Cold Forming Manufacturing Engineer
Howmet Aerospace · Waco, TX
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Travel
- 50%
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 10+ years
- Certification
- Green Belt preferred
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 29 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level manufacturing role at Howmet Aerospace (aerospace & defense) in Waco, TX. Develop, optimize, and validate machining and cold forming processes for high-volume production.
- They ask for
- 10+ years · degree required · Green Belt preferred
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Green Belt, Root cause, SPC, PPAP
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage · about 50% travel
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Manufacturing Engineer roles in Texas: typical posted base $79k–$132k.
Median of the low and high ends of 31 live postings that list pay, out of 171 manufacturing engineer openings in Texas, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Texas plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 170 other live manufacturing postings in Texas.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- More than usual (10+ vs 5+)
Typical $79k–$132k, from 31 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Tooling 57%
- ✓ Root cause 52%
- Automation 42%
- ✓ New product launch 42%
- ✓ Lean 41%
- ✓ Six Sigma 28%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Green Belt, PPAP, DOE, CNC, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at Howmet Aerospace
We found 1 person at this company and state: 1 in this kind of role. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Michael → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- The posting says about 50% travel. Between which sites?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Howmet Aerospace in Waco
1 other open role at this site · 1 person we found in manufacturing roles at Howmet Aerospace.
- Production Technician I - Blind Products 2nd or 3rd Shift · Production · Technician
Full description from Howmet AerospaceAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Job Summary
The Advanced Manufacturing Engineer (Machining & Cold Forming) is responsible for developing, optimizing, and supporting high-volume metal manufacturing processes across multiple manufacturing sites and supplier locations. This role focuses on CNC machining, cold forming, cold heading, rolling, extrusion, and secondary operations. The position requires up to 75% travel to support plant launches, process improvements, tooling validation, and supplier development.
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓Knowledge of steels, alloys, heat treatment, and surface coatings.
- ✓Experience working with global suppliers or international manufacturing plants.
- ✓Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Machining & Cold Forming Process Engineering
- •Develop, optimize, and validate machining and cold forming processes for high-volume production.
- •Establish process windows using DOE, SPC, and capability studies (Cp/Cpk).
- •Analyze forming loads, material flow, tool wear, and machining performance to improve quality and throughput.
- •Support on-site troubleshooting of production issues at domestic and international manufacturing locations.
Tooling & Equipment
- •Specify, design, and qualify forming dies, punches, rolls, fixtures, and machining tooling.
- •Lead on-site die verifications/tests, machine acceptance, and production ramp-ups.
- •Work directly with OEMs and tool shops to commission new equipment and debug tooling.
- •Drive tool life improvement and maintenance strategies across multiple facilities.
New Product Introduction (NPI)
- •Support NPI activities across multiple plants, including feasibility reviews and process selection.
- •Lead pilot builds, PPAP/FAI, and production launches on-site.
- •Ensure manufacturing readiness through standardized processes and documentation.
Quality & Continuous Improvement
- •Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for machining and forming defects.
- •Implement Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce scrap, variation, and downtime.
- •Standardize best practices across sites through process documentation and training.
Materials & Supplier Development
- •Partner with material suppliers on wire, bar, heat treatment, and coatings.
- •Conduct supplier process audits and capability assessments.
- •Support sourcing decisions and cost-reduction initiatives through technical expertise.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- •Provide hands-on technical support to operations, maintenance, and quality teams.
- •Train operators and engineers during launches and process changes.
- •Act as a technical liaison between plants, suppliers, and corporate engineering.
- •Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, mechanical, or industrial engineering (or similar disciplines).
- •10+ years of experience in machining and/or cold forming environments.
- •Experience with high-volume cold heading, progressive forming, or precision machining.
- •Strong understanding of metal forming physics, machining fundamentals, and tooling.
- •Proven experience supporting production in multi-site or supplier-facing roles.
- •Willingness and ability to travel 50%-75%, including extended on-site assignments.
Work Environment & Travel
- •50--75% travel required to manufacturing plants, tool shops, and supplier locations.
- •Hands-on, shop-floor–focused role with extended time on-site during launches and issue resolution.
- •Remaining time split between home office and engineering documentation.
Our Story
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 .
If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email: TalentAcquisitionCoE_Howmet@howmet.com