Chemical Process Owner - BU

Howmet Aerospace • Whitehall, MI

5d

About The Position

The Engines Business Unit Chemical Process Engineer (Chemical Process Owner) may be located at any Howmet Engines Business Unit facility. Using a disciplined process-management approach, this role works with manufacturing operations to assess, optimize, and implement sustainable chemical processes—including caustic ceramic leaching, grain etching, and chemical milling—to improve product yield and quality. The position supports the manufacture of nickel and titanium investment castings and high-temperature coatings through process control, automation, and data integration for open-bath and pressure-vessel chemical processes.

The Chemical Process Owner evaluates and implements new technologies, materials, and supplies for cost, process, and quality improvements; maintains Business Unit Chemical Process Manuals; and helps ensure processes comply with applicable manuals, operating procedures, industry requirements, and customer requirements. The role also supports audits, represents Howmet on NADCAP industry chemical process committees, evaluates and documents process changes, investigates process deviations, and provides technical support to Plant Engineering using Six Sigma methods. It connects manufacturing facilities with the Research Center so technology needs are communicated and new technologies are tested and implemented.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution.
• At least 3 years of experience developing, improving, or productionizing chemical processes in an industrial setting.
• Demonstrated ingenuity and creativity while recognizing prudent risk.
• Ability to work independently or in a team, with good organizational skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility verification is required at hire, and visa sponsorship is unavailable.
• Must meet ITAR U.S.-person status requirements: U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, political asylee, or refugee.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry.
• 3–5 years of related experience in chemical process management or chemical process engineering in a production environment.
• Knowledge of leaching, etching, or stripping oxide ceramic materials and coatings.
• Familiarity with NADCAP requirements for chemical processes used in investment casting; prior NADCAP committee involvement is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and MiniTab.
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis and statistical process control (SPC).
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification, Lean Manufacturing experience, and Process Management experience.

Responsibilities

• Support manufacture of nickel and titanium investment castings and high-temperature coatings through process control, automation, and data integration for open-bath and pressure-vessel chemical processes.
• Assess, optimize, and implement technologies, materials, and supplies to improve cost, processes, and quality for chemical processes used within the Engines Business Unit.
• Maintain and revise Business Unit Chemical Process Manuals to promote best practices across global manufacturing facilities.
• Ensure chemical processes comply with methods, materials, and equipment specifications in Business Unit manuals, operating procedures, industry requirements, and customer requirements.
• Support or lead internal and external audits of chemical processes and close identified gaps across global manufacturing facilities.
• Participate as a voting member in NADCAP industry chemical process committees representing Howmet.
• Evaluate and document process changes, obtaining customer or engineering approval when required.
• Conduct root-cause investigations of deviations from critical process specifications and provide Plant Engineering with technical support using Six Sigma methodology.
• Connect manufacturing facilities with the Research Center to communicate technology needs and support rapid testing and implementation of new technology.

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, subject to applicable policies.
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs.
• Life insurance and disability coverage plans.
• Optional auto, home, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance coverage.
• Tuition Assistance Program and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

What This Job Offers

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