Deburring Lead - 1st Shift

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; Fullerton (CA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. in California is seeking a Deburring Lead for 1st shift to guide a critical aerospace finishing process. You will mentor operators, ensure AS9100 quality, and drive safety and continuous improvement while meeting production targets.

You will lead hands-on deburring, review blueprints, verify dimensions, train teammates, and uphold 5S and safety policies in a fast-paced environment with tools, tumblers, and grinders.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3+ years of deburring, finishing, or precision metal manufacturing experience, preferably in aerospace or regulated manufacturing.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, GD&T basics, work instructions, and quality documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or mentor employees in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of aerospace quality standards (AS9100 preferred).
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship not available.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily deburring operations to ensure production targets, quality standards, and delivery commitments are met.
• Perform advanced manual and mechanical deburring on complex aerospace fittings using hand tools, pneumatic tools, tumblers, grinders, and specialty equipment.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for deburring techniques, surface finish requirements, edge break specifications, and cosmetic acceptance standards.
• Review work orders, blueprints, specifications, and routing instructions to ensure proper processing and sequencing.
• Verify critical dimensions using calipers, micrometers, and gauges to ensure compliance.
• Provide daily directions, coaching, and technical support to deburring associates.
• Train new hires and cross-train team members on equipment operation, safety, quality standards, and best practices.
• Monitor performance, reinforce standard work, and promote accountability and consistent workmanship.
• Support onboarding, skills development, and certification readiness as applicable.
• Enforce all safety policies, PPE requirements, ergonomics guidelines, and hazardous material handling procedures.
• Promote a clean, organized, and compliant work environment (5S).
• Identify safety risks and elevate concerns proactively.
• Support incident prevention, near-miss reporting, and corrective actions.
• Ensure proper setup, care, and basic preventive maintenance of deburring tools and equipment.
• Coordinate with Maintenance and Supervisors for equipment repairs, tooling needs, and downtime mitigation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to improve throughput, ergonomics, quality, and waste reduction.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Blueprint reading

Measurement tools

Problem solving

Communication

Attention to detail

Quality standards

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Hand tools

Measuring tools

Deburring equipment

Tumblers

Job description

• 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

Position Overview:

The Deburring Lead, 1 st shift, serves as the technical expert and first-line leader for the department, supporting continuous improvement, quality compliance (AS9100), workplace safety, and workforce development. This role is responsible for ensuring that all deburred parts meet strict aerospace quality standards, safety requirements, and production schedules while providing hands-on leadership, training, and technical guidance to deburring associates.

Key Responsibilities:

• ' Lead daily deburring operations to ensure production targets, quality standards, and delivery commitments are met.
• ' Perform advanced manual and mechanical deburring on complex aerospace fittings using hand tools, pneumatic tools, tumblers, grinders, and specialty equipment.
• ' Serve as the subject matter expert for deburring techniques, surface finish requirements, edge break specifications, and cosmetic acceptance standards.
• ' Review work orders, blueprints, specifications, and routing instructions to ensure proper processing and sequencing.
• ' Verify critical dimensions using calipers, micrometers, and gauges to ensure compliance.
• ' Provide daily directions, coaching, and technical support to deburring associates.
• ' Train new hires and cross-train team members on equipment operation, safety, quality standards, and best practices.
• ' Monitor performance, reinforce standard work, and promote accountability and consistent workmanship.
• ' Support onboarding, skills development, and certification readiness as applicable.
• ' Enforce all safety policies, PPE requirements, ergonomics guidelines, and hazardous material handling procedures.
• ' Promote a clean, organized, and compliant work environment (5S).
• ' Identify safety risks and elevate concerns proactively.
• ' Support incident prevention, near-miss reporting, and corrective actions.
• ' Ensure proper setup, care, and basic preventive maintenance of deburring tools and equipment.
• ' Coordinate with Maintenance and Supervisors for equipment repairs, tooling needs, and downtime mitigation.
• ' Support continuous improvement initiatives to improve throughput, ergonomics, quality, and waste reduction.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• ' High school diploma or GED required.
• ' 3+ years of deburring, finishing, or precision metal manufacturing experience, preferably in aerospace or regulated manufacturing.
• ' Demonstrated ability to lead or mentor employees in a manufacturing environment.
• ' Strong proficiency with hand tools, mechanical deburring equipment, and measurement tools.
• ' Ability to read and interpret blueprints, GD&T basics, work instructions, and quality documentation.
• ' Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality parts.
• ' Knowledge of aerospace quality standards (AS9100 preferred).
• ' Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• ' Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced production environment.
• ' Basic computer skills for documentation and reporting.
• ' 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:

• ' Technical training.
• ' Experience with NADCAP, AS9100, or other aerospace quality standards.
• ' Forklift certification (or willingness to obtain).
• ' Experience with ERP systems for production tracking.

Physical Requirements:

• ' Ability to stand for extended periods.
• ' Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.
• ' Repetitive hand motions, fine motor skills, and visual inspection capability required.
• ' Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with noise, metal dust, and use of PPE.

Salary Range: $31.00-32.00/hr + incentive bonuses

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.

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.