Process Automation Engineer

Howmet; La Porte (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace in La Porte, Indiana is seeking a Process Automation Engineer to lead the development, integration, and optimization of automated inspection technologies focused on NDT Automated Defect Review (ADR) for automotive components.

You will collaborate across Quality, Production, Maintenance and NDT teams to design ADR workflows, integrate with robotics, PLCs, MES/SCADA, and drive digital transformation in inspection and automation processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial or manufacturing engineering, automation, or a related field.
• 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, preferably in automotive or high-volume production.
• Hands-on experience with NDT inspection systems and ADR technologies; proficient in robotics programming and automation hardware.

Responsibilities

• Lead ADR design, configuration, and optimization using NDT modalities.
• Integrate ADR with robotics, PLCs, MES/SCADA and production lines.
• Analyze inspection data trends and improve detection accuracy.
• Identify bottlenecks; implement improvements to throughput and quality.
• Lead root cause investigations and perform system validation/calibration.
• Collaborate with Quality, Production, Maintenance and NDT personnel.
• Maintain documentation and ensure compliance with automotive standards.
• Drive continuous improvement through Lean, Six Sigma and Industry 4.0.

Skills

NDT knowledge

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

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

Tools

Robotics programming

Industrial automation hardware

PLC integration

MES/SCADA

Job description

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.

Our state‑of‑the‑art investment casting facility in LaPorte, Indiana is seeking a Process Automation Engineer to join our team. Nestled halfway between South Bend and Chicago, along the shores of Lake Michigan, the facility supplies jet engine components to 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 nondestructive 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.

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].