Manufacturing Engineer - Entry Level, Continuous Improvement

Howmet; Whitehall Township (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Life insurance

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to support the manufacturing organization in Hampton, VA. You will work on-site with plant teams to implement lean initiatives, lead improvement events, and drive scrap reduction while observing safety and quality standards.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, time studies, and hands-on shopfloor activity to enhance throughput and cost efficiency across the business units.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and ability to work on the shop floor.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with energy and initiative.
• Proficiency in analysis, statistics, and problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Support and drive continuous improvement initiatives across units.
• Coordinate with operations, plant managers and supervisors to implement changes.
• Lead time studies and document current vs target conditions.
• Perform shopfloor observations; identify waste and scrap reduction opportunities.
• Collaborate on Kaizen and rapid improvement events with internal/external teams.
• Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient processes across sites.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical problem-solving

Project management

Communication

Willingness to work shop floor

Education

Bachelor's degree from accredited university

Industrial Engineering or STEM degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Info

• Job Identification 119909
• Job Category Quality
• Posting Date 10/12/2026, 03:02 PM
• Locations One Howmet Drive, Hampton, VA, 23661, US (On-site)
• Job Schedule Full time
• Remote Work Schedule Availability? None
• LinkedIn Recruiter Tag #LI-AP1
• 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
• Currency Code US Dollar

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Lead Continuous Improvement Engineer , 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. Additionally, this position supports Operations Supervisors, Area Leads, and Plant Managers.

This position is located in Hampton, Virginia.

Key Objectives

• Work out of the Hampton, VA site as part of a team to reduce executional scrap.
• Create a system following 'step by step' procedures for the loading and unloading of large volume processing equipment.
• Complete time studies in various processes and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Perform shopfloor observations, working with Manufacturing employees to document current and target conditions. Eliminate non-value added activities while working on scrap reduction activities.
• 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.
• Collaborate in Kaizen activities, 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.

Job Dimensions

The incumbent will possess:

• Willingness to work with shopfloor employees, interview, and document current condition
• 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
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously to meet objectives and key deadlines

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
• 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 shopfloor to learn and interact with employees
• Exhibit teamwork and go-getting attitude
• Good analytical/statistical problem-solving skills
• 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, Math, Science, Continuous Improvement, or Supply Chain Management highly desired, specifically a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering
• Exceptional Excel Spreadsheet creation, macros, and related data analysis skills

The incumbent shall take such steps as necessary to assure that all employment practices under his/her control, including hiring, firing, promotions, and discipline, are conducted in a nondiscriminatory fashion and without regard to race, sex, religion, national origin, age or physical disability. Incumbent recognizes that accident prevention is equal to quality, production, delivery, and cost control and accepts the responsibility to work safety while promoting safety conscious among fellow employees.

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.