Tooling Specialist III, Machine Build- 1st Shift
Howmet Aerospace · Fullerton, CA
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Experience asked
- 2+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A senior manufacturing role at Howmet Aerospace (aerospace & defense) in Fullerton, CA. At this facility Machine building is responsible for the Design and manufacture of specialized custom automation solutions in support of Aerospace fastener manufacturing.
- They ask for
- 2+ years
- Tools it names
- 5S, PLC, Robotics, Automation, CNC, Extrusion
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Manufacturing Engineer roles in California: typical posted base $112k–$168k.
Median of the low and high ends of 147 live postings that list pay, out of 388 manufacturing engineer openings in California, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 387 other live manufacturing postings in California.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (2+ vs 5+)
Typical $110k–$157k, from 127 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Tooling 52%
- New product launch 47%
- Root cause 38%
- ✓ Automation 35%
- CATIA / NX 27%
- Machining 27%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for 5S, PLC, CNC, Extrusion, 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 2 people at this company and state: 2 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 Ralph → (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?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
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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 Fullerton
8 other open roles at this site · 2 people we found in manufacturing roles at Howmet Aerospace.
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- Quality Manager · Quality · Manager
- Maintenance Technician IV - 1st Shift · Reliability · Technician
- Machine Tech IV- Screw Machine, 1st Shift · Manufacturing · Technician
- Production Supervisor- Heat Treat, 2nd Shift · Production · Supervisor
- Continuous Improvement Engineer · Lean / CI
Full description from Howmet AerospaceAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Produce various machine parts and tooling prints, or from sketches utilizing CNC mills Lathes and surface grinders.
- ◆Produce various machine parts and tooling to prints or from sketches utilizing CNC mills Lathes and surface grinders.
- ◆Make drawings and sketches as needed to produce or reproduce critical tools or components.
- ◆Work accurately to meet precise tolerances of (+ .0005).
- ◆Ability to independently perform precision assembly of new mechanical systems with Limited supervision.
- ◆Disassembly of existing mechanical systems for inspection. Recommend repairs or specify replacement components.
- ◆Machine, assemble, and install machine guarding, utilizing aluminum extrusions (80/20) and polycarbonate sheets to specification.
- ◆Assemble and install Sensors, pneumatics, and electro mechanical devices
- ◆Work with design team and engineers to develop parts and processes for efficient economical manufacturing. Help produce proof of concept models and test fixtures.
- ◆Generate material and supply requests to support assigned work.
- ◆Provide guidance and support for installed systems at sister sites occasionally requiring some local travel.
- ◆Perform Basic preventive maintenance on equipment operated.
- ◆Demonstrate Working knowledge of manufacturing quality processes and principles.
- ◆Keep work area and equipment clean, organized, and safe. Perform and maintain 5s standards to the highest level.
- ◆Perform other tasks of equal or lesser skill as required.
- ◆Share and accept knowledge and feedback with peers in support of team growth and development.
- ◆Engage regularly in conversations for improvements in efficiency, 5S, and productivity. Make recommendations for tools or equipment to streamline performance of assigned tasks.
Basic
Qualifications
- ✓2+ years Machine building or tool-room experience preferred.
- ✓Demonstratable knowledge of operating principles of all common tool room style equipment. Mills, Lathes, Grinders, comparators, ETC.
- ✓Ability to use mathematics to convert dimensional prints into CNC positional data and determine appropriate feeds and speeds based on specified material and equipment used.
- ✓Must have thorough knowledge of precision measuring equipment, shop math, and trig.
- ✓Experience with Trak machine tools, SMX, RMX, SLX, RMX CNC control, Siemens Sinumerik, or equivalent.
- ✓Experience assembling and troubleshooting mechanical assemblies, Pneumatics, hydraulics.
- ✓Willing to train if candidate possesses strong adjacent skills or mechanical knowledge.
- ✓Language Skills - Ability to read and interpret documents in English such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to complete routine documentation. Ability to speak clearly and effectively with Managers, Supervisors and Coworkers.
- ✓Legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility is required at the time of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓High School Diploma, apprenticeship, Trade certificate, or equivalent experience.
- ✓Knowledge of aerospace tooling and fastener manufacturing processes.
- ✓Machine building, mechanical assembly experience.
- ✓Must be fluent in English, written and oral.
- ✓Strong communication skills – written and oral.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Tooling Specialist III, Machine Build- 1st Shift at our aerospace manufacturing facility in the Fullerton, CA location.
At this facility Machine building is responsible for the Design and manufacture of specialized custom automation solutions in support of Aerospace fastener manufacturing. Utilizing the latest technology in PLC, machine vision, robotics, and smart manufacturing, we support HFS sites worldwide with their challenging production needs. In this role you will be responsible for supporting various aspects related to the production and support of custom machinery solutions. Including but not limited to custom new builds, re-builds, and retrofits. This position offers great exposure to anyone looking to pursue growth in the field of industrial automation or robotics.
Physical Demands
- •Use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms.
- •Frequently required to stand and sit.
- •Occasionally required to walk and talk or hear.
- •Frequently lifts and/or moves up to 30 pounds.
- •Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
- •While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts.
- •The noise level in the work environment is moderate. Hearing protection is required while on the shop floor.
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 $21.91- $37.25.