Manufacturing Engineer - Continuous Improvement

Howmet Aerospace • Whitehall, MI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineer supports Howmet Aerospace’s Continuous Improvement Organization across business units and manufacturing plants, serving as a hands-on resource for planning, implementing, and following through on manufacturing improvement initiatives. The role coordinates and leads activities intended to improve on-time delivery, productivity, quality, cost, safety, and environmental performance. It does not directly supervise personnel and supports Operations Supervisors, Area Leads, and Plant Managers. The position is based in Whitehall, Michigan.

The engineer contributes to Howmet Business System initiatives and applies Lean methods to reduce waste and improve manufacturing performance. This includes mapping value streams, identifying current and target operating conditions, developing action plans, coordinating implementation with resource departments, and leading shop-floor process reengineering and improvement work. The role also facilitates kaizen, problem-solving, and rapid-improvement events and helps ensure that resulting improvements are sustained.

Requirements

• At least three years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Knowledge and understanding of continuous process improvement methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated experience in manufacturing improvement techniques, including flow principles, Kanban, and plan for every part (PFEP).
• Expertise in value stream mapping and associated improvement methodologies.
• Understanding of Toyota Production System pillars, including JIT and autonomation.
• Experience evaluating takt time against cycle time and identifying work-area constraints, including cycle-time, periodic-work, and downtime constraints.
• Shop-floor experience working with employees and improving manufacturing processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to resolve conflicting interests and obtain cooperation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to use structured approaches to identify root causes and recommend resolutions.
• Demonstrated project leadership and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and meet objectives and deadlines.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility will be verified at hire, and visa sponsorship is unavailable.
• Must be able to lawfully obtain access to export-controlled items.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• Exceptional Excel spreadsheet creation, macro, and related data-analysis skills.
• Three or more years of related experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, initiative, and a high level of energy.
• Willingness to spend time on the manufacturing shop floor to learn and interact with employees.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and drive change.
• Team-oriented and proactive attitude.
• Good analytical and statistical problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Participate in Howmet Business System continuous improvement initiatives and drive waste reduction using Lean principles, including JIT, autonomation, value stream mapping, kaizen, 5S, standard work, line and cell design, single-piece flow, material flow, visual management, SMED, TPM, and root-cause problem solving.
• Coordinate with resource departments at assigned locations to fabricate, install, and implement improvements that reduce waste and increase efficiency and output.
• Develop value stream maps of key processes and product flows; define current facility conditions, identify opportunities, create target conditions, and develop action plans to improve operational and financial results.
• Complete value stream mapping, identify opportunities, and lead shop-floor manufacturing efforts in process reengineering and process improvement across plants.
• Facilitate kaizen, problem-solving, and rapid-improvement events with internal and external consultants, customers, and suppliers, and support follow-through to sustain improvements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision benefits, including FSA and HSA account options.
• Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) retirement savings plans with employer matching 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.
• Tuition Assistance Program and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

What This Job Offers

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