Manufacturing Engineer (Cold Forming)

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; Waco (TX); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental & Vision

401(k) plan

Paid holidays & vacation

Parental leave

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Tuition assistance

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. is seeking an Advanced Manufacturing Engineer (Machining & Cold Forming) to develop, optimize, and support high-volume metal manufacturing processes across multiple sites.

The role covers CNC machining, cold forming, cold heading, rolling, extrusion, and secondary operations with up to 75% travel to support plant launches and supplier development. The position requires a strong foundation in machining and forming, plus hands-on leadership to drive process improvements, NPI

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, mechanical, or industrial engineering or similar.
• 10+ years of experience in machining and/or cold forming environments.
• Willingness to travel 50–75%, including extended on-site assignments.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate machining and cold forming processes for high-volume production.
• Establish process windows using DOE, SPC, and capability studies (Cp/Cpk).
• Analyze forming loads, material flow, tool wear, and machining performance to improve quality and throughput.
• Support on-site troubleshooting of production issues at domestic and international locations.
• Lead pilot builds, PPAP/FAI, and production launches on-site.

Skills

Machining

Cold Forming

DOE

SPC

Cp/Cpk

Lean

Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, mechanical, or industrial engineering

Job description

• Locations P.O. Box 8117, Waco, TX, 76714, 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 Summary

The Advanced Manufacturing Engineer (Machining & Cold Forming) is responsible for developing, optimizing, and supporting high-volume metal manufacturing processes across multiple manufacturing sites and supplier locations. This role focuses on CNC machining, cold forming, cold heading, rolling, extrusion, and secondary operations. The position requires up to 75% travel to support plant launches, process improvements, tooling validation, and supplier development.

Machining & Cold Forming Process Engineering

• Develop, optimize, and validate machining and cold forming processes for high-volume production.
• Establish process windows using DOE, SPC, and capability studies (Cp/Cpk).
• Analyze forming loads, material flow, tool wear, and machining performance to improve quality and throughput.
• Support on-site troubleshooting of production issues at domestic and international manufacturing locations.

Tooling & Equipment

• Specify, design, and qualify forming dies, punches, rolls, fixtures, and machining tooling.
• Lead on-site die verifications/tests, machine acceptance, and production ramp-ups.
• Work directly with OEMs and tool shops to commission new equipment and debug tooling.
• Drive tool life improvement and maintenance strategies across multiple facilities.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Support NPI activities across multiple plants, including feasibility reviews and process selection.
• Lead pilot builds, PPAP/FAI, and production launches on-site.
• Ensure manufacturing readiness through standardized processes and documentation.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for machining and forming defects.
• Implement Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce scrap, variation, and downtime.
• Standardize best practices across sites through process documentation and training.
• Partner with material suppliers on wire, bar, heat treatment, and coatings.
• Conduct supplier process audits and capability assessments.
• Support sourcing decisions and cost-reduction initiatives through technical expertise.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Provide hands-on technical support to operations, maintenance, and quality teams.
• Train operators and engineers during launches and process changes.
• Act as a technical liaison between plants, suppliers, and corporate engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, mechanical, or industrial engineering (or similar disciplines).
• 10+ years of experience in machining and/or cold forming environments.
• Experience with high-volume cold heading, progressive forming, or precision machining.
• Strong understanding of metal forming physics, machining fundamentals, and tooling.
• Proven experience supporting production in multi-site or supplier-facing roles.
• Willingness and ability to travel 50%-75%, including extended on-site assignments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of steels, alloys, heat treatment, and surface coatings.
• Experience working with global suppliers or international manufacturing plants.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent.
• 50--75% travel required to manufacturing plants, tool shops, and supplier locations.
• Hands-on, shop-floor–focused role with extended time on-site during launches and issue resolution.
• Remaining time split between home office and engineering documentation.

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.