Automation Specialist

• Locations One Misco Drive, Whitehall, MI, , 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

The
Automation Engineer
:
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.
• Automation System Integration- Integrate ADR systems with robotics, PLCs, MES, SCADA, and automotive production lines. Ensure seamless communication between inspection hardware, automation controllers, and quality databases.
• Inspection Data Analysis
  - Analyze data trends, defect signatures, and system performance. Develop algorithms or rulesets to improve detection accuracy and reduce false positives.
• Process Optimization
  - Identify bottlenecks in inspection and automation workflows. Implement improvements that increase throughput, reduce scrap, and enhance repeatability.
• Root Cause & Corrective Action
  - Lead investigations into defect trends, equipment failures, and process deviations using structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• System Validation & Calibration
  - Conduct validation, calibration, and capability studies for ADR and NDT systems to ensure compliance with automotive quality standards.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  - Partner with Quality, Production, Maintenance, and NDT Level II/III personnel to ensure inspection systems meet operational and regulatory requirements.
• Documentation & Compliance
  - Maintain technical documentation, inspection procedures, and compliance records aligned with automotive and NDT standards.
• Continuous Improvement
  - Drive initiatives aligned with Lean, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0, focusing on automation, digital inspection, and data‑driven quality.

Job Role s

• 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…