Aerospace Deburring Lead — Tech Mentor & Quality Leader

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; Fullerton (CA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. in California is seeking a Deburring Lead for 1st shift to guide a critical aerospace finishing process. You will mentor operators, ensure AS9100 quality, and drive safety and continuous improvement while meeting production targets.

You will lead hands-on deburring, review blueprints, verify dimensions, train teammates, and uphold 5S and safety policies in a fast-paced environment with tools, tumblers, and grinders.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3+ years of deburring, finishing, or precision metal manufacturing experience, preferably in aerospace or regulated manufacturing.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, GD&T basics, work instructions, and quality documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or mentor employees in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of aerospace quality standards (AS9100 preferred).
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship not available.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily deburring operations to ensure production targets, quality standards, and delivery commitments are met.
• Perform advanced manual and mechanical deburring on complex aerospace fittings using hand tools, pneumatic tools, tumblers, grinders, and specialty equipment.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for deburring techniques, surface finish requirements, edge break specifications, and cosmetic acceptance standards.
• Review work orders, blueprints, specifications, and routing instructions to ensure proper processing and sequencing.
• Verify critical dimensions using calipers, micrometers, and gauges to ensure compliance.
• Provide daily directions, coaching, and technical support to deburring associates.
• Train new hires and cross-train team members on equipment operation, safety, quality standards, and best practices.
• Monitor performance, reinforce standard work, and promote accountability and consistent workmanship.
• Support onboarding, skills development, and certification readiness as applicable.
• Enforce all safety policies, PPE requirements, ergonomics guidelines, and hazardous material handling procedures.
• Promote a clean, organized, and compliant work environment (5S).
• Identify safety risks and elevate concerns proactively.
• Support incident prevention, near-miss reporting, and corrective actions.
• Ensure proper setup, care, and basic preventive maintenance of deburring tools and equipment.
• Coordinate with Maintenance and Supervisors for equipment repairs, tooling needs, and downtime mitigation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to improve throughput, ergonomics, quality, and waste reduction.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Blueprint reading

Measurement tools

Problem solving

Communication

Attention to detail

Quality standards

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Hand tools

Measuring tools

Deburring equipment

Tumblers

Job description

Howmet Aerospace Inc. in California is seeking a Deburring Lead for 1st shift to guide a critical aerospace finishing process. You will mentor operators, ensure AS9100 quality, and drive safety and continuous improvement while meeting production targets.

You will lead hands-on deburring, review blueprints, verify dimensions, train teammates, and uphold 5S and safety policies in a fast-paced environment with tools, tumblers, and grinders.