Laser Weld Machine Operator Trainee 3rd Shift

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; Branford, Northern (CT, KY); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Medical, Dental, Vision

401K

Paid time off

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace in Branford, CT is seeking a Laser Weld Machine Operator Trainee for the 3rd shift. The role involves setting up and operating laser powder welding equipment and other polishing tools in a shop environment.

We offer a starting wage of $22.00/hr plus a $2.00 shift differential; a $1,000 sign-on bonus after six months; comprehensive medical/dental/vision benefits; and a 401K with immediate eligibility. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• Candidate must be able to read and write in English.
• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Review work instructions, stored electronically and written in English, for each job assignment to ensure compliance with product requirements.
• Operates laser-beam machine, which produces heat from concentrated light beam, to weld metal components.
• Positions metal components in fixture and places components on fixture-holding table inside cavity.
• Types instructions into computer that automatically places fixture-holding table in operative position.
• Sights reference mark through computer and turns controls to move fixture to welding position.
• Types instructions to initiate weld cycle and to return fixture-holding table to unload position.
• As work is completed, complete all related paperwork i.e. routers, daily log sheets, etc. following standard operating procedures.
• Keep work area clean and organized.
• Adhere to all company safety rules and practices and wear protective equipment as directed.
• Perform other job duties as needed or directed by management.

Skills

English literacy

Math skills

Instruction following

Org skills

Safety awareness

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Tools

Bader belt-sander

Bench grinder

Air tools

Laser welder

Job description

Laser Weld Machine Operator Trainee 3rd Shift

Branford, CT, United States (On-site)

Job Info

• Job Identification 119420
• Job Category Operations
• Posting Date 09/16/2026, 09:15 PM
• Locations 4 Commercial Street, Branford, CT, 06405, US (On-site)
• Job Schedule Full time
• Remote Work Schedule Availability? None
• 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

Howmet Aerospace in Branford, CT is currently hiring highly motivated and energetic candidates to join their team. Howmet Aerospace is a leading provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries worldwide. The Branford facility is focused on producing jet engine components that are essential for mission-critical performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications. With over 50 years of experience in the Branford facility, we are proud to contribute to the development of more fuel-efficient, quieter aerospace engines, and sustainable ground transportation. For more information, please visit www.howmet.com.

Follow @howmet:Twitter,Instagram,Facebook,LinkedInandYouTube.

Job Summary

We are currently looking for a candidate to fill the role of Laser Weld Machine Operator Trainee on the 3rd shift. This position is responsible for the set up and operation of laser powder welding equipment and the operation of a variety of polishing equipment including, Bader (belt-sander), bench grinder and hand-held air tools.

Job Responsibilities:

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

• Review work instructions, stored electronically and written in English, for each job assignment to ensure compliance with product requirements.
• Operates laser-beam machine, which produces heat from concentrated light beam, to weld metal components.
• Positions metal components in fixture and places components on fixture-holding table inside cavity.
• Types instructions into computer that automatically places fixture-holding table in operative position.
• Sights reference mark through computer and turns controls to move fixture to welding position.
• Types instructions to initiate weld cycle and to return fixture-holding table to unload position.
• As work is completed, complete all related paperwork i.e. routers, daily log sheets, etc. following standard operating procedures.
• Keep work area clean and organized.
• Adhere to all company safety rules and practices and wear protective equipment as directed.
• Perform other job duties as needed or directed by management.

Qualifications

Job Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• Candidate must be able to read and write in English
• 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.
• 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:

• 1-3 Years of manufacturing experience highly desired.
• Experience running manufacturing equipment, advanced math skills, and leadership qualities preferred.
• Ability to perform precision laser powder blending tasks.

Skills & Abilities:

• Must be able to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence or documentation.
• Good math skills with the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Good organizational skills in maintaining a variety of records and reports.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will usually work in a shop environment with exposure to loud noise, heat/fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and moving mechanical parts with a risk of electrical shock.

Salary & Benefits

• Compensation starts at $22.00/hr plus a $2.00 shift differential when you work on 3rd shift.
• External hires are eligible for a $1,000 sign on bonus after successful completion of six months.
• Benefit package includes, Medical, Dental, Vision, with no waiting period.
• Excellent benefits/401K vested from day one, & paid time off package.

Disclaimer

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

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.