Tool and Die Maker

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; Brea (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k matching program

Paid holidays and vacation

Parental leave

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. is seeking a skilled tool room professional in Brea, CA to set up and operate conventional and CNC machinery, fabricate tooling, and develop new tooling concepts using exotic materials.

Strong blueprint reading and precision measurement skills are essential. The role emphasizes troubleshooting, process improvement, and hands-on training of apprentices, with a comprehensive benefits package and an on-site work environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• 5-7 years of experience in a tool room environment or equivalent with fastener manufacturing.
• Advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with metals knowledge.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical documents, safety procedures, and work instructions.
• Proficient in basic math, precision measurements, and production documentation.
• Experience with Syteline Manufacturing software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Sets up and operates conventional and CNC lathes, mills, grinders, honing machines, center laps, and other equipment.
• Performs complex machining to produce tooling and components to exact dimensions.
• Performs detailed layouts and develops sketches for tooling designs and part development.
• Works with exotic and composite materials and applies specialized processes (EDM, grinding, welding, heat treatment).
• Proves, tests, debugs, and reworks tooling and equipment; makes process adjustments as needed.
• Trains and mentors apprentices and newer employees in tooling and die operations.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Blueprint reading

Math accuracy

Verbal communication

Computer skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Syteline Manufacturing software

Job description

• Locations 630 E Lambert Rd., Brea, CA, 92821, 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

Summary:

Sets up and operates conventional and CNC machines. Performs the layout and fabrication of tools, dies, special machines, machine modifications, and K-Fast tooling. Develop new products using exotic and composite materials while meeting established quality standards. Has moderate control to make process adjustments after tasks are assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Tooling Fabrication: Determines the layout, fabrication, and assembly of complex tools, dies, special machines, machine modifications, fixtures, and K-Fast tooling using prints, drawings, sketches, and verbal instructions.
• Machine Setup & Operation: Sets up and operates conventional and CNC lathes, mills, grinders, honing machines, center laps, and other specialized equipment.
• Precision Machining: Performs complex machining operations to produce tooling and components to exact dimensional and tolerance requirements.
• Tooling Layout & Development: Performs detailed layouts for tooling and components and develops sketches for tooling designs, part development, and progressions.
• Specialized Materials & Processes: Works with exotic and composite materials and applies specialized processes, including EDM, grinding, jig boring, welding, and heat treatment, as required.
• Tooling Prove-Out & Troubleshooting: Proves, tests, debugs, and reworks tooling and special equipment. Make process adjustments and resolves tooling and machining issues.
• Design & Process Improvement: Recommends tooling design revisions, material substitutions, and alternative fabrication methods. Constructs temporary tooling for short production runs as required.
• Inspection & Quality Control: Uses precision measuring instruments and inspection equipment to verify tooling and components meet dimensional and quality requirements.
• Training & Knowledge Sharing: Trains and provides guidance to Tool & Die apprentices and employees with less experience or skill.
• Equipment Maintenance: Performs routine maintenance on machines and equipment, including changing grinding wheels.
• Material Handling: Safely lifts and transports materials, tooling, and parts weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Safety & Housekeeping: Maintains a clean, safe, and organized work area and equipment while following all applicable safety procedures.
• Other Duties: Performs other duties of equal or lesser skill as assigned.

Benefits/Salary:

The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package available day one of hire, 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 ___$24.70____ - ___$41.99____.

Qualifications

Education, Experience, and Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• 5-7 years of experience in a tool room environment or equivalent previous experience with a fastener manufacturing company. Ability to trouble-shoot and solve problems of the most advanced level. Must possess a working knowledge of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and their alloys.
• Advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with a working knowledge of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical documents, safety procedures, and work instructions.
• Proficient in basic math, precision measurements, and completing production documentation.
• Effective verbal communication and computer skills, including experience with Syteline Manufacturing software preferred.

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.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The employee is responsible for maintaining fitness-for-duty while holding the above-described position and should be able to perform the essential tasks of the position in a safe, appropriate and effective manner. This refers to the physical, mental and emotional duties of the job.

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.