Demo

Manufacturing Engineer - Cost Specialist

Howmet Aerospace
La Porte, IN Full Time
POSTED ON 7/22/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/20/2026
Responsibilities

We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer with a strong automotive background who is ready to bring their expertise into a new industry. This role is ideal for an engineer who understands high‑volume production, cost‑driven decision‑making, and disciplined process control — and is looking to apply those strengths in a fresh environment with new challenges and technologies.

If you excel at building the cost of manufacturing a component from the ground up, optimizing processes, and driving measurable improvements, you’ll thrive here.

Role Overview

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will take ownership of production processes, cost structures, and continuous improvement initiatives for a key product area. You’ll apply your automotive experience — including workflow optimization, cost modeling, and quality‑focused engineering — to help us strengthen efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall manufacturing performance.

This role is perfect for someone who wants to broaden their industry experience while still leveraging the technical and financial skills developed in automotive manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

Costing & Financial Insight

  • Build complete manufacturing cost models for components, including labor, materials, equipment, tooling, overhead, and process flow.
  • Analyze cost drivers and identify opportunities for reduction through process changes, tooling improvements, workflow adjustments, or sourcing strategies.
  • Support leadership with clear, data‑based cost insights to guide investment decisions and operational priorities.
  • Partner with cross‑functional teams to validate cost assumptions and ensure alignment with production realities.

Process Improvement & Optimization

  • Evaluate current manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, throughput, and consistency.
  • Apply automotive‑grade problem‑solving and continuous improvement methods to reduce waste and strengthen process reliability.
  • Lead improvement projects focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
  • Support the development of standard work, process documentation, and training materials.

Production Support & Daily Operations

  • Provide hands‑on engineering support to resolve production issues and maintain stable operations.
  • Collaborate with operations, quality, maintenance, and supply chain to ensure smooth workflow and timely issue resolution.
  • Monitor key performance indicators and help teams understand daily progress toward goals.

Tooling, Equipment & New Technology

  • Support tooling and equipment improvements that enhance quality, reduce cost, or simplify production.
  • Participate in equipment evaluations, vendor discussions, and implementation of new technologies.
  • Assist with capital project justification through cost modeling and operational impact analysis.

Cross‑Industry Adaptation

  • Translate automotive best practices into new manufacturing environments.
  • Bring fresh perspective to process discipline, cost control, and high‑volume production methodologies.
  • Help build stronger systems, documentation, and workflows by applying proven automotive approaches.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
  • 5 years of manufacturing engineering experience, preferably in automotive or other high‑volume production
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing cost structures and component cost modeling
  • Experience with process improvement, workflow optimization, and structured problem‑solving
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings and understand manufacturing requirements
  • Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills
  • 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.
  • 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.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience transitioning between industries or supporting diverse product lines
  • Background in tooling, fixtures, or equipment improvement
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies
  • Strong financial literacy and comfort presenting cost‑based recommendations

About Us

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. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, 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 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report . Follow: LinkedIn , Twitter , Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube .

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email TalentAcquisitionCoE_Howmet@howmet.com

Salary.com Estimation for Manufacturing Engineer - Cost Specialist in La Porte, IN
$87,938 to $103,858
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Manufacturing Engineer - Cost Specialist?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Manufacturing Engineer - Cost Specialist career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$87,269 - $103,648
Income Estimation: 
$107,004 - $128,710
Income Estimation: 
$102,830 - $126,611
Income Estimation: 
$105,325 - $132,008
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Howmet Aerospace

  • Howmet Aerospace Winsted, CT
  • Responsibilities Launch Your Career in Aerospace Manufacturing! Howmet Aerospace is seeking motivated individuals to join our team as Inspectors / FPI Trai... more
  • 10 Days Ago

  • Howmet Aerospace Lakeville, CT
  • Responsibilities Aerospace Machine Operator Competitive Pay • Paid Training • Sign-on Bonus • Shift Differential • Overtime Available Start Your Aerospace ... more
  • 10 Days Ago

  • Howmet Aerospace Mauston, WI
  • Responsibilities Howmet Fastening Systems is looking for a Human Resources Manager. This position has responsibility for all human resources functions with... more
  • 10 Days Ago

  • Howmet Aerospace Dover, NJ
  • Responsibilities Howmet Engines is a world-class producer of aero engine and industrial gas turbine components, including airfoils, rings, disks and forgin... more
  • 10 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Manufacturing Engineer - Cost Specialist jobs in the La Porte, IN area that may be a better fit.

  • Tire Rack South Bend, IN
  • Employment Type Full-Time Location South Bend, IN (On-Site) Department Purchasing Schedule Monday-Friday, 800 a.m. - 500 p.m. (Additional hours, including ... more
  • 10 Days Ago

  • Manufacturing Technology, INC. (MTI) South Bend, IN
  • Control Systems Engineer for Complex Friction Welding Machines South Bend, Indiana - Full Time Location: South Bend, IN Job Type: Onsite, In-Person, Full-T... more
  • 13 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!