time
• Export-Controlled Data This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items

Responsibilities

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for providing technical leadership in Automation and AI projects . This position supervises technical personnel and engineers.

Essential Functions:

• Directs all Automation and AI projects
• Provides organizational and supervisory direction in assigned areas (i.e., conducts performance reviews, facilitates problem areas, monitors attendance, establishes training needs).
• Actively manages multiple projects simultaneously to assure timely high-quality development of automation equipment, systems, and AI use cases.

Job responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develops engineers for improved performance in their primary area of responsibility and broadens their knowledge and responsibility in the various engineering disciplines, as required, to maximize overall engineering effectiveness towards launching successful AI/Automaton Projects.
• Participates in the conception, evaluation and implementation of cost reduction, product improvement, and problem-solving activities.
• Prepares reports of project status and performance for senior leadership.
• Maintains good communication links with Vendors, customers (Howmet plants) to assist them with design considerations for optimum manufacturing capability and product value.
• Approves documents and procedures relating to production processes.
• Participates with the specification of equipment and the quotation process, as necessary.
• Maintains communication with the Engineering Managers of other facilities' business centres with similar products.
• Supervises a group of salaried employees.
• This position will require up to 50% travel
• Maintains professional and effective project management.
• Hires new employees. Prepares and conducts performance appraisals.
• Assists with career development.
• Motivates, coaches and trains.
• Resolves interpersonal conflicts.
• Makes work assignments.
• Complies with all EHS rules required for the work environment.
• Participates in direct resolution of process technical problems related to Automation and AI.
• Sets priorities and oversees projects within the group.
• Leads efforts to reduce costs and standardize processes.
• Provides engineering support to development projects.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering field and 7 years of experience, or 10 years’ equivalent work experience.
• 3 years in a manager or supervisory capacity leading team sizes greater than 5.
• Travel up to 50%
• Employee must be legally authorized to work in the United States.Verification of employment will be required at the time of hire.Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant’s ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent leadership abilities, be able to communicate in all forms to diverse audiences, possess excellent interpersonal skills, and proficiency with computer hardware and software.
• Good comprehension of cost structures, as well as a working knowledge of investment casting processes, quality systems, statistics, and customer specifications.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, customers.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

About Us

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report . Follow: LinkedIn , Twitter , Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube .

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.