Quality Tech, Sr. Mechanical (Aerospace)
Howmet Aerospace · Carson, CA
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Quality
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A technician-level quality role at Howmet Aerospace (aerospace & defense) in Carson, CA. Independently perform advanced mechanical testing to support product acceptance, qualification, and validation.
- They ask for
- 5+ years
- Tools it names
- Lean, SPC, AS9100, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), Internal audits, PLC
- 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
Quality Technician roles in the US: typical posted base $52k–$75k.
Median of the low and high ends of 26 live postings that list pay, out of 528 quality technician openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 49 other live quality postings in California.
- Experience asked
- More than usual (5+ vs 4+)
Similar roles usually ask 4+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Team leadership 38%
- Root cause 36%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for PLC, 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 Quality team at Howmet Aerospace
We found 4 people at this company and state: 3 in this kind of role, 1 leaders. 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 Edith → (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?
- Which standards drive the work here: ISO 13485, IATF 16949, AS9100?
- How much of the job is customer complaints versus prevention?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 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 Carson
4 other open roles at this site · 4 people we found in quality roles at Howmet Aerospace.
- Sr. Maintenance Technician Industrial Electrician · Reliability · Technician
- Quality Technician II, Metallurgical(1st Shift) · Quality · Technician
- Sr. Maintenance Technician Industrial, Heat Treat · Reliability · Technician
- Manufacturing Engineer II · Manufacturing
Full description from Howmet AerospaceAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Independently perform advanced mechanical testing to support product acceptance, qualification, and validation
- ◆Conduct tensile, torque, torque-out, push-out, flare, seal, adhesion, vibration, and other specialized mechanical tests.
- ◆Perform Rockwell and microhardness testing, alloy verification, and other material evaluation activities.
- ◆Prepare, section, mount, grind, and polish test specimens for metallurgical examination and evaluation
- ◆Perform in-process, final, receiving, and qualification inspections to verify product compliance.
- ◆Recognize abnormal test results, identify potential failure modes, and escalate technical concerns appropriately
- ◆Analyze test results and identify product nonconformances or unusual test outcomes
- ◆Prepare inspection reports, laboratory reports, and quality documentation
- ◆calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot mechanical and metallurgical testing equipment
Physical
Requirements
- ✓Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs
- ✓Must be able to push/pull up to 30 lbs
Basic
Qualifications
- ✓High School Diploma or GED from an accredited institution
- ✓Minimum of ten years’ experience in a manufacturing environment.
- ✓Must be able to read and write in English proficiently.
- ✓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.
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓5 years’ experience in aerospace manufacturing
- ✓Ability to read and interpret blueprints, industry standards, and customer specifications.
- ✓Ability to work on multiple tasks, have good time management skills, and communicate status.
- ✓Experience working with Statistical Process Control (SPC)
- ✓Experience in manufacturing of aerospace fasteners
- ✓Experience or certification in Lean Manufacturing
- ✓Obtain an AS9100 Internal Auditor certification
- ✓Demonstrated commitment to employee involvement, participative management, and continuous improvement
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Shift: 2nd
Start Time: 2:00pm - 12am
Summary
This position is involved directly in the inspection and testing of product in the in-process and final inspection areas. This position prepares metallurgical mounts and maintains traceability and assists with physical and mechanical testing in the lab. Use of precision inspection tools and equipment, ability to read blueprints and procedures are required in the daily activities to ensure acceptance of product to specifications and requirements. Involvement in other inspections, such as, but not limited to; MRB inspection & receiving inspection.
The job requires performing mechanical testing (For Acceptance and Qualifications) on manufactured products, performing complex testing of manufactures product due to a broad understanding of test systems, and/or metallurgy.
Benefits/Salary
The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401k matching program, paid holidays and vacation. The salary range for this position is $30/hr to $37/hr
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