Automation Specialist

Howmet Aerospace • Whitehall, MI

13d

About The Position

The Automation Specialist supports projects across all of Howmet Engines business. The role develops and programs new manufacturing technology and supports technology in use at Howmet plants. The position works with design teams, plant automation technicians, operators, and vendors, and follows equipment through build and production implementation, including establishing preventive maintenance plans and critical spare parts.

The role also integrates and supports automated inspection systems, robotics, PLCs, MES, SCADA, and production lines. It analyzes inspection data and system performance, improves detection accuracy and process throughput, investigates defects and equipment failures, validates and calibrates inspection systems, maintains technical and compliance documentation, and advances continuous improvement initiatives focused on automation, digital inspection, and data-driven quality. Travel to other Howmet facilities is required.

Requirements

• Four years of automation experience.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility will be verified at hire. Visa sponsorship is not available.
• Must travel 25–50% to other Howmet facilities.

Nice To Haves

• Two to three years working with controls and programming robotics in industrial, manufacturing engineering, or automation engineering environments.
• Experience with six-axis articulating-arm robotics.
• Proficiency in robot programming, I/O management, and troubleshooting robotic system logic.
• Experience troubleshooting robotic mechanical and electrical systems, including pneumatics, sensors, tooling, measurement feedback systems, and basic design robustness.
• Proficiency in offline programming environments.
• Basic understanding of controls and servo systems.
• Basic understanding of tooling and fixture design.
• Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and program advanced manufacturing equipment and automation.
• Provide support and development for automation technicians across multiple Howmet facilities.
• Support engineering and manufacturing teams in improving existing processes.
• Coordinate robotic service visits.
• Manage software control.
• Develop troubleshooting guides for plant technicians.
• Integrate ADR systems with robotics, PLCs, MES, SCADA, and automotive production lines, ensuring communication between inspection hardware, automation controllers, and quality databases.
• Analyze inspection data trends, defect signatures, and system performance; develop algorithms or rulesets to improve detection accuracy and reduce false positives.
• Identify bottlenecks in inspection and automation workflows and implement improvements to increase throughput, reduce scrap, and enhance repeatability.
• Lead investigations into defect trends, equipment failures, and process deviations using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Conduct validation, calibration, and capability studies for ADR and NDT systems to ensure compliance with automotive quality standards.
• Collaborate with Quality, Production, Maintenance, and NDT Level II/III personnel to ensure inspection systems meet operational and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain technical documentation, inspection procedures, and compliance records aligned with automotive and NDT standards.
• Drive continuous-improvement initiatives aligned with Lean, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0.
• Follow equipment through its build and implementation into production, including establishing preventive maintenance plans and identifying critical spare parts.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage, including FSA and HSA account options.
• Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) retirement savings plans with employer matching funds and a separate employer retirement contribution.
• Paid holidays and vacation time.
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs.
• Life insurance and disability coverage plans.
• Optional auto, home, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance coverage plans.
• Tuition Assistance Program and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed