Process Control Engineering Leader - Plant 10

Howmet Aerospace•Whitehall, MI

About The Position

We are seeking a Process Control Leader to drive excellence across our manufacturing processes. This position is responsible for overseeing the performance of key manufacturing processes, managing the team of Process Owners, and ensuring all manufacturing processes meet stringent aerospace quality standards (AS9100, NADCAP). The Process Control Leader will define process control and improvement strategies, define and monitor KIVs and KOVs, and ensure that process control is maintained, driving standardization and reducing variability in a high-pressure manufacturing environment. Key Responsibilities Lead and mentor a team of Process Owners responsible for specific manufacturing processes in the investment castings science areas (wax, shell, casting, heat treat, core removal, braze, post cast processing). Define the short and long term goals and vision for each process (Hoshin) to ensure compliance, improve control, reduce scrap and rework, improve cost, and support operations. Set performance measures and KPIs for Process Owners, tracking progress against productivity and quality goals. Define KOVs and KIVs for each process and drive improvement to reduce scrap and rework across the product lines. Grow the utilization of data science and AI for process control. Act as the overall authority for process control, ensuring all manufacturing steps adhere to engineering requirements and AS9100/NADCAP compliance. Implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) and real-time monitoring to ensure process stability. Drive down scrap and rework rates by identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions Lead and support capex projects from concept though production release. Lead process improvement projects (Scrap/Rework Reduction, Cost Reduction, 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. Work in collaboration with Business Unit Process Owners to share and adopt best practices between global locations focused on maximizing first-pass quality and output. Job Roles Customer liaison --understands and communicates customer specifications; possesses both technical expertise and communication ability to ensure alignment and understanding with customer; serves as first point of contact for technical requirements internally and externally Creative facilitator --solves problems creatively and creates environment in which others can exercise creative solutions; fosters continuous improvement; pushes boundaries of technology, processes and techniques Boundary spanner --takes initiative across disciplines, operations and the campus; makes sacrifices so that other areas can be successful; practices holistic thinking and acts intentionally to collaborate; eliminates barriers and silos Developer --mentors and coaches both senior and junior level associates; prepares others for success; stimulates learning and contribution from teams; educates others on technical requirements Communication --able to have difficult conversations diplomatically; helps others understand expectations, capabilities and limitations; able to make the complex simple; provides detail where necessary Influence --creates an engaging environment; advocates for the business; maintains approachability; deals with conflict effectively Business minded --focused on things that drive quantifiable business outcomes; ensures quality; manages customer demand and sets boundaries where necessary Adaptable --copes well with change; addresses distractions and issues quickly; handles the unexpected without losing sight of important objectives

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution
5+ years of experience in manufacturing

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 (e.g., CNC machining, composites, special treatments)
Strong understanding of AS9100 and NADCAP certification requirements
Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt preferred
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with all levels of the organization
Strong ability to lead, motivate, and influence cross-functional teams
High level of judgment to handle complex technical and operational problems
Ability to act with composure and confidence in high-pressure situations

Responsibilities

Lead and mentor a team of Process Owners responsible for specific manufacturing processes in the investment castings science areas (wax, shell, casting, heat treat, core removal, braze, post cast processing).
Define the short and long term goals and vision for each process (Hoshin) to ensure compliance, improve control, reduce scrap and rework, improve cost, and support operations.
Set performance measures and KPIs for Process Owners, tracking progress against productivity and quality goals.
Define KOVs and KIVs for each process and drive improvement to reduce scrap and rework across the product lines.
Grow the utilization of data science and AI for process control.
Act as the overall authority for process control, ensuring all manufacturing steps adhere to engineering requirements and AS9100/NADCAP compliance.
Implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) and real-time monitoring to ensure process stability.
Drive down scrap and rework rates by identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions
Lead and support capex projects from concept though production release.
Lead process improvement projects (Scrap/Rework Reduction, Cost Reduction, 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.
Work in collaboration with Business Unit Process Owners to share and adopt best practices between global locations focused on maximizing first-pass quality and output.