Tooling Specialist V
Howmet Aerospace · Fullerton, CA
- Level
- Specialist
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- Yesterday
The role in 30 seconds
A specialist manufacturing role at Howmet Aerospace (aerospace & defense) in Fullerton, CA. Read and execute tooling prints, work instructions, policies, sketches, and procedures.
- They ask for
- 5+ years
- Tools it names
- CNC, Machining, 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
- Typical (5+ years)
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 CNC, 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 Fullerton
8 other open roles at this site · 2 people we found in manufacturing roles at Howmet Aerospace.
- Quality Manager · Quality · Manager
- Maintenance Technician IV - 1st Shift · Reliability · Technician
- Machine Tech IV- Screw Machine, 1st Shift · Manufacturing · Technician
- Production Supervisor- Heat Treat, 2nd Shift · Production · Supervisor
- Continuous Improvement Engineer · Lean / CI
- Tooling Specialist III, Machine Build- 1st Shift · Manufacturing · Senior
Full description from Howmet AerospaceAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Read and execute tooling prints, work instructions, policies, sketches, and procedures.
- ◆Work accurately to meet precise tolerances of (+ - .001).
- ◆Maintain proper identification of parts and ensure accurate, reliable records are documented and maintained.
- ◆Investigate and resolve tooling issues causing quality errors.
- ◆Perform preventive maintenance on equipment operated.
- ◆Perform set-up of one to two production machines with minimal help.
- ◆Working knowledge in manufacturing and quality processes and principles.
- ◆Solve practical problems with a variety of variables.
- ◆Perform machining, such as operating CNC Mills and lathes.
- ◆Maintain records and quality standards.
- ◆Keep work area and equipment clean, organized, and safe on a daily basis.
- ◆Perform other tasks of equal or lesser skill as required.
Basic
Qualifications
- ✓Minimum of 5 years tool-room environment experience
- ✓Able to work with precision inspection tools such as calipers and optical comparators.
- ✓Working knowledge of material tool steels and carbide.
- ✓Able to calculate mathematical figures and amounts.
- ✓Must have thorough knowledge of precision measuring equipment, shop math, and trig.
- ✓Ability to read and interpret blueprints and sketches.
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓High School Diploma, GED, apprenticeship, or equivalent preferred.
- ✓Experience with aerospace tooling and fasteners.
- ✓Must be fluent in English, written and oral.
- ✓Strong communication skills – written and oral.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Tooling Specialist V- 2nd Shift for our Fullerton, CA 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
Physical Demands
- •Use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.
- •Frequently required to stand and sit.
- •Occasionally required to walk and talk or hear.
- •Frequently lifts and/or moves up to 30 pounds.
- •Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Benefits/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 $28.28 to $48.08.
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