Lead Build Technician - Research & Development

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; Whitehall Township (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays & vacation

Parental leave

Life and disability insurance

Optional insurance plans

Tuition assistance

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. is seeking a Lead Build Technician in Whitehall, MI for the Research & Development group. The role involves leak testing on vacuum casting and coating equipment, travel for installations, and hands-on machine assembly and start-up.

The position requires strong mechanical hands-on skills, ability to read blueprints, and effective communication. On-site work with competitive benefits is provided by Howmet Aerospace.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Minimum five years in machine building/assembly/troubleshooting/start-up.
• Authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship not available.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise and perform leak testing on vacuum casting, heat treat and coating equipment to insure vacuum integrity.
• Travel to customer sites domestically and internationally for project installation and support.
• Perform welding operations (MIG/TIG/STICK) and operate mills, lathes, drills and hand tools.
• Review contractor timesheets and support machine assembly/start-up.

Skills

Five years experience

Team leadership

Mechanical troubleshooting

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree (preferred) in industrial/manufacturing technology

Job description

Lead Build Technician - Research & Development

Whitehall, MI, United States (On-site)

Job Info

• Job Identification 120061
• Job Category Operations
• Posting Date 10/22/2026, 12:17 PM
• Locations One Misco Drive, Whitehall, MI, 49461-1799, US (On-site)
• 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

Howmet Aerospace is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and power generation industries. The Company’s key market areas include hot section jet engine and industrial gas turbine components, aerospace fastening systems and titanium structural parts necessary for mission-critical performance in a diverse range of applications. Howmet Aerospace is taking a central role in producing the next generation of more fuel-efficient, reliable, and advanced turbine engines across commercial flight, defense, and power generation industries. For more information, visit www.howmet.com . Follow @howmet: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

This HRC Technician position will be located in the Research and Development

Provide technical expertise and perform leak testing on vacuum casting, heat treat and coating equipment to insure vacuum integrity. Travel to customers sites both foreign and domestic for project installation and support. Work flexible schedules as needed to support equipment builds. Be able to perform various welding operations including mig/tig/stick. Be able to operate drill presses, saws, mills, lathes and various hand tools. Provide technical expertise to contract supervision for machine assembly and start up. Review for accuracy and approve contractor timesheets.

Maintains and improves broad technical knowledge and skill proficiency within the department or unit. Demonstrates positive interpersonal skills to promote teamwork. Assists supervision/management in technical and administrative matters.Possess knowledge of and contributes to continuous improvement. Prepares reports on projects. Performs and documents a variety of preventative maintenance, troubleshooting and repair duties for equipment.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED from an accredited institution
• Minimum of five years work experience in machine building/assembly/troubleshooting/testing and machine start-up.
• 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:

• Associate degree in industrial or manufacturing Technology.
• Must have mechanical hands-on skills as well as working knowledge of computer.
• Effective communication and leadership skills are required.
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics and mechanical drawings is required.
• Must be able to interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

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.