HOURLY PRODUCTION - Wax Cell Operator

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; La Porte (IN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and vacation

Parental leave

Life insurance

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. in Laporte, IN is seeking a dedicated assembler to produce wax patterns and support engineering with data entry. You will follow product criteria, work Instructions, and operate in a collaborative team environment.

The role requires reading and interpreting PC/AI documents, basic computer skills, and adherence to quality standards. Overtime may be necessary in a dynamic, on-site shop setting.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• WORKKEYS Tests are REQUIRED; must pass Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, Workplace Documents at Level 4+ on all tests.
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States; no visa sponsorship.
• Export-controlled data restrictions apply to this position.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret Product Criteria and Activity Instructions.
• Work as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
• Assemble wax patterns per work instructions and enter data into the data collection system.
• Maintain clean work areas and perform 5S housekeeping as required.
• Refer to instructions and coordinate with engineering as needed; overtime may be required.

Skills

Read instructions

Team player

Fast-paced environment

Basic computer skills

Quality maintenance

Data entry

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Data collection system

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

Work as a multi-functional team member to build wax patterns using work instructions. Will be required to clean work area including sweeping and mopping the floor, dusting the workstation and surrounding areas.

Essential Functions

• Must be able to read and interpret Product Criteria (PC) and Activity Instructions (AI).
• 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.
• Assemble a wax pattern using various skills outlined below.
• Have adequate computer skills to enter the data into the data collection system, and also retrieve it.
  

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

• Refer to work instructions, identification, and machine stock areas to prevent under or over working patterns.
• Ability to hand stock patterns to engineering instructions and to effectively communicateinformation to team and engineering.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.
• Employees are expected to work overtime as needed.
  

Fixtures and Dimensional

• Determine Airfoil.
• Interpret gauge reading to the Product Criteria and load the computer.
• Assemble airfoils and shroud assembly using a hot iron. (60-80 watts).
• Apply cast raised numbers.
• Maintain assembly fixture.
• Verify revision dates of Product Criteria and process routers.

Apply, Rub Down, Final Assembly

• Apply wax to acceptable Product Criteria limits.
• Maintain proper radius on all wax joints.
• Interpret Acceptance Criteria from Product Criteria.

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, and Workplace Documents. Candidates MUST pass with a Level 4 or higher on ALL tests to be considered.
• 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:

• Able to demonstrate 2 years of full-time continuous work experience with the same employer OR 6 months of manufacturing experience.
  

Skills and Abilities:

• Individual must have the ability to read and interpret written instructions.
• Must be able to follow verbal directions and instructions.
• Must be able to work with your hands on delicate materials.
• Occasional bending, reaching, pushing and pulling when retrieving and moving various items.
• Lifting intermittently of various items. Typically, assistance would be provided for weights exceeding 35 pounds.
• Good manual dexterity to operate computer equipment and precision measuring instruments.
• 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).
• Squatting / crouching when retrieving stored items from lower shelves and file cabinets, making equipment / product inspections, etc.
• Standing intermittently.
• Clean work areas and maintain a clean work environment; perform 5S cleaning activities as required.
  

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.

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.