Tooling Specialist III, Machine Build- 1st Shift

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k matching

Paid holidays and vacation

Career progression

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace is hiring a Tooling Specialist III, Machine Build- 1st Shift for our Fullerton, CA facility. You will participate in designing and building custom automation, utilizing PLCs, machine vision, robotics, and smart manufacturing to support aerospace fastener production.

The role involves precision machining, assembly, and installation of tooling and machinery, plus collaboration with engineers to improve processes. On-site work with travel to sister sites may be required.

Qualifications

• 2+ years machine building or tool-room experience preferred.
• Demonstratable knowledge of operating principles of all common tool room style equipment. Mills, Lathes, Grinders, comparators, ETC.
• Ability to use mathematics to convert dimensional prints into CNC positional data and determine appropriate feeds and speeds based on specified material and equipment used.
• Must have thorough knowledge of precision measuring equipment, shop math, and trig.
• Experience with Trak machine tools, SMX, RMX, SLX, RMX CNC control, Siemens Sinumerik, or equivalent.
• Experience assembling and troubleshooting mechanical assemblies, Pneumatics, hydraulics.
• Willing to train if candidate possesses strong adjacent skills or mechanical knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Produce machine parts and tooling from prints or sketches using CNC mills, Lathes, and grinders.
• Make drawings and sketches to reproduce tooling.
• Work to tight tolerances of (+ .0005).
• Assemble and align new mechanical systems with limited supervision.
• Disassemble and inspect existing systems; recommend repairs or replacements.
• Install guarding using 80/20 aluminum and polycarbonate; fit sensors and electro-mechanical devices.
• Collaborate with design/engineering to develop efficient processes and test fixtures.
• Generate material and supply requests; provide on-site support at sister sites.

Skills

Machine building

Tooling

CNC knowledge

Precision measuring

Troubleshooting

English fluency

Education

High School diploma

Apprenticeship or trade cert

Tools

Trak machine tools

Siemens Sinumerik

SMX RMX SLX

CNC controls

Pneumatics

Hydraulics

Job description

Tooling Specialist III, Machine Build- 1st Shift

Fullerton, CA, United States (On-site)

Job Info

• Job Identification 118627
• Job Category Operations
• Posting Date 07/27/2026, 10:57 PM
• Locations 801 S Placienta Ave, 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, Machine Build- 1st Shift at our aerospace manufacturing facility in theFullerton, CA location.

At this facility Machine building is responsible for the Design and manufacture of specialized custom automation solutions in support of Aerospace fastener manufacturing. Utilizing the latest technology in PLC, machine vision, robotics, and smart manufacturing, we support HFS sites worldwide with their challenging production needs. In this role you will be responsible for supporting various aspects related to the production and support of custom machinery solutions. Including but not limited to custom new builds, re-builds, and retrofits. This position offers great exposure to anyone looking to pursue growth in the field of industrial automation or robotics.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Produce various machine parts and tooling prints, or from sketches utilizing CNC mills Lathes and surface grinders.
• Produce various machine parts and tooling to prints or from sketches utilizing CNC mills Lathes and surface grinders.
• Make drawings and sketches as needed to produce or reproduce critical tools or components.
• Work accurately to meet precise tolerances of (+ .0005).
• Ability to independently perform precision assembly of new mechanical systems with Limited supervision.
• Disassembly of existing mechanical systems for inspection. Recommend repairs or specify replacement components.
• Machine, assemble, and install machine guarding, utilizing aluminum extrusions (80/20) and polycarbonate sheets to specification.
• Assemble and install Sensors, pneumatics, and electro mechanical devices
• Work with design team and engineers to develop parts and processes for efficient economical manufacturing. Help produce proof of concept models and test fixtures.
• Generate material and supply requests to support assigned work.
• Provide guidance and support for installed systems at sister sites occasionally requiring some local travel.
• Perform Basic preventive maintenance on equipment operated.
• Demonstrate Working knowledge of manufacturing quality processes and principles.
• Keep work area and equipment clean, organized, and safe. Perform and maintain 5s standards to the highest level.
• Perform other tasks of equal or lesser skill as required.
• Share and accept knowledge and feedback with peers in support of team growth and development.
• Engage regularly in conversations for improvements in efficiency, 5S, and productivity. Make recommendations for tools or equipment to streamline performance of assigned tasks.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• 2+ years Machine building or tool-room experience preferred.
• Demonstratable knowledge of operating principles of all common tool room style equipment. Mills, Lathes, Grinders, comparators, ETC.
• Ability to use mathematics to convert dimensional prints into CNC positional data and determine appropriate feeds and speedsbased on specified material and equipment used.
• Must have thorough knowledge of precision measuring equipment, shop math, and trig.
• Experience with Trak machine tools, SMX, RMX, SLX, RMX CNC control, Siemens Sinumerik, or equivalent.
• Experience assembling and troubleshooting mechanical assemblies, Pneumatics, hydraulics.
• Willing to train if candidate possesses strong adjacent skills or mechanical knowledge.

Language Skills - Ability to read and interpret documents in English such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to complete routine documentation. Ability to speak clearly and effectively with Managers, Supervisors and Coworkers.

Legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility is required at the time of hire.

Physical Demands:

• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently required to stand and sit.
• Occasionally required to walk and talk or hear.
• Frequently lifts and/or moves up to 30 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate. Hearing protection is required while on the shop floor.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High School Diploma, apprenticeship, Trade certificate, or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of aerospace tooling and fastener manufacturing processes.
• Machine building, mechanical assembly experience.
• Must be fluent in English, written and oral.
• Strong communication skills – written and oral.

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- $37.25.

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.

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.