Tooling Specialist II, Tool Prep
Howmet Aerospace · City of Industry, CA
- Level
- Specialist
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Experience asked
- 2+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A specialist manufacturing role at Howmet Aerospace (aerospace & defense) in City of Industry, CA.
- They ask for
- 2+ years
- Tools it names
- SPC, Tooling
- 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 SPC, 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
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 City of Industry
3 other open roles at this site · 2 people we found in manufacturing roles at Howmet Aerospace.
- 2nd Shift, Quality Tech II, Lab · Quality · Technician
- 2nd Shift, Quality Tech III, Lab · Quality · Technician
- 1st Shift, Quality Tech III, Inspection · Quality · Technician
Full description from Howmet AerospaceAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Good communication skills & knowledge of basic shop math
- ◆Able to read, write and understand basic instructions in English
- ◆Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
- ◆Able to lift/move up to 30 pounds regularly
- ◆Able to learn how to use measurement instruments
- ◆Ability to follow direction
- ◆Ability to complete first piece verification
- ◆Maintain a good attitude and be willing to learn
- ◆Communicates effectively with other team members and Production Team Leader
- ◆Be familiar with Human Performance tasks
- ◆Able to perform entry level set-ups
- ◆Understand the speeds and feeds pertaining to the machine they are operating (where applicable)
- ◆Knowledge of all measuring instruments and gages for their operation
- ◆Able to speak effectively before groups of co-workers, customers, auditors, etc.
- ◆Able to read and interpret blue prints
- ◆Working knowledge in manufacturing and quality processes and principles
- ◆Able to comply to all SPC daily
Requirements
(if applicable)
- ✓Must be able to use hands frequently for tool prep
- ✓Able and willing to run precision Harding lathe
- ✓Willing to learn to run Sunnen hone machine
- ✓Able to operate hydraulic press in a safe manner
- ✓Understands high exposure to oil
Basic
Qualifications
- ✓Minimum of 2 years’ experience in General Manufacturing as Machinist
- ✓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 entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant’s ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓Highschool Diploma or GED Preferred
- ✓Previous Toolprep experience preferred
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a 1st Shift, Tooling Specialist II, Tool Prep for our City of Industry, California location.
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 $7.4 Billion in revenue in 2024, 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 2024 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report . Follow: LinkedIn , Twitter , Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube .
Born from many well-known and long-standing brands, Howmet Fastening Systems, headquartered in Torrance, California, is the premier designer and manufacturer of aerospace and industrial fasteners, latches, fluid fittings and installation tools. Our products are used nose to tail on commercial and military aircraft, as well as on jet engines, industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, wind turbines, solar power systems, and construction and industrial equipment.
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 $22.00 to $26.00 depending on experience.
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 .
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