Tooling Manufacturing Engineer

Responsibilities

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer in our Fullerton, CA location. 

Summary  

The Tooling and Manufacturing Engineer II is responsible for supporting production through the design and implementation of tooling, die progressions, and manufacturing processes. This role focuses on cold stamping and forming of sheet metal from specialty materials such as Stainless Steel (A286), ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards while driving efficiency and continuous improvement. This role reports to the Senior Engineering Manager with a dotted line to the Operations Manager.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conduct process control studies to create optimal process parameters translating to standard and rework procedures for production/processing methods and controls.
• Conduct process capability studies on machines, gauges, and human factors.
• Continuously search for methods and techniques to reduce effort required to set up machines and improve tooling efficiency.
• Design and develop tooling, die designs, and progressions for cold stamping and forming of sheet metal from specialty materials such as Stainless Steel (A286).
• Review and analyze blueprints, product drawings, specifications, and proposals to develop press and forming tooling.
• Create and maintain design drawings, bill of materials, technical specifications, and related engineering documentation for all tooling used in forming processes.
• Utilize 3D modeling and drafting software such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks for creation of assembly and detailed design drawings.
• Analyze part progressions using simulation software (e.g., DEFORM) to refine forming process design.
• Identify quality assurance needs such as tolerance requirements, surface finish, and material microstructure.
• Work with tool room machinists and operators for prototype tooling fabrication, testing, evaluation, and validation.
• Integrate resources in the manufacturing environment and interface with upstream/downstream process experts (e.g., tool room, heat treat, threading).
• Recommend and implement improvements or modifications in sequence of operations, equipment utilization, and related matters.
• Monitor assigned operations to assure compliance with approved methods and quality/safety standards.
• Provide input for manufacturing tooling, fixture, and machine design emphasis.
• Investigate and resolve work-in-process problems and collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Operations departments.
• Assist with the dispositioning of work when required through the quality management system.
• Provide manufacturing support including weekend and second shift coverage at month end. Working hours may exceed a 40-hour week as required.
• Work safely by adhering to relevant EH&S procedures and proper use of PPE.
• Keep work area clean, safe, and in an orderly fashion daily.
• Perform other tasks of equal or less skill as required.

Essential Skills:

• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing theories, methodologies, standards, and tools.
• Ability to utilize Lean tools to generate meaningful, quantified improvement in cost reduction, efficiency, inventory, cycle/lead times, quality, reliability, delivery, or safety.
• Proficiency with GD&T requirements and standard inspection methods.
• Understanding of product tolerance stack-ups and datum structures in the context of designing tooling and fixtures.
• Understanding manufacturing methods including stamping, heading, milling, turning, grinding, honing, die polishing, gauging, heat treating, coatings, etc.
• Understanding materials such as titanium, tool steels, stainless steels and their behavior during forming and machining processes.
• Experience in design of experimentation, data collection, statistical analysis, and clear/concise presentation of results.
• High standard of documentation and record keeping maintaining organizational engineering and tool design specifications.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing and tooling design.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products.
• Experience working with ERP systems, preferably Syteline, Oracle, or QAD.
• Experience in CAD software, preferably good working level in SolidWorks.
• Knowledgeable in blueprint reading and GD&T requirements and standard inspection methods.
• Knowledge of material science and stress/strain analysis desirable.
• 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. 

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• The employee is responsible to maintain fitness-for-duty while holding the above-described position and should be able to perform the essential tasks of the position in a safe, appropriate and effective manner. 
• This refers to the physical, mental and emotional duties of the job. 
• Reaching above and below, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and bending. 
• The employee must occasionally lift / carry / move up to 25 pounds.
• Needs a high degree of concentration in a busy office environment. 
• Need to be able to wear safety steel toe shoes and walk around at shop floor environment as needed.  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prefer the bachelor’s degree is in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering
• Prior experience in Tool Design for Cold or Warm Heading.
• Experience in the metal forming industry.
• Experience with conventional toolroom machines (Lathes, Milling, and screw machines).
• Experience working with Tool Room Specialists/Machinists in fabrication of dies, punches, knock-out pins, etc.
• The salary range for this position is $ 74,000- $115,000.  

About UsHowmet 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 $7.4 Billion in revenue in 2024, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2024 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report. Follow: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.