Engineering Leader - Plant 3

Howmet Aerospace•Whitehall, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Engineering Leader will be located at Plant 3, Whitehall Casting Operation, and support manufacturing by leading focused projects to improve throughput, reduce inventory, and reduce operating expenses. The role leads and engages employees to reduce labor costs through cellular manufacturing and new or improved methods and equipment. It applies standard practices and techniques, adjusts and correlates data, recognizes discrepancies, and takes corrective action. The position also documents work, prepares technical notes and reports, and establishes internal and external customer contacts as needed. The leader oversees engineering initiatives related to product yield, variation and cost reduction; product and tool design standards; new product introduction; and plant scrap reduction. The role works with engineering teams across casting facilities and with engine manufacturers' engineering teams to optimize core design and producibility. It also fosters employee engagement and develops training strategies for the Engineering Staff. The position calls for a customer-focused, creative, collaborative and adaptable leader who develops associates, communicates technical requirements clearly, handles conflict effectively, and focuses on measurable business outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.
At least 5 years of experience in manufacturing.
At least 1 year of leadership experience.
Legally authorized to work in the United States; employment verification is required at hire. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Ability to apply standard practices and techniques, adjust and correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results, and take corrective action.
Ability to understand and communicate customer specifications and technical requirements.
Ability to communicate complex information clearly and diplomatically, including in difficult conversations.
Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines, operations, and facilities and to manage conflict effectively.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Continuous Improvement, Waste Elimination, and Kaizen.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, interpersonal, organizational, and negotiation skills, including familiarity with 5 Why, Trucker’s Log, and A3 Thinking.
Leadership skills that create an engaged employee environment.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from customers, managers, and employees.
Ability to read blueprints.
Experience with CAD.
Ability to analyze time studies to set labor standards and mechanical ability to identify better equipment for a manufacturing environment.
Ability to provide technical leadership and guidance to manufacturing areas.
Experience in the investment casting industry.
Good financial literacy.

Responsibilities

Lead initiatives to improve product yield, reduce variation, and meet cost-reduction goals for ceramic cores and parts.
Direct and manage activities related to product tool and part designs and standards.
Manage the New Product Introduction (NPI) initiative to ensure product development meets overall project timelines, budget, and quoted standards.
Develop the plant scrap-reduction plan and manage initiatives and actions to meet scrap targets.
Direct and participate in cost-improvement, product-improvement, and production-problem-solving activities.
Build professional working relationships with Engineering Managers and Engineering Teams at each casting facility and promote communication about product status and issues.
Work with engine manufacturers’ engineering teams and casting-facility engineering teams to optimize core design and producibility as needed.
Create an engaging environment and foster development of Engineering Staff.
Manage training development strategies for the Engineering Staff.
Document work, prepare technical notes and reports, and establish customer contacts as required.
Communicate customer specifications and technical requirements internally and externally, serving as a first point of contact for technical requirements.
Mentor and coach senior- and junior-level associates and support their learning and development.
Support continuous improvement, collaboration across disciplines and operations, and effective communication of expectations and limitations.