Howmet Aerospace

Automation Engineer

Howmet Aerospace • $80K — $95K *
Whitehall, MI 49461In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering or Engineering Technology.
  • At least two years of automation experience.
  • Willingness to travel 25-50% to various Howmet facilities.
  • 2-3 years working with controls/programming robotics in industrial automation settings (preferred).
  • Proficiency in robot programming and troubleshooting robotic systems logic.

Responsibilities

  • Develop, implement, and program new advanced manufacturing equipment and automation.
  • Support and develop automation technicians across multiple facilities.
  • Enhance existing processes by collaborating with engineering and manufacturing teams.
  • Coordinate robotic service visits to ensure optimal operation.
  • Lead the Software Control tasks for automation systems.
  • Create troubleshooting guides for plant technicians to assist in problem-solving.
  • Integrate ADR systems with robotics, PLCs, and other automation technologies for seamless operations.
  • Analyze inspection data trends to improve detection accuracy and reduce false positives.
  • Identify and rectify bottlenecks in inspection and automation workflows for improved efficiency.
  • Conduct system validation and calibration for compliance with quality standards.
  • Maintain technical documentation in alignment with automotive and NDT standards.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on automation and data-driven quality.

Benefits

  • Exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing technology and advanced automation solutions.
  • Opportunity for professional development and skill enhancement in automation and robotics.
  • Cross-functional collaboration with various teams in different facilities.
  • Involvement in continuous improvement initiatives aligned with Lean and Six Sigma principles.
  • Access to technical training and resources for problem-solving and system integration.
Full Job Description
Responsibilities

The Automation Engineer: This position will support projects for all of Howmet Engines business. This role will be responsible for developing and programming new manufacturing technology. In addition, this position will be responsible for supporting current technology in use at various Howmet Plants. They will work with design teams, plant automation technicians, operators, and vendors. This position will follow through the build phase and implementation of equipment into production including establishing PM's and critical spare parts.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Development, implementation, and programming of new advanced manufacturing equipment and automation.
  • Provide support and development of automation technicians across multiple Howmet facilities.
  • Support engineering and manufacturing teams to improve existing processes.
  • Coordinate robotic service visits.
  • Responsible for Software Control.
  • Developing troubleshooting guides for plant technicians.
  • Automation System Integration- Integrate ADR systems with robotics, PLCs, MES, SCADA, and automotive production lines. Ensure seamless communication between inspection hardware, automation controllers, and quality databases.
  • Inspection Data Analysis - Analyze data trends, defect signatures, and system performance. Develop algorithms or rulesets to improve detection accuracy and reduce false positives.
  • Process Optimization - Identify bottlenecks in inspection and automation workflows. Implement improvements that increase throughput, reduce scrap, and enhance repeatability.
  • Root Cause & Corrective Action - Lead investigations into defect trends, equipment failures, and process deviations using structured problem-solving methodologies.
  • System Validation & Calibration - Conduct validation, calibration, and capability studies for ADR and NDT systems to ensure compliance with automotive quality standards.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration - Partner with Quality, Production, Maintenance, and NDT Level II/III personnel to ensure inspection systems meet operational and regulatory requirements.
  • Documentation & Compliance - Maintain technical documentation, inspection procedures, and compliance records aligned with automotive and NDT standards.
  • Continuous Improvement - Drive initiatives aligned with Lean, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0, focusing on automation, digital inspection, and data-driven quality.

Job Roles
  • Systems thinker--sees the business and its operation holistically; understands actions and reactions; considers multiple pathways of potential effect before decisions; thinks strategically about interventions with an eye toward scale
  • Optimizer--constantly challenging the organization to work smarter; supports others to ensure they have what they need to do their work successfully
  • Anticipation--looks ahead to minimize potential issues and maximize advantages; prepares others for what comes next
  • Operational accelerator--drives continuous improvement; understands ramifications of automation and other advances; advocates for safety, ergonomics and scalable solutions
  • Organization and structure--works within existing structures while striving to improve and standardize them; provides accurate information; galvanizes others toward common goals
  • Influence--leverages knowledge, relationship, data and perspective to persuade, educate and navigate; gains buy in and adoption of ideas and practices at scale; interacts with a variety of stakeholders
  • Data informed--focused on things that drive quantifiable business outcomes; evaluates based on quantitative feedback; knows and explains the "why" behind actions
  • Prioritized reaction--handles the unexpected without losing sight of important objectives; reacts where greatest leverage points exist
  • Relationship--connects individually and with teams across shifts and practices; builds rapport and commonality; creates a "win together" ethic; serves as liaison between shop floor and engineering; keeps the pulse of the floor; helps people feel heard


Qualifications

Basic Qualifications
  • BS Degree in the following disciplines: Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering or Engineering Technology
  • At least two years of automation experience
  • 25-50% travel to other Howmet facilities


Preferred Qualifications
  • 2-3 years working with controls/programming robotics in an Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Engineering environments.
  • Experience in 6 axis articulating arm robotics.
  • Proficiency at robot programming, I/O management, and troubleshooting robotic systems logic.
  • Experience trouble-shooting robotic mechanical and electrical systems including pneumatics, sensors, tooling, measurement feedback systems, and basic design robustness.
  • Proficient in off-line programming environments.
  • Basic understanding of controls and servo systems.
  • Basic understanding of tooling and fixture design.
  • Experience with Programmable logic Controllers (PLC).

About Howmet Aerospace

Howmet Aerospace is a global leader in engineered metal products. The company provides aerospace components, such as jet engine and industrial gas turbine components, as well as forged wheels for commercial transportation. Howmet Aerospace has a strong focus on research and development, and has been awarded numerous patents for its innovative products and processes. The company has a global presence, with operations in North America, Europe, and Asia. Howmet Aerospace was formerly known as Arconic Inc. and changed its name to Howmet Aerospace Inc. in April 2020.
Learn more about Howmet Aerospace
Size
19,900 employees
Market Cap
$16 billion
Industry
Aerospace & Defense
Net Income
$261 million
5 Year Trend
-16.7%
Revenue
$5.2 billion
NASDAQ
HWM
* Ladders Estimates

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