Processing Engineer (Plating and Heat Treating)

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; Carson (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (medical, dental, and

401k matching

Paid holidays and vacation

Flexible schedules

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. in Carson, CA is seeking a Processing Engineer to advance heat treatment, plating, and related manufacturing processes for aerospace fasteners.

You will apply hands-on expertise to improve quality, efficiency, and compliance with Nadcap standards while supporting continuous improvement initiatives. The role requires strong troubleshooting, data analysis, and collaboration with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering to resolve process challenges and maintain

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Materials, Metallurgical, Chemical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years in process/manufacturing/special-process engineering in industrial manufacturing.
• Hands-on heat treatment and plating experience.
• Experience with Nadcap audits (Heat Treating/Chemical Processing).
• Knowledge of heat treatment equipment, furnace controls, plating chemistry.
• Understanding aerospace material specs and quality requirements.
• Root cause analysis and corrective actions experience.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and manufacturing docs.
• Strong analytical and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and improve heat treatment and plating processes for aerospace fasteners.
• Provide technical support to production teams to troubleshoot issues with processes and equipment.
• Establish and maintain process parameters, work instructions, specs, and SOPs.
• Analyze process data to identify quality, efficiency, and scrap-reduction opportunities.
• Support new product introductions, process validations, and equipment qualifications.
• Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance to improve equipment reliability and process consistency.
• Provide Nadcap audit readiness and compliance support across applicable processes.
• Investigate audit findings and implement corrective actions; support customer audits and continuous improvement.

Skills

Heat treatment

Plating

Nadcap audits

Root cause analysis

Process troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

Engineering drawings interpretation

Quality compliance

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Equivalent relevant technical experience

Tools

Furnace controls

Pyrometry

Process measurement

Job description

Processing Engineer (Plating and Heat Treating)

Carson, CA, United States (On-site)

Job Info

• Job Identification 120315
• Job Category Engineering
• Posting Date 11/12/2026, 06:22 PM
• Locations 900 Watson Center Road, Carson, CA, 90745, US (On-site)
• Job Schedule Full time
• Remote Work Schedule Availability? None
• 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

Position Summary

Carson Operations is seeking an experienced Process Engineer to support and improve heat treatment, plating, and special manufacturing processes within our aerospace fastener manufacturing operations.

This position is responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing manufacturing processes to ensure product quality, operational efficiency, and compliance with aerospace industry standards. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with heat treatment and plating operations, strong technical troubleshooting abilities, and direct experience supporting Nadcap audits.

The Process Engineer will partner with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering to resolve process challenges, improve manufacturing performance, and maintain compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Process Engineering & Technical Support

• Develop, implement, and improve heat treatment, plating, and related manufacturing processes for aerospace fasteners.
• Provide technical support to production teams to troubleshoot process issues, equipment performance, and product nonconformances.
• Establish and maintain process parameters, work instructions, manufacturing specifications, and operating procedures.
• Analyze process data to identify opportunities to improve quality, increase efficiency, reduce scrap, and minimize rework.
• Support new product introductions, process validations, and equipment qualifications.
• Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance to improve equipment reliability and process consistency.

Heat Treatment & Plating

• Provide technical oversight of heat treatment processes, including hardening, tempering, annealing, and other applicable thermal processes.
• Monitor heat treatment parameters, furnace performance, temperature controls, and compliance with applicable specifications.
• Support pyrometry requirements, including furnace temperature uniformity surveys (TUS), system accuracy tests (SAT), and instrument calibration.
• Provide technical support for plating processes, including surface preparation, chemical treatment, electroplating, and applicable protective coatings.
• Monitor plating bath chemistry, process parameters, coating thickness, and process control requirements.
• Troubleshoot plating defects, heat treatment inconsistencies, hardness issues, and other process-related nonconformances.
• Support hydrogen embrittlement prevention and relief processes, as applicable to fastener materials and plating specifications.

Nadcap Audit & Regulatory Compliance

• Support and coordinate Nadcap audits for Heat Treating and Chemical Processing/Plating.
• Maintain ongoing audit readiness by ensuring process documentation, procedures, equipment records, and employee qualifications meet applicable requirements.
• Conduct internal process audits and compliance assessments to identify and address potential findings.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Nadcap audit criteria.
• Investigate audit findings, perform root cause analysis, and develop effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Support customer audits, special-process approvals, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline; or equivalent relevant technical experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in process engineering, manufacturing engineering, or special-process engineering within an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on technical experience with both heat treatment and plating processes.
• Direct experience preparing for, participating in, and supporting Nadcap audits , preferably involving Heat Treating and Chemical Processing.
• Working knowledge of heat treatment equipment, furnace controls, plating chemistry, and special-process requirements.
• Understanding of aerospace material specifications, manufacturing process controls, and quality requirements.
• Experience investigating process failures, performing root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace fastener manufacturing or precision metal component manufacturing.
• Experience with Nadcap
• Familiarity with pyrometry requirements.
• Experience supporting Nadcap audit corrective actions and accreditation maintenance.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience developing and validating manufacturing processes for aerospace or defense applications.

Benefits/Salary:

The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401k matching program, paid holidays and vacation.Howmet Aerospace curates a strong working environment through opportunities for career progression, community engagement activities, and flexible schedules contingent upon role and location. The salary range for this position is $110k-$130k.

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.