Six Sigma Program Manager

Howmet Aerospace; Whitehall Township (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace, a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions, seeks a Six Sigma Program Manager at the Whitehall, MI location to deploy and govern the Six Sigma program across Engine Products. You will lead Green Belt training, certify candidates, and ensure projects deliver measurable financial and operational results.

The role partners with manufacturing, engineering, quality, finance, and operations leadership to build Lean capability, manage a portfolio of improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Statistics, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years in manufacturing, engineering, quality, or continuous improvement.
• Minimum of 5 years leading Lean Six Sigma initiatives or continuous improvement programs.
• Certified Six Sigma Black Belt.
• Proven cross-functional project leadership delivering measurable financial results.
• Strong DMAIC, statistical analysis, and Lean manufacturing knowledge.
• Proficiency with statistical software (Minitab, JMP).

Responsibilities

• Lead deployment and execution of Six Sigma across all manufacturing locations.
• Develop and improve Green Belt training curriculum and certification requirements.
• Deliver Six Sigma training to engineers, operations leaders, and professionals.
• Coach and certify Green Belt candidates through DMAIC projects.
• Act as SME for Lean Six Sigma methodologies and analysis techniques.
• Manage enterprise portfolio of Six Sigma projects across locations.
• Identify opportunities aligned with business objectives.
• Establish governance for reviews, tollgates, and financial validation.
• Develop dashboards and reporting on project status and impact.
• Collaborate with finance to validate project savings and impact.
• Standardize best practices and knowledge sharing.
• Promote continuous improvement at all levels.
• Integrate AI, automation, and advanced analytics where feasible.
• Support safety, quality, delivery, productivity, yield, and cost initiatives.
• Travel 30-50% to other locations for training and coaching.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

DMAIC

Statistical analysis

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline

Tools

Minitab

JMP

Power BI

ERP systems

MES

Job description

Responsibilities

Howmet Aerospace is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company’s primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems and titanium structural parts necessary for mission-critical performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications, as well as forged wheels for commercial transportation. Howmet Aerospace is transforming the next phase of more fuel-efficient, quieter aerospace engines and sustainable ground transportation. For more information, visit www.howmet.com . Follow @howmet: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

The Engines Six Sigma Program Manage is located at our Whitehall, MI location. This position will be responsible for the strategic deployment, governance, and continuous evolution of the Six Sigma program across Howmet Engine Products. This role partners with manufacturing, engineering, quality, finance, and operations leadership to develop Lean Six Sigma capability, drive measurable operational improvements, and cultivate a culture of data-driven problem solving. The Program Manager will lead Green Belt training and certification, continuously enhance the training curriculum, manage the enterprise-wide project portfolio, and ensure projects deliver meaningful financial and operational results across investment casting, ceramic core manufacturing, ring forging, alloy production, tool manufacturing, coatings, and machining operations.

Essential Functions

• Lead the 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 organizational 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 improving safety, quality, delivery, productivity, yield, and cost performance.
• Travel to manufacturing facilities as needed to facilitate training, coach project teams, and support improvement initiatives.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Statistics, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, quality, operational excellence, or continuous improvement.
• Minimum of 5 years leading Lean Six Sigma initiatives or continuous improvement programs.
• Certified Six Sigma Black Belt from a recognized organization or equivalent demonstrated expertise.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional improvement projects that delivered measurable financial results.
• Strong knowledge of DMAIC methodology, statistical analysis, process capability, root cause analysis, design of experiments, and Lean manufacturing principles.
• Strong proficiency with statistical software such as Minitab, JMP, or equivalent analytical tools.
• Excellent presentation, facilitation, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to influence leaders and project teams without direct authority.
• Willingness to travel 30-50% to other manufacturing locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, metals manufacturing, investment casting, forging, machining, coatings, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• ASQ Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt or equivalent advanced certification.
• Experience developing enterprise-wide training curricula and certification programs.
• Demonstrated experience building and managing a portfolio of continuous improvement projects across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Experience with Power BI or other business intelligence platforms.
• Familiarity with ERP, MES, and digital manufacturing systems.
• Experience integrating AI, automation, or advanced analytics into continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership and influence organizational change.

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.