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Continuous Improvement Manager

Howmet Aerospace · Torrance, CA

Apply on Howmet Aerospace ↗
Level
Manager
Team
Lean / CI
Degree
Preferred
Industry
Aerospace & defense
Posted
30+ days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A management continuous improvement role at Howmet Aerospace (aerospace & defense) in Torrance, CA.

They ask for
degree preferred
Tools it names
Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Root cause
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

Typical $127k–$167k, from 12 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
Not stated

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

Off-shift / weekend coveragePromotion path mentioned

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Torrance

5 other open roles at this site.

Full description from Howmet AerospaceAs posted on their careers site.Show

Responsibilities

  • ◆Define activities that require engineered solutions resulting in reduced waste, improved quality, improved throughput, increased machine/person ratio, improved safety, and improved business unit DVP%.
  • ◆Lead and collaborate with cross functional internal teams focused on shop floor factory improvements, which could include CAPEX.
  • ◆Standardize process and document for repeatability, train and certify operators.
  • ◆Understand and analyze Profit and Loss (P&L) statements to identify opportunities for cost reduction, revenue enhancement, and margin improvement.
  • ◆Analyze existing processes and identify areas for improvement through data-driven methods such as Lean Six Sigma principles, root cause analysis, and statistical tools.
  • ◆Act as internal consultant and catalyst to assist plant leadership, individuals, and teams in the application of continuous improvement principles and techniques to improve operations.
  • ◆Drive consistent, uniform approaches for visual controls and productivity measurements to be utilized throughout production teams and the factory.
  • ◆Facilitate successful Kaizen and rapid improvement process events with employees, customers and suppliers, with a major emphasis on locally focused improvement. Provide support for all follow-throughs required to sustain the improvements during the events.
  • ◆Instruct and train others in continuous process improvements, including the use of various problem solving and productivity techniques such as process mapping and cost time management.
  • ◆Provide formal training on lean manufacturing and continuous improvement concepts, principles, and practices. Utilize a learn-by-doing approach, supplementing classroom work with hands-on training
  • ◆Assist team leaders in team skill and knowledge development to support meeting management goals, project management, improvements, results measurements, problem solving and related team skills.
  • ◆Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and measure the impact of improvement initiatives.
  • ◆Role may support other HFS sites’ continuous improvement activities, as needed (e.g., training, project-based work, best practice support, etc.)
  • ◆Drive change management efforts to ensure successful implementation and sustainability of process improvements.
  • ◆Identify and share best practices, lessons learned, and success stories to promote knowledge sharing and continuous learning within the organization.
  • ◆Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies related to continuous improvement methodologies.

Qualifications

  • ✓Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a manufacturing work environment, which has provided a working knowledge of lean manufacturing and rapid improvement techniques.
  • ✓Minimum of three (3) year of leadership experience
  • ✓Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution, preferred in Engineering or Business
  • ✓Proficient with computer systems and programs (MS-Word, MS-Excel, MS-PowerPoint, querying databases, ERP systems. etc.)
  • ✓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.
Show full description ↓

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager in our Torrance, California location. HFS is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California. We hold the number one global position in aerospace fastening systems, and we’re the North American leader in commercial transportation fasteners. Our high-tech, multi-material fastening systems are found nose to tail on aircraft and aerospace engines. Our products are also critical components of industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, and construction and industrial equipment.

Summary

Responsible for managing lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives at Howmet Fastening System’s (HFS). This role drives and leads a wide range of activities that are designed to improve operations efficiency, productivity, and on-time delivery while minimizing cost and waste.

Benefits and 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 $140k-$170k.

Our Story

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), h

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