Manufacturing Engineer - Cost Specialist

Howmet; La Porte (IN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job summary

Howmet is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to own production processes, cost structures, and continuous improvement initiatives for high‑volume manufacturing. You will apply automotive experience in workflow optimization, cost modeling, and quality‑focused engineering to reduce waste and boost overall performance.

This role targets someone eager to broaden industry exposure while leveraging the technical and financial skills developed in manufacturing.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, preferably in automotive or other high‑volume production.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing cost structures and component cost modeling.
• Experience with process improvement, workflow optimization, and structured problem‑solving.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and understand manufacturing requirements.
• Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of production processes and cost structures to drive continuous improvement.
• Apply automotive‑level problem solving and cost modeling to strengthen efficiency.
• Lead improvement projects focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Support standard work, process documentation, and training materials.
• Provide hands‑on engineering support to resolve production issues and ensure smooth operations.

Skills

5+ years manufacturing engineering

Cost modeling

Process improvement

Lean manufacturing

Structured problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field

Job description

Responsibilities

We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer with a strong automotive background who is ready to bring their expertise into a new industry. This role is ideal for an engineer who understands high‑volume production, cost‑driven decision‑making, and disciplined process control – and is looking to apply those strengths in a fresh environment with new challenges and technologies.

If you excel at building the cost of manufacturing a component from the ground up, optimizing processes, and driving measurable improvements, you'll thrive here.

Role Overview

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will take ownership of production processes, cost structures, and continuous improvement initiatives for a key product area. You'll apply your automotive experience – including workflow optimization, cost modeling, and quality‑focused engineering – to help us strengthen efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall manufacturing performance.

This role is perfect for someone who wants to broaden their industry experience while still leveraging the technical and financial skills developed in automotive manufacturing.

Costing & Financial Insight

• Build complete manufacturing cost models for components, including labor, materials, equipment, tooling, overhead, and process flow.
• Analyze cost drivers and identify opportunities for reduction through process changes, tooling improvements, workflow adjustments, or sourcing strategies.
• Support leadership with clear, data‑based cost insights to guide investment decisions and operational priorities.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to validate cost assumptions and ensure alignment with production realities.

Process Improvement & Optimization

• Evaluate current manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, throughput, and consistency.
• Apply automotive‑grade problem‑solving and continuous improvement methods to reduce waste and strengthen process reliability.
• Lead improvement projects focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Support the development of standard work, process documentation, and training materials.

Production Support & Daily Operations

• Provide hands‑on engineering support to resolve production issues and maintain stable operations.
• Collaborate with operations, quality, maintenance, and supply chain to ensure smooth workflow and timely issue resolution.
• Monitor key performance indicators and help teams understand daily progress toward goals.

Tooling, Equipment & New Technology

• Support tooling and equipment improvements that enhance quality, reduce cost, or simplify production.
• Participate in equipment evaluations, vendor discussions, and implementation of new technologies.
• Assist with capital project justification through cost modeling and operational impact analysis.

Cross‑Industry Adaptation

• Translate automotive best practices into new manufacturing environments.
• Bring fresh perspective to process discipline, cost control, and high‑volume production methodologies.
• Help build stronger systems, documentation, and workflows by applying proven automotive approaches.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, preferably in automotive or other high‑volume production
• Strong understanding of manufacturing cost structures and component cost modeling
• Experience with process improvement, workflow optimization, and structured problem‑solving
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and understand manufacturing requirements
• Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills
• 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

• Experience transitioning between industries or supporting diverse product lines
• Background in tooling, fixtures, or equipment improvement
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies
• Strong financial literacy and comfort presenting cost‑based recommendations

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.