Continuous Improvement Engineer

Socket.dev; Brea (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Excellent 401k matching program

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. is seeking a Manufacturing Excellence Leader in California. You will drive continuous improvement across high-volume aerospace manufacturing, leading cross-functional initiatives to improve on-time delivery and productivity.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business Administration and at least 3 years of experience in aerospace or related sectors. Strong leadership, analytics, and proficiency with Excel/Minitab/CAD tools are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business Administration is required.
• Minimum 3 years in high-volume manufacturing (aerospace/auto/medical) or related.
• Visa sponsorship is not available.

Responsibilities

• Prioritize, guide, and facilitate manufacturing activities to meet goals.
• Lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives for safety, on-time delivery, and productivity.
• Identify and remove bottlenecks with Operations, Engineering, Planning, and Facilities.
• Establish and maintain KPIs across departments.
• Ensure metrics are tracked and reported daily to meet objectives.
• Develop standard policies and practices to reflect customer requirements.
• Lead goal setting and drive achievement with the team.
• Develop capabilities via teaching and coaching, upholding high standards.
• Promote engaged, energized workforce on the plant floor.
• Drive improvements with data-driven systems and best-practice methods.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business Administration

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing/Applied Engineering

Tools

Excel

Minitab

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Responsibilities

Responsible for supporting for organization, planning implementation and follow-through of continuous improvement initiatives established within the company's operating model. Drives and leads a wide range of activities that are designed to improve on-time delivery and productivity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prioritize, guide, and facilitate the activities of the manufacturing function to meet organizational goals, initiatives and requirements.
• Lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives for safety, on-time delivery, production efficiency, and scrap reduction.
• Work with Operations, Engineering, Planning and Facilities to identify and remove bottlenecks in the manufacturing process.
• Establish and maintain key performance metrics (KPIs) throughout the departments.
• Ensure operations metrics are well-known and tracked on a daily basis to achieve manufacturing and plant objectives.
• Establish reporting systems for the different manufacturing metrics.
• Oversee the development of standard policies, procedures and practices to ensure customer requirements are embodied in manufacturing processes.
• Reaffirm existing production goals, or establish new goals, and lead the group effort to achieve those goals.
• Develop the capabilities of those in the department through teaching, coaching, establishing high standards, and ensuring accountability.
• Exhibit and promote an attitude on the plant floor that leads to an engaged and energized workforce.
• Drive improvements by developing and implementing systems and procedures based on data analysis.
• Utilize best practice methodologies and develop new technologies.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 3 years of experience working in an aerospace, automotive, medical or related high volume manufacturing environment.
• 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, Industrial, Manufacturing or Applied Engineering from an accredited institution.
• A strong technical understanding of Production KPIs.
• Strong analytical skills using Excel, Minitab and or other statistical software.
• AutoCAD, SolidWorks and or other 3D modelling tools experience.
• Strong leadership skills that foster an engaged employee environment.
• Previous experience with change management.
• Demonstrated results in leading manufacturing excellence.
• A strong technical understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational and negotiation skills.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Experience in the aerospace fastener industry is a plus.

The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package available day one of hire, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401k matching program, paid holidays and vacation. Howmet Aerospace curates a strong working environment through opportunities for career progression, community engagement activities, and flexible schedules contingent upon role and location. The salary range for this position is $110k-$130k.

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.

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

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California. We hold the number one global position in aerospace fastening systems, and we’re the North American leader in commercial transportation fasteners. Our high-tech, multi-material fastening systems are found nose to tail on aircraft and aerospace engines. Our products are also critical components of industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, and construction and industrial equipment.