Tooling and Die Specialist III, 2nd Shift

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; Fullerton (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Paid holidays & vacation

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. in Fullerton, CA, is hiring a Tooling Specialist III - Progressive Die Technician for the 2nd shift on-site. The role involves setting up multi-station progressive dies, ensuring quality, and training Die Setters and Operators.

Training will begin on 1st shift for 1–2 months. The successful candidate will read prints, measure parts with micrometers and calipers, and troubleshoot die issues while adhering to safety procedures.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 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. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Responsibilities

• Prepares, sets up and installs large multi-station progressive dies into all types and sizes of punch presses to form, blank or piece metal parts.
• Tests to assure proper die clearance and uses templates to positions several dies at once.
• Reads prints and uses precision measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers and depth micrometers to check parts for conformance to specifications.
• Follows all safety procedures including but not limited to Lock/Tag/Verify.
• Will train Die Setters and Operators as necessary or required.
• Parts to be lifted and/or transported may weigh up to 30 lbs.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Reading prints

Die setup

Inspection gauges

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Mills

Lathes

Grinders

Job description

Fullerton, CA, United States (On-site)

Job Info

• Job Identification 119880
• Job Category Operations
• Posting Date 10/15/2026, 08:16 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 aTooling Specialist III - Progressive DieTechnicianfor 2nd shift at our aerospace manufacturing facility in theFullerton, CA location.

Training for this role will occur on 1st shift for the first 1 - 2 months.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Prepares, sets up and installs large multi-station progressive dies 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.

• Independently makes complete set up of multi-station progressive dies and sets up all types of punch presses.
• Sets up compound and progressive dies for all types of punch presses when required.
• Works from prints, charts, sketches or oral instruction to rework or convert existing dies or stations to produce new parts.
• Tests to assure proper die clearance and uses templates to positions several dies at once.
• Sets and checks clearances between punches and dies 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 set-up, 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 die and performs all repairs to eliminate progressive die problems.
• Follows all safety procedures including but not limited Lock/Tag/Verify.
• Will train Die 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 3 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. 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 is $21.91 to $37.25.

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.

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.