Airfoils Automation Engineer - Whitehall, MI

Job Description

Job Description

The Automation Engineer will be in our Howmet Research Center in Whitehall, Michigan as part of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Group . 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.

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

Basic Qualifications

• BS Degree in the following disciplines: Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering or Engineering Technology.
• 25-50% Travel to other Howmet facilities
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• 1-3 years’ experience working with controls/programming robotics.
• 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).

Howmet Aerospace, 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. Howmet Aerospace is transforming the next phase of more fuel-efficient, quieter aerospace engines and sustainable ground transportation. For more information, visit