Senior Controls Specialist

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; Whitehall Township (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. in Whitehall, MI is seeking a senior controls specialist to design, program, install and maintain industrial control systems, bridging OT and AI for real-time decision-making on the factory floor.

The role involves PLC, SCADA, robotics, and edge computing with up to 50% travel. The candidate will lead data-informed optimization, implement predictive maintenance triggers, ensure safety and scalability, and collaborate with plant leadership to drive AI-identified

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and maintain control systems (PLC, SCADA, DCS, robotics) with AI/ML integration for adaptive control and edge computing.
• Integrate AI outputs into control loops (e.g., predictive maintenance triggers or anomaly-based shutdowns).
• Troubleshoot, optimize, and upgrade existing automation to support

Job description

• Locations One Misco Drive, Whitehall, MI, 49461-1799, 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

As a senior controls specialist you will design, program, install and maintain industrial control systems (PLC, SCADA, robotics) while enabling seamless integration of AI outputs for intelligent, adaptive automation on the factory floor. This role bridges operational technology (OT) and AI platforms to implement real-time decision-making, predictive maintenance triggers, and closed-loop process control. The Controls Engineer ensures system reliability, safety, and scalability as the company advances toward Industry 4.0 capabilities. This position will require up to 50% travel.

Job Role:

• Analysis and synthesis--measures and interprets with exactness; ensures integrity of data; invites possibilities, improvements and scale based on data captured or from a data informed perspective
• Systems thinker--sees the business and its operation holistically; understands actions and reactions; considers multiple pathways of potential effect before decisions; thinks strategically about interventions with an eye toward scale
• Hands on-designs, programs, installs and maintains industrial control systems (PLC, SCADA, robotics)
• Optimizer--constantly challenging the organization to work smarter; supports others to ensure they have what they need to do their work successfully
• Anticipation--looks ahead to minimize potential issues and maximize advantages; prepares others for what comes next
• Best Practice - Utilizes knowledge of best practice approaches to pursue common systems and components to reduce complexity where possible
• Operational accelerator--drives continuous improvement; understands ramifications of automation and other advances; advocates for safety, ergonomics and scalable solutions; initiates and collaborates with plant leadership to drive improvements identified by AI
• Organization and structure--works within existing structures while striving to improve and standardize them; provides accurate information; galvanizes others toward common goals
• Influence--leverages knowledge, relationship, data and perspective to persuade, educate and navigate; gains buy in and adoption of ideas and practices at scale; interacts with a variety of stakeholders
• Data informed--focused on things that drive quantifiable business outcomes; evaluates based on quantitative feedback; knows and explains the “why” behind actions
• Prioritized reaction--handles the unexpected without losing sight of important objectives; reacts where greatest leverage points exist
• Relationship--connects individually and with teams across shifts and practices; builds rapport and commonality; creates a “win together” ethic; serves as liaison between shop floor and engineering; keeps the pulse of the floor; helps people feel heard

Responsibilities:

• Design, program, and maintain control systems (PLC, SCADA, DCS, robotics) with AI/ML (machine learning) integration for adaptive control and edge computing.
• Integrate AI outputs into control loops (e.g., predictive maintenance triggers or anomaly-based shutdowns).
• Troubleshoot, optimize, and upgrade existing automation to support

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Up to 50% travel
• 2 years of process control experience
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong PLC (Allen-Bradley/Siemens), HMI, and networking skills
• Experience with Python or AI edge tools
• 3+ years of automation experience in a manufacturing environment

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.