Manufacturing Operations Engineer - IGT
Howmet Aerospace · Hampton, VA
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Production
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 10+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 28 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level production role at Howmet Aerospace (aerospace & defense) in Hampton, VA. It is intended to develop high-potential talent with the potential to progress into future Manufacturing / Production Manager and Plant leadership positions.
- They ask for
- 10+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Machining, Casting, Painting / coating
- 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
Production Engineer roles in Virginia: typical posted base $120k–$170k.
Median of the low and high ends of 8 live postings that list pay, out of 26 production engineer openings in Virginia, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Virginia plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 25 other live production postings in Virginia.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- More than usual (10+ vs 8+)
Typical $114k–$160k, from 7 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 8+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Team leadership 54%
- New product launch 35%
- Lean 31%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Machining, Painting / coating, 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 Production team at Howmet Aerospace
We found 1 person at this company and state: 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 John → (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?
- 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 Hampton
20 other open roles at this site · 1 person we found in production roles at Howmet Aerospace.
- Manufacturing Manager · Manufacturing · Manager
- Area Maintenance Technician (Weekend Nights) · Reliability · Technician
- Production Supervisor (X-Ray 2nd shift)-IGT · Production · Supervisor
- Tool & Wax Die Maintenance Tech · Reliability · Technician
- Production Team Leader (Weekend shift)-IGT · Production · Supervisor
- Maintenance & Facilities Engineering Manager - IGT · Reliability · Manager
Full description from Howmet AerospaceAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Position Summary
The Manufacturing Operations Engineer acts as a technical and operational bridge between Manufacturing, Process Engineering, Product Engineering, Quality, and Continuous Improvement.
The position is responsible for driving and coordinating improvements to manufacturing processes, production flows, quality performance, and operational efficiency while demonstrating strong leadership, influence, ownership, and decision-making across functional boundaries.
This is a highly visible, cross-functional role with significant exposure to manufacturing operations and leadership. It is intended to develop high-potential talent with the potential to progress into future Manufacturing / Production Manager and Plant leadership positions.
Qualifications
Basic
Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution.
- ✓7 - 10 years’ experience in plant operations and/or manufacturing
- ✓5 years leadership experience
- ✓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.
- ✓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 minimum experience in aerospace and/or automotive manufacturing
- ✓2 years investment castings experience
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company’s sales for 2021 approximated $5 billion. The Company’s primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With nearly 1,150 granted and pending patents, the Company’s differentiated technologies promote more fuel efficiency for aircraft and commercial transportation.
The Howmet engines business produces world-class aerospace and industrial gas turbine engine components, including investment castings, fasteners, rings, and forgings. Our vacuum melted superalloys, machining, performance coatings and hot isostatic pressing for high performance parts enable the next generation of quieter, cleaner and more fuel-efficient aerospace engines. Able to supply more than 90% of structural and rotating aerospace engine components.
Follow: LinkedIn , Twitter , Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube .
We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email TalentAcquisitionCoE_Howmet@howmet.com
Salary
Anticipated Pay Range: $100K-130K per year. *Pay rates within this range are determined based on various factors including experience, education, certifications, etc.
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