Process Control Engineering Leader - Plant 10

Howmet Aerospace • Whitehall, MI

8d

About The Position

The Process Control Engineering Leader oversees the performance of key manufacturing processes and leads the team of Process Owners responsible for investment-casting science areas, including wax, shell, casting, heat treat, core removal, braze, and post-cast processing. The role establishes process control and improvement strategies, sets and monitors KIVs and KOVs, and ensures manufacturing processes meet engineering requirements and aerospace quality standards, including AS9100 and NADCAP. The position drives standardization, process stability, reduced variability, lower scrap and rework, and improved cost and productivity in a high-pressure manufacturing environment.

The leader defines short- and long-term process goals and vision, establishes performance measures, implements statistical process control and real-time monitoring, and expands the use of data science and AI for process control. The role leads capital projects through production release and Lean Six Sigma improvement efforts, supports the transition to advanced manufacturing methods, develops business continuity plans, and collaborates with Business Unit Process Owners across global locations to share best practices and maximize first-pass quality and output.

The role also serves as a technical customer liaison and cross-functional facilitator, coaches and develops associates, communicates expectations and technical requirements, influences teams, and addresses complex technical and operational challenges with composure. Howmet Aerospace describes its benefits package as including health coverage, retirement savings, paid time off, parental leave, adoption assistance, insurance, tuition assistance, professional development, and an Employee Assistance Program.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.
• At least 5 years of manufacturing experience.
• At least 1 year of leadership experience.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility verification is required at hire, and visa sponsorship is unavailable.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and influence cross-functional teams.
• High level of judgment in handling complex technical and operational problems.
• Ability to act with composure and confidence in high-pressure situations.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field, from an accredited institution.
• Proven experience managing teams of engineers or Process Owners.
• Deep knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes, such as CNC machining, composites, and special treatments.
• Strong understanding of AS9100 and NADCAP certification requirements.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor Process Owners responsible for investment-casting manufacturing processes, including wax, shell, casting, heat treat, core removal, braze, and post-cast processing.
• Define short- and long-term goals and vision for each process to improve compliance, process control, scrap and rework, cost, and operational support.
• Set performance measures and KPIs for Process Owners and track progress against productivity and quality goals.
• Define KOVs and KIVs for each process and drive improvements that reduce scrap and rework across product lines.
• Increase the utilization of data science and AI for process control.
• Serve as the overall authority for process control and ensure manufacturing steps adhere to engineering requirements and AS9100/NADCAP compliance.
• Implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) and real-time monitoring to ensure process stability.
• Identify root causes of scrap and rework and implement corrective actions.
• Lead and support capital expenditure projects from concept through production release.
• Lead process improvement projects for scrap/rework reduction, cost reduction, and cycle-time reduction using Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
• Support the transition from traditional manufacturing to advanced methods.
• Develop business continuity plans for plant equipment and process readiness.
• Collaborate with Business Unit Process Owners to share and adopt best practices across global locations, maximizing first-pass quality and output.
• Communicate customer specifications and serve as a technical point of contact for requirements internally and externally.
• Facilitate creative problem-solving, continuous improvement, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and the removal of organizational barriers.
• Mentor and coach associates, promote learning, and educate others on technical requirements.
• Communicate expectations, capabilities, and limitations clearly; manage conflict and influence cross-functional teams.
• Focus on measurable business outcomes, quality, customer demand, and adapting to changing operational needs.

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 and a separate employer retirement contribution.
• Paid holidays and vacation time, subject to applicable policies.
• Paid parental leave.
• 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: Manager