Quality Engineer - Aerospace Manufacturing - Big Lake
Howmet Aerospace · Big Lake, MN
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Quality
- Degree
- Required
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level quality role at Howmet Aerospace (aerospace & defense) in Big Lake, MN. Develop and maintain manufacturing quality plans for the facility, including inspection and control plans, and ensure adherence to and the proper execution of.
- They ask for
- degree required
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Root cause, SPC, FMEA, Control plans
- 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 Engineer roles in Minnesota: typical posted base $88k–$135k.
Median of the low and high ends of 39 live postings that list pay, out of 64 quality engineer openings in Minnesota, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Minnesota plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 63 other live quality postings in Minnesota.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Typical $85k–$131k, from 36 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Root cause 55%
- Supplier quality 45%
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 42%
- ✓ CAPA 42%
- ✓ Lean 36%
- ✓ Six Sigma 34%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Cost reduction, 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
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find 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.
- 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.
Full description from Howmet AerospaceAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Position Summary
This position is responsible for developing and maintaining manufacturing quality plans along with project-specific quality plans, compiling and analyzing statistical data in order to assess process capabilities and control processes, investigating and resolving CAPAs, performing internal and external ISO audits, assuring compliance to and providing guidance regarding interpreting governmental regulations and ISO 9100 standards, identifying continuous improvement opportunities, preparing required quality documentation, publishing quality metrics and maintaining and updating quality procedures.
Key Responsibilities
- ◆Develop and maintain manufacturing quality plans for the facility, including inspection and control plans, and ensure adherence to and the proper execution of.
- ◆Develop and maintain project-specific quality plans, including establishing quality
requirements
and standards for projects, while adhering to the customer
requirements
and working as part of a cross-functional team. Measure and publish project-quality costs.
- ✓Compile and analyze statistical data in order to assess process capabilities and control processes and conduct Process Failure Mode Effects and Analysis (PFMEA), Gauge Repeatability and Reproducibility (GR&R) and Statistical Process Control (SPC) studies.
- ✓Investigate and resolve all assigned Corrective and Preventative Actions (CAPAs).
- ✓Perform both internal ISO audits and external supplier audits. Participate in the supplier certification process and develop qualification
requirements
for purchased components and services.
- ✓Assure compliance to and provide guidance and expertise regarding interpreting governmental regulations, ISO AS9100 standards and internal Quality policies in order to assure compliance.
- ✓Identify continuous improvement opportunities and support efforts in order to implement LEAN principles throughout the organization.
- ✓Prepare required quality documentation and reports. Publish and distribute quality metrics.
- ✓Maintain and update quality procedures.
- ✓Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
- ✓Minimum three years relevant experience.
- ✓Experience developing manufacturing quality plans.
- ✓Experience conducting process capability, GR&R, PFMEA and SPC studies.
- ✓Experience optimizing processes to achieve ongoing cost reductions.
- ✓Experience working in an ISO environment, preferably AS9100, and conducting internal and supplier audits.
- ✓LEAN / Six Sigma training and demonstrated application.
- ✓Proficient PC skills in a Windows environment.
- ✓Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- ✓Strong interpersonal and teamwork 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 is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which requires U.S. person status. ITAR defines U.S. person as an U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓Experience in a precision machine shop environment.
- ✓Experience working within a CAPA program.
- ✓Demonstrated use of structured problem-solving methods (i.e. 8D).
- ✓Experience using an ERP system.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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: TalentAc
