Automation Engineering Leader

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; Whitehall Township, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. in Whitehall, MI is seeking an Automation Leader to lead automation initiatives across casting operations, driving yield improvements and cost reductions while coordinating multi-shift activities.

The role requires a strong background in robotics, engineering leadership, and experience guiding automation projects from design to production, with emphasis on safety and quality standards. On-site manufacturing environment in Michigan.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 5 years of engineering experience.
• At least 1 year of people leadership experience.
• Authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship not available.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation initiatives to improve product yield and reduce variation and cost in casting operations across all shifts.
• Develop and implement new advanced manufacturing equipment and automation.
• Automate manual processes in collaboration with operators, vendors, and design teams.
• Guide the Automation Engineering function to meet goals and requirements.
• Develop standard policies and procedures to reflect customer requirements in the automation system.
• Upgrade/replace failing robotic components to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Justify capital funding requisitions.
• Manage projects and track performance metrics.
• Provide leadership and development for automation engineers and technicians.
• Support manufacturing teams to improve existing processes.
• Oversee software control for all robot programming.
• Create technician troubleshoot guides (SPA).
• Drive end-to-end automation deployment including installation, testing, validation, and production transition; ensure safety and cyber standards.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Robotics experience

Pneumatics experience

Controls knowledge

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical aptitude

Reading prints

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

6-axis robotic arms

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

Our state-of-the-art investment casting facility in Whitehall, Michiganis seeking an Automation Leaderto join our team.Our facilitysupplies jet turbine blades to some of the most trusted names in the Aerospace industry.This position will be instrumental in identifying new manufacturing technology and sustaining current technology used in our operations.The automation Leader is a recognized expert in robotics and automation, responsible for coordinating the end-to-end build, integration and commissioning of automation solutions within Howmet.

Job Roles

• Customer liaison--understands and communicates customer specifications; possesses both technical expertise and communication ability to ensure alignment and understanding with customer; serves as first point of contact for technical requirements internally and externally
• Creative facilitator--solves problems creatively and creates environment in which others can exercise creative solutions; fosters continuous improvement; pushes boundaries of technology, processes and techniques
• Boundary spanner--takes initiative across disciplines, operations and the campus; makes sacrifices so that other areas can be successful; practices holistic thinking and acts intentionally to collaborate; eliminates barriers and silos
• Developer--mentors and coaches both senior and junior level associates; prepares others for success; stimulates learning and contribution from teams; educates others on technical requirements
• Communication--able to have difficult conversations diplomatically; helps others understand expectations, capabilities and limitations; able to make the complex simple; provides detail where necessary
• Influence--creates an engaging environment; advocates for the business; maintains approachability; deals with conflict effectively
• Business minded--focused on things that drive quantifiable business outcomes; ensures quality; manages customer demand and sets boundaries where necessary
• Adaptable--copes well with change; addresses distractions and issues quickly; handles the unexpected without losing sight of important objectives

Job Responsibilities

• Lead Automation initiatives to achieve product yield improvements, variation reduction, and achieve cost reduction goals related to the manufacture of castings, supporting all shifts
• Development and implementation of new advanced manufacturing equipment and automation
• Responsible for automating manual processes, working with operators, vendors, and design teams
• Prioritize, guide, and facilitate the activities of the Automation Engineering function to meet organizational goals, initiatives and requirements
• Oversee the development of standard policies, procedures and practices to ensure customer requirements are embodied in the Automation system
• Identify redesign / replacement of failing robotic components to increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Support justification of capital funding requisitions
• Responsible for project management and performance metrics
• Provide leadership, support and development of automation engineers and technicians
• Support engineering and manufacturing teams to improve existing processes
• Responsible for Software Control on all robot programming
• SPA for developing technician troubleshoot guides
• Drives all aspects of automation deployment - including installation, testing, validation and transition to production - ensuring compliance with safety and cyber standards
• Track project performance against agreed KPI's, milestones and budgets, reporting regularly to the department manager or plant manager
• Drive continuous improvement by ensuring post projects reviews and sharing best practices for automation deployment

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited institution
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in Engineering
• A minimum of 1 year of people leadership experience
• 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

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering from an accredited institution
• 5+ years of experience working in an engineering or manufacturing environment
• Minimum of 3 years robotics experience or 5 years casting experience
• Experience in 6 axis articulating arm robotics
• Experience trouble-shooting mechanical systems including pneumatics, tooling issues, measurement feedback systems, and basic design robustness
• Basic understanding of controls and servo systems
• Basic understanding of tooling and fixture design
• Experience in reading mechanical prints and electrical prints
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment
• Strong mechanical and/or electrical aptitude

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.