Tool and Die Specialist IV - 1st Shift

Howmet; Fullerton (CA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 57,859; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k matching program

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. in Fullerton, CA is seeking a Tooling Specialist IV - Progressive Die Technician for 1st shift to set up and maintain progressive dies on punch presses in an aerospace manufacturing facility.

The role requires 4+ years of related experience, proficiency with tool room equipment (mills, lathes, grinders), and the ability to read prints and use precision gauges. The position emphasizes safety, training of junior staff, and adherence to quality standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years related experience in repair and maintenance of progressive dies or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of tool room equipment including mills, lathes and grinders.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems at an advanced level.
• Working knowledge of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and their alloys.
• Ability to read and understand manufacturers drawings, catalogs, and other written or verbal instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret product prints.
• Ability to use inspection gauges and instruments.
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship not available.

Responsibilities

• Independently set up multi-station progressive dies and punch presses.
• Set up compound and progressive dies for all punch presses when required.
• Read prints to rework or convert dies to produce new parts.
• Test die clearance and position dies using templates.
• Check clearances and set punch and anvil lengths to chart.
• Inspect parts with micrometers, calipers and depth micrometers for conformance.
• Verify first article and perform SPC charting as required.
• Polish dies, anvils and punches to ensure high-quality parts.
• Troubleshoot progressive die issues and perform repairs.
• Train Dye Setters and Operators as necessary.
• Lift up to 30 lbs and maintain a safe, clean work area.
• Perform other tasks of equal or lesser skill.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Mills

Lathes

Grinders

Job description

Job Info

• Job Identification 118652
• Job Category Operations
• Posting Date 07/30/2026, 09:12 PM
• Locations 800 S State College, Fullerton, CA, 92831, 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

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Tooling Specialist IV - Progressive Die Technician for 1st Shift at our aerospace manufacturing facility in the Fullerton, CA location.

Prepares, sets up and installs large multi-station progressive dyes into all types and sizes of punch presses to form blank or piece metal parts. Technician will be held to established production and quality standards. Incumbent will have control to make some adjustments to the process or machine after tasks are assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Independently makes complete set up of multi-station progressive dye s and sets up all types of punch presses.
• Sets up compound and progressive dyes for all types of punch presses when required.
• Works from prints, charts, sketches or oral instruction to rework or convert existing dyes or stations to produce new parts.
• Tests to assure proper die clearance and uses templates to positions several dyes at once.
• Sets and checks clearances between punches and dyes and sets punch and anvil lengths to chart.
• Read prints and uses precision measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers and depth micrometers to check parts for conformance to specifications.
• After setup checks parts against drawings to verify compliance for first article.
• Performs S.P.C. charting as required.
• Polishes dies, anvils, punches and other details to produce a high-quality part.
• Troubleshoots strip from progressive dye and performs all repairs to eliminate progressive dye problems.
• Follows all safety procedures including but no limited Lock/Tag/Verify.
• Will train Dye Setters and Operators as necessary or required.
• Parts to be lifted and/or transported may weigh up to 30 lbs.
• Keeps work area clean (and equipment), safe and in an orderly fashion on a daily basis.
• Performs other tasks of equal or lesser skill as required.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum 4 years related experience in a repair and maintenance of progressive dies, or equivalent previous experience with a fastener manufacturing company.
• Must have knowledge of tool room equipment including mills, lathes and grinders
• 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.
• Ability to read and understand manufacturers drawings, catalogs, and other written or verbal instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret product prints.
• Ability to use inspection gages and instruments
• 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:

• Must be able to lift/move 30 lbs. (may not exceed per EHS policies)
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 - 7 years' experience in machinery operations and progressive dies
• High school diploma or GED

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.

The salary range for this position is $24.70- $41.99.

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.

If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email [e-mail]

About the Team

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California. We hold the number one global position in aerospace fastening systems, and we're the North American leader in commercial transportation fasteners. Our high-tech, multi-material fastening systems are found nose to tail on aircraft and aerospace engines. Our products are also critical components of industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, and construction and industrial equipment.