What are the responsibilities and job description for the Tooling Specialist III position at Howmet?
- Job Identification 115904
- Job Category Operations
- Posting Date 01/28/2026, 10:28 PM
- Locations 800 S State College, Fullerton, CA, 92831, US (On-site)
- Job Schedule Full time
- Remote Work Schedule Availability? None
- 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
Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Tooling Specialist III - Progressive Die Technician for 2nd shift at our aerospace manufacturing facility in the Fullerton, CA location.
Training for this role will occur on 1st shift for the first 1 - 2 months.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Prepares, sets up and installs large multi-station progressive dies into all types and sizes of punch presses to form, blank or piece metal parts. Technician will be held to established production and quality standards. Incumbent will have control to make some adjustments to the process or machine after tasks are assigned.
- Independently makes complete set up of multi-station progressive dies and sets up all types of punch presses.
- Sets up compound and progressive dies for all types of punch presses when required.
- Works from prints, charts, sketches or oral instruction to rework or convert existing dies or stations to produce new parts.
- Tests to assure proper die clearance and uses templates to positions several dies at once.
- Sets and checks clearances between punches and dies and sets punch and anvil lengths to chart.
- Read prints and uses precision measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers and depth micrometers to check parts for conformance to specifications.
- After set-up, checks parts against drawings to verify compliance for first article.
- Performs S.P.C. charting as required.
- Polishes dies, anvils, punches and other details to produce a high-quality part.
- Troubleshoots strip from progressive die and performs all repairs to eliminate progressive die problems.
- Follows all safety procedures including but not limited Lock/Tag/Verify.
- Will train Die Setters and Operators as necessary or required.
- Parts to be lifted and/or transported may weigh up to 30 lbs.
- Keeps work area clean (and equipment), safe and in an orderly fashion on a daily basis.
- Performs other tasks of equal or lesser skill as required.
Basic Qualifications:
- Minimum 3 years related experience in a repair and maintenance of progressive dies, or equivalent previous experience with a fastener manufacturing company.
- Must have knowledge of tool room equipment including mills, lathes and grinders
- Ability to trouble-shoot and solve problems of the most advanced level.
- Must possess a working knowledge of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and their alloys.
- Ability to read and understand manufacturers drawings, catalogs, and other written or verbal instructions.
- Ability to read and interpret product prints.
- Ability to use inspection gages and instruments
- 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:
- Must be able to lift/move 30 lbs. (may not exceed per EHS policies)
- Must be able to stand for long periods of time
Preferred Qualifications:
- 5 - 7 years' experience in machinery operations and progressive dies
- High school diploma or GED
Benefits/Salary:
The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package available day one of hire, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401k matching program, paid holidays and vacation. Howmet Aerospace curates a strong working environment through opportunities for career progression, community engagement activities, and flexible schedules contingent upon role and location. The salary range for this position is $21.17 -$35.99.