Cost-Savvy Manufacturing Engineer for High-Volume Production

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; La Porte (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer - Cost Specialist with a strong automotive background to own production processes and cost structures.

You will apply cost modeling, workflow optimization, and disciplined process control to improve efficiency and reduce waste in a high‑volume environment. Join a role focused on cost‑driven decision‑making, capital project justification, and cross‑functional teamwork to deliver measurable improvements across cost, quality, and delivery

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, preferably in automotive or other high‑volume production.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing cost structures and component cost modeling.
• Experience with process improvement, workflow optimization, and structured problem‑solving.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and understand manufacturing requirements.
• Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Build complete manufacturing cost models for components, including labor, materials, equipment, tooling, overhead, and process flow.
• Analyze cost drivers and identify opportunities for reduction through process changes, tooling improvements, workflow adjustments, or sourcing strategies.
• Support leadership with clear, data‑based cost insights to guide investment decisions and operational priorities.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to validate cost assumptions and ensure alignment with production realities.
• Evaluate current manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, throughput, and consistency.
• Apply automotive‑grade problem‑solving and continuous improvement methods to reduce waste and strengthen process reliability.
• Lead improvement projects focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Support the development of standard work, process documentation, and training materials.
• Provide hands‑on engineering support to resolve production issues and maintain stable operations.
• Collaborate with operations, quality, maintenance, and supply chain to ensure smooth workflow and timely issue resolution.
• Monitor key performance indicators and help teams understand daily progress toward goals.
• Support tooling and equipment improvements that enhance quality, reduce cost, or simplify production.
• Participate in equipment evaluations, vendor discussions, and implementation of new technologies.
• Assist with capital project justification through cost modeling and operational impact analysis.
• Translate automotive best practices into new manufacturing environments.
• Bring fresh perspective to process discipline, cost control, and high‑volume production methodologies.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field

Tools

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Job description

Howmet Aerospace Inc. is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer - Cost Specialist with a strong automotive background to own production processes and cost structures.

You will apply cost modeling, workflow optimization, and disciplined process control to improve efficiency and reduce waste in a high‑volume environment. Join a role focused on cost‑driven decision‑making, capital project justification, and cross‑functional teamwork to deliver measurable improvements across cost, quality, and delivery