Automation Engineer
Howmet Aerospace · Whitehall, MI
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 3+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 28 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at Howmet Aerospace (aerospace & defense) in Whitehall, MI. ‘Green Card Holder’), Political Asylee, or Refugee.
- They ask for
- 3+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- PLC, Robotics, Automation, Tooling
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
- Openings
- 2 with this title at this site
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in Michigan: typical posted base $76k–$141k.
Median of the low and high ends of 18 live postings that list pay, out of 64 controls engineer openings in Michigan, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Michigan plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 63 other live controls postings in Michigan.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (3+ vs 5+)
Typical $76k–$141k, from 18 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 73%
- ✓ Robotics 67%
- ✓ PLC 58%
- New product launch 28%
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 27%
- AutoCAD 22%
✓ = 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 Controls team at Howmet Aerospace
We found 3 people at this company and state: 2 in this kind of role, 1 leaders, plus 1 likely hiring manager. 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 Ryan → (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 Whitehall
38 other open roles at this site · 3 people we found in controls roles at Howmet Aerospace.
- Manufacturing Manager · Manufacturing · Manager
- Operations Manager · Production · Manager
- Facilities Engineer - Plant 4 - Thermatech · Reliability
- Tool & Die Maker / Moldmaker · Manufacturing · Technician
- Manufacturing Engineer - Plant 10 · Production
- Senior Controls Engineer · Controls · Senior
Full description from Howmet AerospaceAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Key Responsibilities
- ◆Development, implementation, and programming of new advanced manufacturing equipment and automation.
- ◆Provide support and development of automation technicians across multiple Howmet facilities.
- ◆Support engineering and manufacturing teams to improve existing processes.
Additional
Responsibilities
- ◆Coordinate robotic service visits.
- ◆Responsible for Software Control.
- ◆Developing troubleshooting guides for plant technicians.
Basic
Qualifications
- ✓BS Degree in the following disciplines: Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering or Engineering Technology.
- ✓25-50% Travel to other Howmet facilities
- ✓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 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.
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓Experience working in an engineering or manufacturing environment.
- ✓1-3 years’ experience working with controls/programming robotics.
- ✓Experience in 6 axis articulating arm robotics.
- ✓Proficiency at robot programming, I/O management, and troubleshooting robotic systems logic.
- ✓Experience trouble-shooting robotic mechanical and electrical systems including pneumatics, sensors, tooling, measurement feedback systems, and basic design robustness.
- ✓Proficient in off-line programming environments.
- ✓Basic understanding of controls and servo systems.
- ✓Basic understanding of tooling and fixture design.
- ✓Experience with Programmable logic Controllers (PLC).
- ✓Experience programming HMI software.
- ✓Experience in reading mechanical and electrical prints.
- ✓Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- ✓Strong mechanical and/or electrical aptitude.
- ✓Familiar with RIA Robotic Safety Standards.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
This position will be in our Howmet Research Center Manufacturing Technology Group. This position will support projects for all of Howmet.
This position will be responsible for developing and programming new manufacturing technology. In addition, this position will be responsible for supporting current technology in use at various Howmet Plants. They will work with design teams, plant automation technicians, operators, and vendors. This position will follow through the build phase and implementation of equipment into production including establishing PM’s and critical spare parts.
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