Process Automation Engineer

Howmet Aerospace; La Porte (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace in LaPorte, IN is seeking a Process Automation Engineer to lead ADR/NDT automation initiatives within automotive manufacturing environments. You will design, validate, and optimize automated inspection workflows, integrating ADR systems with robotics, PLCs, MES, and SCADA to improve quality and throughput.

Join a state‑of‑the‑art casting facility that supports aerospace components and embraces Lean, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0 principles to drive continuous improvement and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Engineering, NDT Technology, or related field.
• 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in automotive or high-volume production.
• Hands-on experience with NDT inspection systems (FPI, PT, X-ray) and ADR technologies.
• Proficiency in programming robotics and industrial automation hardware.
• Authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship not available.
• Export-controlled data eligibility is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead ADR workflows using NDT modalities (UT, RT, EC, MT, PT, thermography).
• Integrate ADR systems with robotics, PLCs, MES, SCADA, and production lines.
• Analyze NDT data trends and system performance.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement throughput improvements.
• Lead root cause investigations of defect trends and equipment failures.
• Conduct system validation, calibration, and capability studies.
• Collaborate with Quality, Production, Maintenance, and NDT personnel.
• Maintain technical documentation and compliance records.
• Drive continuous improvement aligning with Lean, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0.

Skills

NDT experience

Robotics programming

Industrial automation hardware

Quality data analysis

Lean Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Engineering, NDT Technology, or related field

Tools

NDT equipment

ADR workflows

PLC/MES/SCADA integration

Job description

• Locations 1110 East Lincoln Way, Laporte, IN, 46350-3954, 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

We’re a company of innovators and makers.Howmet Aerospace is transforming the aerospace and transportation industries.Join our team and help us engineer the next generation of sustainable travel.

Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company’s primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems and titanium structural parts necessary for mission‑critical performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications, as well as forged wheels for commercial transportation. Howmet Aerospace is transforming the next phase of more fuel‑efficient, quieter aerospace engines and sustainable ground transportation. For more information, visit www.howmet.com . Follow @howmet: Twitter , Instagram , Facebook , LinkedIn and YouTube .

Our state‑of‑the‑art investment casting facility in LaPorte, Indiana is seeking an Process Automation Engineer to join our team. Nestled halfway between South Bend and Chicago, along the shores of Lake Michigan - our facility in LaPorte, Indiana supplies jet engine components to some of the most trusted names in the Aerospace industry.

Role Overview

The Process Automation Engineer will lead the development, integration, and optimization of automated inspection technologies within automotive manufacturing environments. The role centers on NDT Automated Defect Review (ADR)—ensuring that ultrasonic, radiographic, eddy‑current, thermographic, or other non‑destructive testing systems reliably detect, classify, and disposition defects. This engineer strengthens product quality, improves throughput, and drives digital transformation across inspection and automation processes.

• NDT Automated Defect Review — Design, configure, and optimize ADR workflows using NDT modalities such as UT, RT, EC, MT, PT, or thermography. Implement automated defect classification, signal processing, and review logic.
• Automation System Integration — Integrate ADR systems with robotics, PLCs, MES, SCADA, and automotive production lines. Ensure seamless communication between inspection hardware, automation controllers, and quality databases.
• Inspection Data Analysis — Analyze NDT data trends, defect signatures, and system performance. Develop algorithms or rulesets to improve detection accuracy and reduce false positives.
• Process Optimization — Identify bottlenecks in inspection and automation workflows. Implement improvements that increase throughput, reduce scrap, and enhance repeatability.
• Root Cause & Corrective Action — Lead investigations into defect trends, equipment failures, and process deviations using structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• System Validation & Calibration — Conduct validation, calibration, and capability studies for ADR and NDT systems to ensure compliance with automotive quality standards.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration — Partner with Quality, Production, Maintenance, and NDT Level II/III personnel to ensure inspection systems meet operational and regulatory requirements.
• Documentation & Compliance — Maintain technical documentation, inspection procedures, and compliance records aligned with automotive and NDT standards.
• Continuous Improvement — Drive initiatives aligned with Lean, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0, focusing on automation, digital inspection, and data‑driven quality.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Engineering, NDT Technology, or related field
• 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, preferably in automotive or other high‑volume production
• Hands on experience with NDT (FPI, PT, and X‑Ray RT at minimum) inspection systems and ADR technologies
• Proficiency with programming robotics and industrial automation hardware
• 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

• NDT Level II or III certification in one or more modalities.
• Experience with AI‑based defect classification or machine‑learning inspection platforms.
• Familiarity with digital radiography, phased‑array UT, or advanced NDT technologies.
• Experience integrating ADR systems with MES/SCADA.
• Certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, or automation technologies.
• Experience supporting launch environments or new model introductions.

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 .

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.