Automation Technician

Howmet; La Porte (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet La Porte is seeking a robotic automation programmer to work independently or with the Automation Lead to advance robotic systems across production lines. The role requires designing and maintaining robot programs, fixtures, and off-line programming to minimize downtime, while ensuring robust processes through key inputs and outputs.

The candidate will train operators, document changes, and collaborate on cross-functional teams to prevent defects and sustain quality in casting processes.

Qualifications

• Two-year technical degree or 3+ years of robot programming experience.
• Authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship not available.
• Experience with offline programming and fixture design is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design/maintain robotic programs used throughout the manufacturing process.
• Design and program management of fixtures used within robotic processes.
• Support/train manufacturing operators on the use of automation within the process.
• Document all changes to production programs for future correlation to downstream process outputs.
• Determine key input variables within the automation process to ensure robustness against minor variations in casting dimensions.
• Determine/implement key output variables to validate that critical functions within a program/piece have completed successfully before running additional product.

Skills

Robotic programming

Off-line programming

Fixture design

CNC programming

Motoman robots

Fanuc robots

Six Sigma Green Belt

Education

Two-year technical degree

Tools

Motoman robots

Fanuc robots

Fanuc offline programming software

Job description

Job Summary

This position will work independently or under the supervision of the Automation Lead to complete tasks necessary for robotic automation. Robotics are extensively used throughout Howmet La Porte's manufacturing process. As such, all candidates must have the ability to work on a cross‑functional team.

Essential Functions

• Create/maintain robotic programs and tooling as required for the department of use.
• Determine, create, and maintain key process characteristics within the robotic program necessary for a robust process, and monitor/react to these process inputs.
• Utilize off‑line programming software to minimize production downtime while correcting issues, implementing new products, and/or making other adjustments.
• Maintain detail‑oriented record‑keeping practices that allow for determining process changes to downstream results.
• Participate in a cross‑functional team to prevent or reduce recurring defects related to the process.

Job Responsibilities

• Design/maintain robotic programs used throughout the manufacturing process.
• Design and program management of fixtures used within robotic processes.
• Support/train manufacturing operators on the use of automation within the process.
• Document all changes to production programs for future correlation to downstream process outputs.
• Determine key input variables within the automation process to ensure robustness against minor variations in casting dimensions.
• Determine/implement key output variables to validate that critical functions within a program/piece have completed successfully before running additional product.

Individual may need to flex across all shifts in order to execute duties as necessary.

Basic Qualifications

• High School or GED.
• Two‑year technical degree required, or a minimum of three years’ experience programming robots.
• 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.
• 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

• Experience with Motoman and/or Fanuc robots.
• Offline programming experience.
• Familiarity with fixture design for implementation in a robotic cell.
• Familiarity with CNC programming in addition to robotic programming.
• Familiarity with Motoman and Fanuc robots, including application of a 7th axis.
• Familiarity with Fanuc offline programming software.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to understand the needs from a team that has minimal exposure to robotic programming.
• Green Belt certification in Six Sigma is preferred; if applicant does not have Green Belt, then it will be required to achieve within 12 months of hire.
• Self‑motivated.
• Attentive to details.
• Process oriented.
• Ability to maintain detailed documentation.
• Team oriented.
• Prior exposure or knowledge of statistical analysis.

Location

1110 East Lincoln Way, Laporte, IN 46350‑3954, US (On‑site, 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.

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.

If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email [e-mail].