Howmet Aerospace · 11 hours ago
Continuous Improvement - Manufacturing Engineer
One Misco Drive, Whitehall, MI, 49461-1799, US
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
2+ years expHowmet Aerospace is a leading company in the manufacturing sector, and they are seeking a Continuous Improvement - Manufacturing Engineer. This role involves supporting the Continuous Improvement Organization by analyzing production flow, reducing cycle times, and implementing manufacturing improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance.
AerospaceManufacturingTransportation
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Under the direction of the VP of Continuous Improvement, this position is responsible for supporting the Continuous Improvement Organization (Business Unit and Manufacturing Plants) as “boots on the ground” in the organization, planning, implementation, and follow-through of manufacturing improvement initiatives
The incumbent will focus on analyzing production flow and output, reducing cycle times, and identifying/removing bottlenecks that limit performance
In addition, this role will review financial data to identify where dollars are not flowing through the department and use that information to drive action
Correspondingly, the incumbent coordinates and leads a wide range of activities designed to improve on-time delivery, productivity, quality, cost, safety, and environmental performance
This position does not directly supervise personnel but supports Operations Supervisors, Area Leads, and Plant Managers
Complete detailed shop floor observations to assess current processes and understand how work is being performed
Partner with operations and operators to analyze flow output and identify process bottlenecks that limit efficiency and throughput
Collaborate with teams to implement changes that improve cycle times and enhance overall operational performance
Utilize financial data to identify the constraint, and areas where performance gaps impact earnings and target shopfloor operational improvements accordingly
Travel to various locations as necessary to participate in the Howmet Business System implementation of continuous improvement initiatives and drive waste reductions utilizing Lean principles (JIT, Autonomation, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, Line/Cell Design, Single Piece Flow, Material Flow, Visual Management, SMED, TPM, Root Cause Problem Solving, etc.)
Develop value stream maps of key processes and product flows, identifying opportunities to eliminate constraints and create target conditions with action plans that improve both operational and financial results
Facilitate kaizen, problem solving, and rapid improvement events with both internal and external consultants, customers, and suppliers, including sustaining all follow-throughs required to maintain improvements
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
At least two years of experience in manufacturing environment, Operational excellence, knowledge of Continuous process improvement methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma
Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited institution
Willingness to spend time on the manufacturing shop floor to learn and interact with employees
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
U.S. person status (required under ITAR)
Demonstrated experience in manufacturing improvement techniques, including flow principles, Kanban, and PFEP
Expertise in value stream mapping and associated improvement methodologies
Ability to evaluate TAKT time vs. cycle time, determine work area constraints, and identify bottlenecks
Experience using financial and operational data together to identify improvement opportunities
Experience on the shop floor, working with employees, and enhancing manufacturing processes
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to resolve conflicts and obtain cooperation
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills: able to use structured approaches to identify root causes and recommend resolutions
Demonstrated project leadership and project management skills, with ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
Preferred
Exceptional Excel skills (spreadsheet creation, macros, and data analysis)
Three or more years of related experience
Bachelor's in industrial engineering
Company
Howmet Aerospace
Howmet Aerospace produces jet engine components, aerospace fasteners, and forged wheels for aerospace and defense applications.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1B2025-11-03Post Ipo Debt· $500M
2024-08-08Post Ipo Debt· $500M
2016-10-21IPO
Leadership Team
Lola Lin
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary
Jarrod Veal
Senior Human Resources Business Partner
Recent News
2026-01-11
Benzinga.com
2026-01-04
Company data provided by crunchbase