Continuous Improvement Engineer
Howmet Aerospace · Brea, CA
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Lean / CI
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 3+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level continuous improvement role at Howmet Aerospace (aerospace & defense) in Brea, CA. AutoCAD, SolidWorks and or other 3D modelling tools experience.
- They ask for
- 3+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Minitab, SolidWorks, AutoCAD
- 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
Continuous Improvement roles in California: typical posted base $127k–$167k.
Median of the low and high ends of 12 live postings that list pay, out of 24 continuous improvement 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 23 other live lean / ci postings in California.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (3+ vs 7+)
Typical $127k–$167k, from 12 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 7+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Lean 79%
- ✓ Six Sigma 54%
- Kaizen 54%
- Value stream mapping 50%
- Root cause 33%
- Black Belt 33%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention 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 Lean / CI 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?
- Is CI run from the plant floor or from a corporate OpEx group?
- Which metrics does leadership actually watch: OEE, scrap, cost per unit?
- 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 Brea
4 other open roles at this site.
- Quality Tech · Quality · Technician
- Manufacturing Engineer II · Manufacturing
- Maintenance Mechanic · Reliability · Technician
- Sr. Manufacturing Engineer - Aerospace · Manufacturing · Senior
Continuous Improvement Engineer at Howmet Aerospace in other locations
Howmet Aerospace lists this title in 2 places. Pick the plant you can get to.
Full description from Howmet AerospaceAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
This is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.
- ◆Prioritize, guide, and facilitate the activities of the manufacturing function to meet organizational goals, initiatives and requirements.
- ◆Lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives for safety, on-time delivery, production efficiency, and scrap reduction.
- ◆Work with Operations, Engineering, Planning and Facilities to identify and remove bottlenecks in the manufacturing process.
- ◆Establish and maintain key performance metrics (KPIs) throughout the departments.
- ◆Ensure operations metrics are well-known and tracked on a daily basis to achieve manufacturing and plant objectives.
- ◆Establish reporting systems for the different manufacturing metrics.
- ◆Oversee the development of standard policies, procedures and practices to ensure customer
requirements
are embodied in manufacturing processes.
- ✓Reaffirm existing production goals, or establish new goals, and lead the group effort to achieve those goals.
- ✓Develop the capabilities of those in the department through teaching, coaching, establishing high standards, and ensuring accountability.
- ✓Exhibit and promote an attitude on the plant floor that leads to an engaged and energized workforce.
- ✓Drive improvements by developing and implementing systems and procedures based on data analysis.
- ✓Utilize best practice methodologies and develop new technologies.
- ✓Perform other work-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration from an accredited institution.
- ✓Minimum 3 years of experience working in an aerospace, automotive, medical or related high volume manufacturing environment.
- ✓Local travel required (less than 5 miles).
- ✓Employees must be legally author ized 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
- ✓Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing or Applied Engineering from an accredited institution.
- ✓A strong technical understanding of Production KPIs.
- ✓Strong analytical skills using Excel, Minitab and or other statistical software.
- ✓AutoCAD, SolidWorks and or other 3D modelling tools experience.
- ✓Strong leadership skills that foster an engaged employee environment.
- ✓Previous experience with change management.
- ✓Demonstrated results in leading manufacturing excellence.
- ✓A strong technical understanding of manufacturing processes.
- ✓Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational and negotiation skills.
- ✓Strong mechanical aptitude.
- ✓Lean manufacturing training/certification and/or Six Sigma certification.
- ✓Experience in the aerospace fastener industry is a plus.
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 $110k-$130k.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Responsible for supporting for organization, planning implementation and follow-through of continuous improvement initiatives established within the company's operating model. Drives and leads a wide range of activities that are designed to improve on-time delivery and productivity.
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 .
