Manufacturing Engineer - Continuous Improvement

Howmet; Whitehall Township (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays & vacation

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace seeks a Continuous Improvement professional to drive lean initiatives on the shop floor in Whitehall, MI. You will support the organization under senior leadership, coordinate wastes-reducing projects, and facilitate kaizen events with multiple stakeholders.

You will analyze processes, map value streams, and develop action plans to improve on-time delivery, quality, cost, and safety across manufacturing plants.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship not offered.

Responsibilities

• Support and drive continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing settings.
• Lead and participate in kaizen events and rapid improvement activities.
• Develop value stream maps and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and output.
• Coordinate with internal resources to implement process improvements.
• Assist plant leadership and shop floor teams to sustain improvements.

Skills

Lean principles

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Education

B.S. in Engineering

Industrial/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the VP and Manager of Continuous Improvement, this position is responsible for supporting and assisting the Continuous Improvement Organization (Business Unit and Manufacturing Plants) as "boots on the ground" in the organization, planning, implementation, and follow-through of manufacturing improvement initiatives. Correspondingly, the incumbent coordinates and leads a wide range of activities that are designed to improve on-time delivery, productivity, quality, cost, safety, and environmental performance. This position does not directly supervise other personnel. This position does support Operations Supervisors, Area Leads, and Plant Managers.

This position will be based in Whitehall, MI

Primary Responsibilities

• Participate in the Howmet Business System implementation of continuous improvement initiatives and drive waste reductions utilizing Lean principles (JIT, Autonomation, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, Line/Cell Design, Single Piece Flow, Material Flow, Visual Management, SMED, TPM, Root Cause Problem Solving, etc.)
• Coordinate with resource departments within the assigned locations to fabricate, install, and implement improvements to drive waste down and increase efficiency and output.
• Develop Value Stream maps of key processes and product flows. Define the current condition of the facility(ies) to identify opportunities and create a target condition, with action plans to improve operational and financial results.
• Complete value stream mapping, identify opportunities, and lead shopfloor manufacturing efforts in process reengineering and process improvements in various plants.
• Facilitate successful kaizen, problem solving, and rapid improvement process events with both internal and external consultants, customers, and suppliers. This includes providing support to sustain all follow-throughs required to sustain the improvements initiated during those events, especially those concentrated on local improvement.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

The incumbent will possess:

• Demonstrated experience in manufacturing improvement techniques, including flow principles, Kanban, and plan for every part (PFEP) Expertise in value stream mapping and associated improvement methodologies
• Understanding of pillars of Toyota production system (JIT, Autonomation)
• Experience evaluating TAKT time vs. cycle time, determining work area constraints (i.e. cycle time constraint, periodic work constraints, downtime constraints).
• Experience on shop floor, working with employees, and enhancing manufacturing processes Strong interpersonal skills requiring the ability to resolve conflicting interests and obtain cooperation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills: able to develop and use structured approaches to identify root causes and recommend resolutions
• Demonstrated experience in project leadership and project management skills, with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously to meet objectives and key deadlines

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum three years of experience in a manufacturing environment
• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from an accredited institution is required
• Must possess knowledge and understanding of Continuous Process Improvement methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• 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:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, specifically Industrial or Mechanical Engineering, is preferred
• Exceptional Excel Spreadsheet creation, macros, and related data analysis skills
• Three or more years of related experience in a manufacturing environment highly desired
• Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills as well as exhibit initiative and a high level of energy
• Must be willing to spend time on the manufacturing shop floor to learn and interact with employees
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and drive change
• Exhibit teamwork and go-getting attitude
• Good analytical/statistical problem-solving skills

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.

If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email: [e-mail]

About the Team

The Howmet engines business produces world-class aerospace engine components, including investment castings, fasteners, rings and forgings. Our vacuum melted superalloys, machining, performance coatings and hot isostatic pressing for high performance parts enable the next generation of quieter, cleaner and more fuel-efficient aerospace engines. Able to supply more than 90% of structural and rotating aerospace engine components.