Manufacturing Engineer II
Howmet Aerospace · Brea, CA
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Base pay
- $110k–$130k
- Experience asked
- 3+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 28 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level manufacturing role at Howmet Aerospace (aerospace & defense) in Brea, CA.
- They ask for
- 3+ years
- Tools it names
- GD&T, CNC, Machining, SolidWorks, EHS / safety
- Base pay
- $110k–$130k
- 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. This one lists $110k–$130k.
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
- About 11% below similar roles
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (3+ vs 5+)
Typical $110k–$159k, from 126 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 CNC, EHS / safety, 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 Brea
4 other open roles at this site · 2 people we found in manufacturing roles at Howmet Aerospace.
- Quality Tech · Quality · Technician
- Continuous Improvement Engineer · Lean / CI
- Maintenance Mechanic · Reliability · Technician
- Sr. Manufacturing Engineer - Aerospace · Manufacturing · Senior
Manufacturing Engineer II at Howmet Aerospace in other locations
Howmet Aerospace lists this title in 2 places. Pick the plant you can get to.
- Carson, CA · $100k–$130k
Full description from Howmet AerospaceAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Key Accountabilities
- ◆The manufacturing engineer’s primary
responsibilities
are supporting daily manufacturing operation, perform Material Review Board (MRB) dispositions, and perform router changes and updates.
- ◆The ME is has a strong mindset for improving quality and productivity
- ◆Ability to independently navigate a fast paced manufacturing environment with minimal supervision.
- ◆Team player mentality with strong problem-solving mindset
- ◆Used to working in high-mix and high-volume operation
- ◆Strong process management skills with strong follow-ups
- ◆Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes
- ◆Set up and update manufacturing routers
- ◆Follow all EHS policies and procedures, reports all incidents/accidents immediately
- ◆Support Engineering related projects to meet department and facility goals as required
Requirements
- ✓-Require 3+ years in Aerospace manufacturing
- ✓-GD&T knowledge
- ✓-Solidworks experience
- ✓-ERP systems experience
Preferred qualifications
- ✓-Understanding of fastener manufacturing
- ✓-understanding of metal forming, heading, nut forming, progressive die presses.
- ✓-understanding of conventional and CNC machining
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: TalentAcquisitionCoE_Howmet@howmet.com