Business Unit - Wax Process Owner

Howmet Aerospace • Whitehall, MI

1d

About The Position

Howmet Aerospace is a global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Howmet Engines Business Unit Wax Process Owner may be based at any of the listed Howmet Engines facilities in Whitehall, Michigan; Dover, New Jersey; Hampton, Virginia; Wichita Falls, Texas; Morristown, Tennessee; or LaPorte, Indiana.

Using a disciplined process-management approach, the role partners with Howmet Engines manufacturing operations to implement best practices in wax formulations, injection, assembly, and inspection. The position ensures compliance with Business Unit manuals and related Manufacturing Self-Assessment Tools, maintains the Business Unit Wax Manuals, and works with suppliers and internal teams to improve supply stability, technology, cost, quality, and processes. It also conducts audits, evaluates process changes, investigates deviations, and provides technical support to plant engineering.

Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment eligibility will be verified at hire, and visa sponsorship is unavailable. The position is subject to ITAR requirements and requires U.S. person status as defined by ITAR.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Plastics/Polymer Engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• At least 5 years of experience in plastics injection molding, the investment-casting industry, or a related industry.
• At least 3 years of injection-molding experience.
• Knowledge of wax or plastic materials, compounding, and additives.
• Demonstrated ingenuity and creativity while recognizing prudent risk.
• Exceptional written, oral communication, and presentation skills.
• Leadership traits that positively represent Howmet, with the ability to build trustworthy relationships and energize teams.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility verification is required at hire, and visa sponsorship is unavailable.
• U.S. person status, as defined by ITAR, is required.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Materials Science, Plastics/Polymer Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10 years of investment-casting industry experience.
• At least 5 years of injection-molding experience.
• Recognized plastics-industry Master Molder certification or similar certification.
• Tool-making or tool-design experience, especially for molding.
• Assembly and automation experience.
• Six Sigma Green Belt and/or Black Belt; commitment to achieve Green Belt status within 24 months is required.
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis and SPC.

Responsibilities

• Ensure wax supply, injection, assembly, and inspection processes comply with the methods, materials, and equipment specified in Business Unit manuals and related Manufacturing Self-Assessment Tools (MSATs).
• Maintain and revise the Business Unit Wax Manuals to promote best practices.
• Work with wax suppliers to ensure stable, consistent supply to casting facilities.
• Conduct periodic internal and external audits of the manufacturing, use, and inspection of investment-casting wax materials and processes, including audits of global business-unit facilities and external suppliers.
• Collaborate with teams to develop and productionize new technologies, materials, and suppliers that support cost savings and process and quality improvements related to wax and associated equipment.
• Evaluate and document process changes, obtaining customer or engineering approval when required.
• Investigate root causes of deviations from critical process specifications and provide Plant Engineering with technical support, using Six Sigma methodology to address wax injection and assembly issues.
• Connect the Research Center with manufacturing facilities so technology needs are communicated and new technologies are tested and implemented rapidly.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior