Process Engineer: Manufacturing Excellence & Optimization

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; Whitehall Township (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. in Whitehall, MI, seeks an engineer to develop robust processes ensuring quality and performance of components. You will drive process control, use Six Sigma tools, and author instructions for your area, collaborating across manufacturing, engineering, and facilities.

The role emphasizes root-cause analysis, continuous improvement, and cross-functional communication, with strong focus on equipment reliability and cost management.

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Two (2) years of engineering experience in a manufacturing or lab environment, supporting process control and improvement.
• Experience in investment casting is preferred, specifically in the areas of thermal processing and heat treatment.
• Ability to communicate with shop floor and management personnel.
• Ability to organize, manage time and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Able to work in a self-directed or team environment.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Must be able to apply engineering concepts to daily observations.
• Must be able to apply principles of standard work.
• Forward thinker – must have the ability to innovate when the opportunity is presented.
• Knowledge of MS Office, with above average capabilities in Excel and/or Minitab.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma, SQL, and Lean Manufacturing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop robust processes that consistently meet or exceed our customers’ requirements for quality and performance of components.
• Ensure processes are performed in compliance with methods, materials and equipment specifications as detailed in Corporate Manuals, MSATs, and customer specifications.
• Drive standardized process management using the scientific method and six sigma tools.
• Author and approve new and revised Activity Instructions and Product Criteria/Work Instructions for the assigned area of responsibility.
• Responsible for determination of root cause of any deviation from critical process specification. Responsible for developing a timely and formal reaction plan which will include an escalating help chain system.
• Process Development and Improvement - Monitors/analyzes yield, labor, and materials data to develop process improvement ideas for new and established processes.
• Manufacturing Support - Monitors manufacturing output to ensure process control.Responds to manufacturing needs: training, work instructions and interpretation.
• Equipment Reliability – Ensures and monitors equipment for performance and PM completion.Understanding of equipment function and how it interacts with the process.Familiar with equipment, but ability to operate is not required.Minimal equipment diagnostics performed.
• Writing capital requests, managing costs, and controlling budgets for specific department needs.
• Acting as a conduit between manufacturing, engineering, and facilities to ensure that technology needs are communicated, and new technology is rapidly tested/implemented.
• Active member of Production and NPI part meetings with primary responsibility for developing certain process parameters.
• External customer escapes – Assists in investigations, root cause analysis, and implements correction action plans.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Communication

Time management

Forward thinking

Excel / Minitab

Six Sigma / Lean

SQL

Self-directed work

Education

Bachelors Degree in Engineering

Bachelors in Materials Science Engineering

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Howmet Aerospace Inc. in Whitehall, MI, seeks an engineer to develop robust processes ensuring quality and performance of components. You will drive process control, use Six Sigma tools, and author instructions for your area, collaborating across manufacturing, engineering, and facilities.

The role emphasizes root-cause analysis, continuous improvement, and cross-functional communication, with strong focus on equipment reliability and cost management.