HOURLY PRODUCTION - Metal Cell Operator

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; Indiana; On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan with company 
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Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. in Laporte, IN is seeking a skilled Metal Cleaner/Finisher to prepare rough castings to customer specifications. You will perform cleaning, finishing, 5S auditing and dimensional checks to ensure high-quality parts.

The role requires reading PC/AI documents, operating grinding and blasting tools, and collaborating with engineering to rework nonconforming castings. This on-site position emphasizes safety and team performance.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED is required.
• WORKKEYS tests are REQUIRED to be considered for this position.
• U.S. work authorization is required; visa sponsorship is not available.
• Export-controlled data access restrictions apply.

Responsibilities

• Cross-train to perform all or most listed duties.
• Sandblast and finish castings to meet PC specifications.
• Inspect castings and input data into computer systems.
• Support QA with 5S auditing and locating nonconforming parts.
• Work with engineering on deviant castings per instructions.
• Operate hand grinding tools, blasting and water flow equipment.

Skills

Read PC/AI

5S auditing

Teamwork

Manual dexterity

Dimensional gauging

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Hand grinding tools

Boroscope

Sonic equipment

Calipers

Micrometer

Job description

• Locations 1110 East Lincoln Way, Laporte, IN, 46350-3954, US (On-site)
• Apply Before 10/31/2026, 12:00 AM
• 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

Job Summary:

Work as a team member to take a rough casting and condition it to the specifications that meet the customer’s requirements by performing metal cleaning, finishing, and dimensional and FPI inspection.

Essential Functions:

• Must be able to read and interpret Product Criteria (PC) and Activity Instructions (AI).
• Set up of initial booths(s) for standardization and set up remaining booths to the model booth.
• Write/edit A.I.’s as required/needed for the department.
• Perform 5S for the department and own the auditing of 5S.
• Operate hand grinding tools (both belt and stone).
• Operate metal cleaning equipment, water flow and sonic equipment.
• Adjust parts by use of presses, heat or other dimensional tooling.
• Operate hand sandblast and auto blast units.
• Prolonged gripping standing or sitting and pushing, pulling and lifting.
• Moderate length of concentration.
• Must be able to function as a member of a team and be able to work under general supervision.
• Must be able to work and function in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic knowledge of computers.
• Must be able to maintain expected quality levels.

Job Responsibilities:

Job responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

To become cross trained in order to perform ALL or MOST OF the duties listed below. When necessary, individual may be required to move castings to designated area or perform other work-related duties as assigned:

Metal Cleaner:

• Sandblast part by the A.I./P.C.
• Fill and clean the blasting unit.
• Inspect castings for possible scrap.
• Maintain the correct pressure and speed of the blast cabinets by the AI’s and PC’s.

Metal Finisher:

• Finish castings to PC using stones, burrs, belts, templates, and gauges.
• Sandblast to surface finish.
• Conduct visual operation and primary inspection of casting.
• Input data in computer for collection.
• Use boroscope for inspection and fiber light.
• Perform sonic operation.
• Map weld areas.
• Operate water flow.

Dimensional

• Use of calipers, micrometer, height gauges, shim stock, scissors, pin, go no/go, step gages, sonic equipment.
• Adjusting castings for PC compliance.
• Working with engineering on deviant castings and reworking to engineers' instructions.
• Datum “C” drilling-Stators Cell Only.
• Fixture Gauging /Adjusting.
• Reroute nonconforming castings.

*Employees are expected to work overtime as needed.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED equivalency is required.
• WORKKEYS Tests are REQUIRED to be considered for this position. Testing will be conducted at the La Porte WorkOne office. Required Testing: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, Workplace Documents. Candidates MUST pass with a Level 4 or higher on ALL tests.
• 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 the GE210 and PW451.
• Able to demonstrate 2 years of full-time continuous work experience with the same employer OR 6 months of manufacturing experience.

Skills and Abilities:

• Read parts to the .0001.
• Understand gauging and templates.
• Have finishing skills, (stones, burrs, belts, etc.).
• Work independent as well as with a team.
• Able to read and follow written and verbal instruction.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employee is required to execute the following:

• Occasional bending, reaching, pushing and pulling when retrieving and moving various items.
• Lifting approximately 30% of the time. Typically, assistance would be provided for weights exceeding 35 pounds.
• Good manual dexterity Position may require more than eight hours daily and more than five days weekly to complete work assignments.
• Sitting in chairs (swivel, padded, and adjustable) for 70% of the workday.
• Squatting / crouching when retrieving stored items from lower shelves and file cabinets, making equipment / product inspections, etc.
• Standing intermittently.
• Visual requirements for this position are close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Clean work areas and maintain a clean work environment; perform 5S cleaning activities as required.

Equipment Used:

• Hand grinding tools.
• Auto gages.
• Metal cleaning equipment.
• Sonic Equipment.
• Template Haze blast.
• Computers.
• Glass bead.
• Boroscope.
• Comco.

About Us

Compensation and Benefits:

If a pay range is identified for this job, it is based on a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. Actual compensation is subject to variation due to factors such as education, experience, skillset, market/business considerations, and/or location.

Howmet Aerospace offers a competitive benefits package to support the health, financial well-being, and professional growth of our employees. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision benefits coverage, including FSA and HSA account options
• Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) retirement savings plans offering employer matching funds and a separate employer retirement contribution
• Paid holidays and vacation time (eligibility, accrual, and usage are discretionary and governed by applicable policies)
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs
• Life insurance and disability coverage plans
• Optional coverage plans for auto, home, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance
• Tuition Assistance Program and ongoing professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Our Story:

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.