Sr. Engineering Manager

Howmet Aerospace • Fullerton, CA

4d • $170,000 - $210,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Senior Engineering Manager at its Fullerton, California location. Under the direction of the Site Director of Operations, this role leads the engineering function in support of the Fullerton Operations’ strategic and operational objectives. The manager fosters a customer-focused mindset, operational excellence, continuous improvement, and advanced problem-solving across the engineering organization.

The Senior Engineering Manager develops engineering strategies to improve product quality, manufacturing capability, productivity, and reliability while meeting customer expectations and supporting business growth. The role also mentors and develops engineering leaders and team members, strengthens technical expertise, and promotes accountability, innovation, and collaboration. It oversees engineering teams and projects, capital planning and execution, manufacturing technology integration, and alignment with customer requirements, regulatory standards, and aerospace specifications.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field and 8–10 years of engineering experience, including progressive leadership responsibility in manufacturing environments. Aerospace manufacturing experience is preferred. The role involves lifting or moving up to 30 pounds and standing for long periods.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of engineering experience, including progressive leadership responsibility in manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams and driving operational improvements in manufacturing.
• Strong leadership capability and experience mentoring and developing engineering leaders and technical teams.
• Advanced problem-solving skills using structured methodologies.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives that improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Strategic thinking and ability to translate business objectives into engineering execution.
• Strong communication and influence skills for engaging senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze and interpret technical, operational, and regulatory information and translate it into actionable strategies.
• Demonstrated experience leading continuous improvement initiatives that produce measurable operational results.
• Project management capability, including experience managing capital projects and engineering initiatives in manufacturing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and aerospace manufacturing specifications.
• Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes such as stamping, heading, machining, grinding, heat treatment, coatings, and secondary operations.
• Ability to lift or move up to 30 pounds, subject to EHS policies.
• Ability to stand for long periods.

Nice To Haves

• Aerospace manufacturing experience.
• Experience in aerospace fasteners manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading capital investment projects and manufacturing modernization initiatives.
• Advanced certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or related operational excellence methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the engineering organization, including engineering managers and technical staff, ensuring technical capability, accountability, and professional growth.
• Build a customer-focused engineering culture aligned with internal and external customer expectations.
• Provide strategic leadership for engineering initiatives supporting safety, quality, delivery, cost, and operational excellence.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, EHS, and other cross-functional teams to improve manufacturing performance and support production goals.
• Lead engineering problem-solving using structured methodologies, including root cause analysis, Lean manufacturing tools, and Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Champion continuous improvement to enhance productivity, equipment reliability, manufacturing capability, and cost efficiency.
• Oversee capital planning, justification, purchasing, and execution to support capacity expansion, process improvements, and manufacturing technology modernization.
• Manage and prioritize engineering projects in alignment with site objectives, timelines, and budget constraints.
• Integrate new manufacturing technologies and capital equipment to support operational performance and long-term strategic growth.
• Promote safety, accountability, and operational discipline to support an incident-free workplace.
• Mentor engineering managers and engineers to develop leadership capability, technical expertise, and problem-solving skills.
• Ensure engineering processes support customer requirements, regulatory standards, and aerospace industry specifications.
• Communicate engineering performance, project status, and strategic initiatives to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Build, develop, and mentor high-performing engineering teams; establish performance expectations; lead talent development and succession planning; conduct performance evaluations and coaching; support recruitment and onboarding; address employee relations issues; and ensure compliance with company policies and operational priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 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.
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs.
• Life insurance and disability coverage plans.
• Optional auto, home, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance coverage plans.
• Tuition Assistance Program and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Career progression opportunities, community engagement activities, and flexible schedules contingent upon role and location.

What This Job Offers

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