Process Engineer - Casting Process Owner

Howmet - La Porte, IN

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - La Porte, IN

Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing

About the position

Howmet Aerospace is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company is focused on transforming the aerospace and transportation sectors by engineering the next generation of sustainable travel. The LaPorte, Indiana facility, which is state-of-the-art in investment casting, is seeking a Process Engineer - Casting Process Owner. This facility plays a crucial role in supplying jet engine components to some of the most trusted names in the aerospace industry, located conveniently between South Bend and Chicago along the shores of Lake Michigan. The Process Engineer will be responsible for monitoring and improving the vacuum investment casting process. This role includes supporting manufacturing through process control and improvement initiatives, ensuring the integrity of the product, and maintaining both external and internal customer contacts. The engineer will be involved in various tasks such as supporting manufacturing in the processing of castings, maintaining customer relationships, reviewing specifications and work instructions, training casting technicians, and providing direction during processing interruptions. Additionally, the engineer will conduct statistical analysis to ensure control of key input variables and maintain process records while ensuring adherence to all specifications. This position also requires serving as the quality designee for releasing equipment to production after prescribed testing, and performing other related duties as assigned. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering, particularly in materials science or metallurgical engineering, and will be expected to contribute to the continuous improvement of processes within the facility.

Responsibilities

• Support manufacturing in the processing of castings through all operations.
• Maintain customer relationships through joint resolution of issues.
• Review specifications and work instructions for mold wrap, mold preheat, casting, and post cast cooling processes.
• Train and accredit departmental casting technicians.
• Provide direction to manufacturing in the event of interrupted or incomplete processing of material.
• Guide Maintenance and Instrumentation technicians on acceptable repair and calibration for process acceptance.
• Conduct statistical analysis to ensure control of currently identified key input variables and determine future variables.
• Maintain and improve process records.
• Ensure adherence to all process specifications.
• Serve as the quality designee for releasing equipment to production after prescribed testing.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A minimum of a four-year engineering degree is required, preferably in Materials Science Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering.
• A minimum of three years' experience in molten metal processing, with preference given to precision casting processes.
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with third party quality system accreditation programs (e.g. ISO, Nadcap).
• Familiarity with nickel based super-alloy metallurgy.
• Knowledge of MS Office and excellent written & oral communication skills.
• Ability to work in a self-directed or team environment with good organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis including statistical tools (Mini-Tab, SAS JMP, SAS EG, etc.).
• Six Sigma Experience (preferably a minimum of a green belt), Lean Manufacturing experience is a plus.
• Strong analytical abilities.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Free access to Employee Assistance Program's services such as counseling, legal consulting, childcare, and convenience services.