Manufacturing Engineer - Entry Level, Continuous Improvement

Manufacturing Engineer - Entry Level, Continuous Improvement Job Info

• Job Identification 115648
• Job Category Engineering
• Posting Date 01/08/2026, 01:51 PM
• Locations 1110 East Lincoln Way, Laporte, IN, , US (On-site)
• Job Schedule Full time
• Export-Controlled Data This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items

Under the direction of the Manager - Continuous Improvement, this position is responsible for supporting and assisting 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. Correspondingly, the incumbent coordinates and leads a wide range of activities that are designed to improve on-time delivery, productivity, quality, cost, safety, and environmental performance.

This position does not directly supervise other personnel. Additionally, this position supports Operations Supervisors, Area Leads, and Plant Managers.

This position is located 20 minutes from beautiful Lake Michigan in La Porte, Indiana. Popular neighboring cities include New Buffalo, Michigan City, Valparaiso, South Bend, and Chicago, Illinois is just over a one-hour drive!

Key Objectives

• Work out of the La Porte, IN site as part of a team to reduce executional scrap
• Complete time studies in various processes and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Perform shopfloor observations, working with Manufacturing employees to document current and target conditions. Eliminate non-value-added activities while working on scrap reduction activities.
• 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.)
• Coordinate with resource departments within the assigned locations to fabricate, install, and implement improvements to drive waste down and increase efficiency and output.
• Collaborate in Kaizen activities, problem solving, and rapid improvement process events with both internal and external consultants, customers, and suppliers. This includes providing support to sustain all follow-throughs required to sustain the improvements initiated during those events, especially those concentrated on local improvement.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Job Dimensions:

The incumbent will possess:

• Willingness to work with shop floor employees, interview, and document current conditions
• Strong interpersonal skills requiring the ability to resolve conflicting interests and obtain cooperation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills: able to develop and use structured approaches to identify root causes and recommend resolutions
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously to meet objectives and key deadlines

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited university
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and Power Point
• 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:

• Previous work experience in a manufacturing environment is highly desired
• Exceptional Excel Spreadsheet creation, macros, and related data analysis skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Willing to spend time on the manufacturing shopfloor to learn and interact with employees
• Teamwork and go-getting attitude
• Good analytical/statistical problem-solving skills

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.…