Automation Engineer

Howmet; Whitehall Township (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. in Michigan seeks an Automation Engineer to design, program, and implement manufacturing technology across Howmet Engines operations. You will partner with design teams, plant automation technicians, operators, and vendors to bring new systems from conception to production.

The role requires hands-on robotics, PLCs, MES/SCADA integration, data analysis, and continuous improvement under Lean, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0. Travel to other Howmet facilities is expected.

Qualifications

• BS Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering or Engineering Technology.
• At least two years of automation experience.
• 25-50% travel to other Howmet facilities.
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship not available.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and program new advanced manufacturing equipment and automation.
• Provide support and development for automation technicians across multiple Howmet facilities.
• Support engineering and manufacturing teams to improve existing processes.
• Coordinate robotic service visits.
• Responsible for Software Control.
• Develop troubleshooting guides for plant technicians.
• System Integration of ADR with robotics, PLCs, MES, SCADA; ensure communication with inspection hardware and quality databases.
• Inspection Data Analysis to identify trends and improve detection accuracy.
• Process Optimization to increase throughput and reduce scrap.
• Lead Root Cause & Corrective Action investigations.
• Conduct System Validation & Calibration for ADR and NDT systems.
• Collaborate with Quality, Production, Maintenance and NDT personnel.
• Maintain documentation and compliance with automotive and NDT standards.
• Drive Continuous Improvement aligned with Lean, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0.

Skills

Automation experience

Robot programming

PLC familiarity

Travel readiness

Education

BS Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering or Engineering Technology

Tools

Programmable logic Controllers (PLC)

Robot programming

Six Sigma tools

Job description

Responsibilities

The Automation Engineer: This position will support projects for all of Howmet Engines business. This role will be responsible for developing and programming new manufacturing technology. In addition, this position will be responsible for supporting current technology in use at various Howmet Plants. They will work with design teams, plant automation technicians, operators, and vendors. This position will follow through the build phase and implementation of equipment into production including establishing PM's and critical spare parts.

Primary Responsibilities

• Development, implementation, and programming of new advanced manufacturing equipment and automation.
• Provide support and development of automation technicians across multiple Howmet facilities.
• Support engineering and manufacturing teams to improve existing processes.
• Coordinate robotic service visits.
• Responsible for Software Control.
• Developing troubleshooting guides for plant technicians.
• Automation System Integration- Integrate ADR systems with robotics, PLCs, MES, SCADA, and automotive production lines. Ensure seamless communication between inspection hardware, automation controllers, and quality databases.
• Inspection Data Analysis - Analyze data trends, defect signatures, and system performance. Develop algorithms or rulesets to improve detection accuracy and reduce false positives.
• Process Optimization - Identify bottlenecks in inspection and automation workflows. Implement improvements that increase throughput, reduce scrap, and enhance repeatability.
• Root Cause & Corrective Action - Lead investigations into defect trends, equipment failures, and process deviations using structured problemsolving methodologies.
• System Validation & Calibration - Conduct validation, calibration, and capability studies for ADR and NDT systems to ensure compliance with automotive quality standards.
• CrossFunctional Collaboration - Partner with Quality, Production, Maintenance, and NDT Level II/III personnel to ensure inspection systems meet operational and regulatory requirements.
• Documentation & Compliance - Maintain technical documentation, inspection procedures, and compliance records aligned with automotive and NDT standards.
• Continuous Improvement - Drive initiatives aligned with Lean, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0, focusing on automation, digital inspection, and datadriven quality.

Job Roles

• Systems thinker--sees the business and its operation holistically; understands actions and reactions; considers multiple pathways of potential effect before decisions; thinks strategically about interventions with an eye toward scale
• Optimizer--constantly challenging the organization to work smarter; supports others to ensure they have what they need to do their work successfully
• Anticipation--looks ahead to minimize potential issues and maximize advantages; prepares others for what comes next
• Operational accelerator--drives continuous improvement; understands ramifications of automation and other advances; advocates for safety, ergonomics and scalable solutions
• Organization and structure--works within existing structures while striving to improve and standardize them; provides accurate information; galvanizes others toward common goals
• Influence--leverages knowledge, relationship, data and perspective to persuade, educate and navigate; gains buy in and adoption of ideas and practices at scale; interacts with a variety of stakeholders
• Data informed--focused on things that drive quantifiable business outcomes; evaluates based on quantitative feedback; knows and explains the "why" behind actions
• Prioritized reaction--handles the unexpected without losing sight of important objectives; reacts where greatest leverage points exist
• Relationship--connects individually and with teams across shifts and practices; builds rapport and commonality; creates a "win together" ethic; serves as liaison between shop floor and engineering; keeps the pulse of the floor; helps people feel heard

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• BS Degree in the following disciplines: Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering or Engineering Technology
• At least two years of automation experience
• 25-50% travel to other Howmet facilities
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2-3 years working with controls/programming robotics in an Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Engineering environments.
• Experience in 6 axis articulating arm robotics.
• Proficiency at robot programming, I/O management, and troubleshooting robotic systems logic.
• Experience trouble-shooting robotic mechanical and electrical systems including pneumatics, sensors, tooling, measurement feedback systems, and basic design robustness.
• Proficient in off-line programming environments.
• Basic understanding of controls and servo systems.
• Basic understanding of tooling and fixture design.
• Experience with Programmable logic Controllers (PLC).

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.

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