Job Summary
The Advanced Manufacturing Engineer (Machining & Cold Forming) is responsible for developing, optimizing, and supporting high-volume metal manufacturing processes across multiple manufacturing sites and supplier locations. This role focuses on CNC machining, cold forming, cold heading, rolling, extrusion, and secondary operations. The position requires up to 75% travel to support plant launches, process improvements, tooling validation, and supplier development.
Responsibilities
Machining & Cold Forming Process Engineering
- Develop, optimize, and validate machining and cold forming processes for high-volume production.
- Establish process windows using DOE, SPC, and capability studies (Cp/Cpk).
- Analyze forming loads, material flow, tool wear, and machining performance to improve quality and throughput.
- Support on-site troubleshooting of production issues at domestic and international manufacturing locations.
Tooling & Equipment
- Specify, design, and qualify forming dies, punches, rolls, fixtures, and machining tooling.
- Lead on-site die verifications/tests, machine acceptance, and production ramp-ups.
- Work directly with OEMs and tool shops to commission new equipment and debug tooling.
- Drive tool life improvement and maintenance strategies across multiple facilities.
New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Support NPI activities across multiple plants, including feasibility reviews and process selection.
- Lead pilot builds, PPAP/FAI, and production launches on-site.
- Ensure manufacturing readiness through standardized processes and documentation.
Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for machining and forming defects.
- Implement Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce scrap, variation, and downtime.
- Standardize best practices across sites through process documentation and training.
Materials & Supplier Development
- Partner with material suppliers on wire, bar, heat treatment, and coatings.
- Conduct supplier process audits and capability assessments.
- Support sourcing decisions and cost-reduction initiatives through technical expertise.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Provide hands-on technical support to operations, maintenance, and quality teams.
- Train operators and engineers during launches and process changes.
Act as a technical liaison between plants, suppliers, and corporate engineering.
Qualifications- Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, mechanical, or industrial engineering (or similar disciplines).
- 10+ years of experience in machining and/or cold forming environments.
- Strong understanding of metal forming physics, machining fundamentals, and tooling.
- Proven experience supporting production in multi-site or supplier-facing roles.
- Willingness and ability to travel 50%-75%, including extended on-site assignments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with high-volume cold heading, progressive forming, or precision machining.
- Knowledge of steels, alloys, heat treatment, and surface coatings.
- Experience working with global suppliers or international manufacturing plants.
- Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent.
Work Environment & Travel
- 75% travel required to manufacturing plants, tool shops, and supplier locations.
- Hands-on, shop-floor–focused role with extended time on-site during launches and issue resolution.
- Remaining time split between home office and engineering documentation.
Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report. Follow: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email [email protected]
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, mechanical, or industrial engineering
- 10+ years of experience in machining and/or cold forming environments
- Strong understanding of metal forming physics and tooling
- Proven experience supporting production in multi-site or supplier-facing roles
- Willingness and ability to travel 50%-75%
Howmet Aerospace Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Howmet Aerospace and has not been reviewed or approved by Howmet Aerospace.
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Retirement Support — Retirement contributions include an automatic employer contribution plus a strong dollar‑for‑dollar 401(k) match for eligible U.S. salaried employees, enhancing total compensation. Feedback highlights retirement benefits as a relative strength compared with many large manufacturers.
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Healthcare Strength — Core health coverage includes medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA/FSA options, and feedback suggests the health plans are viewed positively. Health coverage is frequently characterized as solid and reliable.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered decent or competitive in many roles and locations, with hourly positions often able to lift earnings through overtime. Feedback indicates salary ranges for common technical roles align with broader aerospace manufacturing markets.
Howmet Aerospace Insights
What We Do
Howmet Aerospace Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company’s primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, and titanium structural parts necessary for mission-critical performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications, as well as forged wheels for commercial transportation. With nearly 1,150 granted and pending patents, the Company’s differentiated technologies enable lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft to operate with a lower carbon footprint.
