Six Sigma Program Leader - Manufacturing Excellence

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; Whitehall Township, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. is seeking a seasoned Six Sigma Program Manager to lead the enterprise-wide Lean Six Sigma deployment for Engine Products.

You will partner with manufacturing, engineering, quality, finance, and operations to drive measurable improvements and cultivate data-driven problem solving. The role includes Green Belt training program leadership, curriculum development, and governance of project portfolios across multiple locations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline.
• 10+ years in manufacturing, engineering, quality, or operational excellence.
• 5+ years leading Lean Six Sigma initiatives.
• Certified Six Sigma Black Belt from a recognized organization.
• Proven cross-functional improvement projects with measurable financial results.
• Strong knowledge of DMAIC, statistical analysis, process capability, root cause analysis, and Lean manufacturing principles.
• Proficiency with Minitab or JMP.
• Excellent presentation, facilitation, communication and leadership skills.
• Willingness to travel 30–50% to other manufacturing locations.

Responsibilities

• Lead deployment and execution of the Six Sigma program across all Howmet Engine Products manufacturing locations.
• Design, develop, and continuously improve Six Sigma Green Belt training curriculum, instructional materials, and certification requirements.
• Deliver engaging classroom, virtual, and hands-on Six Sigma training to engineers, operations leaders, and technical professionals.
• Coach, mentor, and certify Green Belt candidates through successful completion of DMAIC projects.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for Lean Six Sigma methodologies, statistical analysis, and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Manage the enterprise pipeline of Six Sigma projects, ensuring balanced project selection, prioritization, execution, and completion across all locations.
• Partner with plant leadership to identify high-value improvement opportunities aligned with strategic business objectives.
• Establish governance processes for project reviews, tollgate approvals, certification standards, and financial validation.
• Develop dashboards and executive reporting to monitor project status, financial impact, certification progress, and overall program health.
• Collaborate with finance to validate project savings and ensure consistent measurement of business impact.
• Standardize best practices, project documentation, templates, and knowledge sharing across the organization.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by engaging leaders and employees at all levels.
• Identify opportunities to integrate digital tools, automation, AI, and advanced analytics into Six Sigma training and project execution.
• Support strategic operational initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, productivity, yield, and cost performance.
• Travel to manufacturing facilities as needed to facilitate training, coach project teams, and support improvement initiatives.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

DMAIC methodology

Statistical analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

Travel 30-50%

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Minitab

JMP

Power BI

ERP/MES systems

Job description

Howmet Aerospace Inc. is seeking a seasoned Six Sigma Program Manager to lead the enterprise-wide Lean Six Sigma deployment for Engine Products.

You will partner with manufacturing, engineering, quality, finance, and operations to drive measurable improvements and cultivate data-driven problem solving. The role includes Green Belt training program leadership, curriculum development, and governance of project portfolios across multiple locations.