Manager, Continuous Improvement

Howmet; Brea (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Medical and other benefits

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. in California seeks a Continuous Improvement Engineer to apply Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen and related methods to boost productivity and quality across manufacturing operations.

You will lead Kaizen events, analyze data (KPIs, FMEA, SPC), and collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, EHS and Supply Chain to sustain improvements. The role requires a Bachelor’s in engineering, 7+ years of manufacturing or process-improvement experience, and ERP (JDE) proficiency; on-site

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (industrial, mechanical, manufacturing) or related field; advanced degrees preferred.
• Lean, Six Sigma (Black Belt), ISO/TS 16949, Kaizen, 5S, TPM, DMAIC certifications.
• 7+ years in manufacturing, production planning, or process improvement; experience with APQP, FMEA, SPC, MSA.
• Previous supervisory experience leading salaried teams of 4-7+.
• Knowledge of ERP (JDE), MS Office Suite and productivity tools.
• Strong problem-solving, statistical analysis, project management, and communication skills; proficiency in MS Office, ERP systems, and process mapping tools.
• 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

• Analyze manufacturing and production processes to identify areas for improvement using Lean and Six Sigma.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data (KPIs, process audits, FMEA, SPC) to measure improvement effectiveness.
• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events, process audits, and improvement projects; manage timelines, resources, and deliverables.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs, and standardized work charts.
• Work with engineering, QA, EHS, supply chain, and operations to integrate improvements and ensure sustainability.
• Train and mentor staff on new processes, tools, and improvement techniques.
• Select, develop, and maintain tools, fixtures, and equipment to support process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations; contribute to EHS initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned to meet department goals

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma Black Belt

Kaizen

5S

TPM

DMAIC

Statistical analysis

Project management

ERP systems

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering (industrial, mechanical, manufacturing)

Tools

JDE ERP

MS Office Suite

Process mapping tools

Job description

Job Info

• Job Identification 118569
• Job Category Quality
• Posting Date 07/24/2026, 07:57 PM
• Locations 630 E Lambert Rd., Brea, CA, 92821, 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

Job Description

A Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer is a manufacturing and process optimization professional who applies Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other improvement methodologies to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and enhance productivity and quality across operations. The CI Engineer drives the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives to streamline production processes, improve quality, and meet organizational goals. They work closely with cross-functional teams to integrate improvements across the organization. These teams include Operations, Engineering, Processing, Quality, and Tooling.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing and production processes to identify areas for improvement; implement Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to optimize workflows
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data (KPIs, process audits, FMEA, SPC) to measure improvement effectiveness
• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events, process audits, and improvement projects; manage timelines, resources, and deliverables
• Develop and maintain process documentation, standard operating procedures, and standardized work charts
• Work with engineering, QA, EHS, supply chain, and operations to integrate improvements and ensure sustainability
• Train and mentor staff on new processes, tools, and improvement techniques.
• Select, develop, and maintain tools, fixtures, and equipment to support process improvements
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations; contribute to EHS initiatives
• Other duties as assigned to meet department goals

Qualifications

Required Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering: industrial, mechanical, manufacturing, or related field; advanced degrees preferred
• Certifications: Lean, Six Sigma (Black Belt), ISO/TS 16949, Kaizen, 5S, TPM, DMAIC
• 7+ years in manufacturing, production planning, or process improvement; experience with APQP, FMEA, SPC, MSA
• Previous supervisory experience leading salaried teams of 4-7+
• Knowledge of ERP (JDE), MS Office Suite and productivity tools.
• Strong problem-solving, statistical analysis, project management, and communication skills; proficiency in MS Office, ERP systems, and process mapping tools
• Effective verbal and written communications skills at all levels of the organization, especially with direct employees
• 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

Salary Range:

The base pay range for this position in California, $140,000 - $170,000/year. Pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A sign-on payment may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

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.

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.

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