Automation Engineering Leader

Automation Engineering Leader 125-150k annual salary
Howmet Aerospace | Whitehall, Michigan | On-site | Full time
Location One Misco Drive, Whitehall, MI 49461-1799 (On-site)
Category Engineering
Schedule Full time
Function Robotics & automation leadership, supporting all shifts
Work authorization Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. No visa
sponsorship.
Export control Role involves export-controlled items. Offer conditioned on lawful
access.
The role
Our state-of-the-art investment casting facility in Whitehall, Michigan supplies jet turbine blades to the most
trusted names in aerospace. We're hiring an Automation Engineering Leader to identify new
manufacturing technology and sustain the technology already running in our operations.
You'll be the recognized expert in robotics and automation, owning the end-to-end build, integration, and
commissioning of automation solutions across the campus. You're the first point of contact for automation
requirements, internally and with customers.
What you'll do
• Lead automation initiatives that improve product yield, reduce variation, and cut cost across all shifts
• Develop and implement new advanced manufacturing equipment and automation
• Automate manual processes alongside operators, vendors, and design teams
• Prioritize, guide, and facilitate the Automation Engineering function against organizational goals
• Set standard policies, procedures, and practices so customer requirements are built into the automation
system
• Identify redesign or replacement of failing robotic components to raise Overall Equipment Effectiveness
(OEE)
• Support justification of capital funding requisitions
• Own project management, performance metrics, and software control on all robot programming
• Serve as SPA for developing technician troubleshooting guides
• Drive automation deployment end to end: installation, testing, validation, and transition to production,
with full compliance to safety and cyber standards
• Track performance against KPIs, milestones, and budgets, reporting to the department or plant manager
• Provide leadership and development for automation engineers and technicians
• Drive continuous improvement through post-project reviews and shared best practices
What you bring
Basic requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited institution
• 5+ years of engineering experience
• 1+ year of people leadership experience
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Preferred qualifications
• Bachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering
• 5+ years in an engineering or manufacturing environment
• 3+ years robotics experience, or 5+ years casting experience
• Experience with 6-axis articulating arm robotics
• Troubleshooting mechanical systems: pneumatics, tooling, measurement feedback systems, basic
design robustness
• Basic understanding of controls and servo systems
• Basic understanding of tooling and fixture design
• Able to read mechanical and electrical prints
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Strong mechanical and/or electrical aptitude, and equipment troubleshooting skill
How you'll lead
• Customer liaison. Translate customer specs into aligned understanding, internally and externally.
• Creative facilitator. Solve problems creatively and build an environment where others do the same.
Push the boundaries of technology and process.
• Boundary spanner. Work across disciplines and operations. Eliminate barriers and silos; think
holistically.
• Developer. Mentor and coach senior and junior associates. Prepare others to succeed.
• Communicator. Have hard conversations diplomatically. Make the complex simple.
• Influencer. Create an engaging environment, advocate for the business, handle conflict well.
• Business-minded. Focus on quantifiable outcomes. Ensure quality and manage customer demand.
• Adaptable. Cope with change and handle the unexpected without losing sight of the objective.
About Howmet Aerospace
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 enable fuel efficiency and lightweighting,
contributing to our customers' success and making a positive impact on the world.
Learn more about how Howmet is advancing sustainability in the 2025 Environmental, Social and
Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report.
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 completing your application due to a disability, please email
[email protected].