Continuous Improvement Manager

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS), headquartered in Torrance, California, is the premier designer and manufacturer of aerospace and industrial fasteners, latches, fluid fittings, and installation tools. Our products are used nose to tail on commercial and military aircraft, as well as on jet engines, industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, wind turbines, solar power systems, and construction and industrial equipment.

Responsibilities

• Manage lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives at Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS).
• Drive and lead activities to improve operations efficiency, productivity, and on-time delivery while minimizing cost and waste.
• Define activities requiring engineered solutions to reduce waste, improve quality, throughput, machine/person ratio, safety, and business unit DVP%.
• Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams on shop floor factory improvements, including CAPEX projects.
• Standardize processes, document for repeatability, train, and certify operators.
• Analyze Profit and Loss (P&L) statements to identify cost reduction, revenue enhancement, and margin improvement opportunities.
• Analyze existing processes and identify improvement areas using data-driven methods such as Lean Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and statistical tools.
• Act as an internal consultant to assist plant leadership and teams in applying continuous improvement principles.
• Drive consistent approaches for visual controls and productivity measurements across production teams.
• Facilitate Kaizen and rapid improvement events with employees, customers, and suppliers, emphasizing locally focused improvements.
• Provide support to sustain improvements post-events.
• Instruct and train others in continuous process improvements, including problem-solving and productivity techniques like process mapping and cost-time management.
• Provide formal training on lean manufacturing and continuous improvement concepts using a learn-by-doing approach.
• Assist team leaders in skill and knowledge development to support management goals, project management, and problem-solving.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and measure the impact of improvement initiatives.
• Support other HFS sites’ continuous improvement activities as needed (e.g., training, project-based work, best practice support).
• 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.
• Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies related to continuous improvement methodologies.

Requirements

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a manufacturing environment with working knowledge of lean manufacturing and rapid improvement techniques.
• Minimum of one (1) 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).
• 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.
• Position entails access to export-controlled items; employment offers are conditioned upon the ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.

Benefits

• Competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package available from day one of hire.
• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision).
• Excellent 401k matching program.
• Paid holidays and vacation.
• Opportunities for career progression and community engagement activities.
• Flexible schedules contingent upon role and location.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $140,000 to $170,000.

About Us

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.

About The Team

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California. We hold the number one global position in aerospace fastening systems and are 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, and are critical components of industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, and construction and industrial equipment.