Principal Material and Process Engineer

Principal Material and Processing Engineer 

This is an opportunity to grow your career at a large, international aerospace company. The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k)-matching program, and paid holidays and vacation.

Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company’s primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems and titanium structural parts necessary for mission-critical performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications, as well as forged wheels for commercial transportation. Howmet Aerospace is transforming the next phase of more fuel-efficient, quieter aerospace engines and sustainable ground transportation. For more information, visit www.howmet.com. Follow @howmet: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Essential Functions:

Leads development, testing and qualification of new coatings and implementation of new coating application systems that minimize waste and increase the quality of finished products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leads optimization of coating application process design identifying weak points and where is the greatest potential for saving resources and energy in the application process. 
• Provides unbiased technical support to help plan the automated application of coating and modernize equipment and facilities. 
• Identify and promotes adaptation of test methods designed to characterize corrosion and mechanical behavior of coating. 
• Troubleshoots coating process to identify the sources of defects to identify root cause and process sensitivity with empirical and analytic investigations. 
• Evaluates and promotes implementation of climate-friendly and environmentally friendly processes and determines their environmental footprint. 
• Leads development and implementation of new coating equipment designs, coating equipment modification, coating solution trials, and coating-related safety improvements.
• Partner with suppliers to evaluate and develop organic corrosion barrier coating defending against corrosion and oxidation while meeting specific mechanical requirements. 
• Remains current with coating chemistry knowledge to assist with troubleshooting the sources of coating defects and ensure weak points are pinpointed and characterized, and their causes and effects are investigated empirically and analytically.
• Supports administrative aspects of the coatings department involving modifying and implementing new recipes, raw material investigations, coordinating with vendors for mixing raw materials, coordinating with vendors for providing coatings in safety-compliant packaging, coordinating with vendors for cost-reduction activities and quality-guarantee activities, etc.
• Trend analysis of key performance metrics to identify medium and long-term improvement opportunities with focus on coating system performance and quality of the coating itself.

Additional Skills and Abilities: 

• Adaptability – Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. 
• Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests.
• Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens intently to others and seeks clarification; Provides clear and professional responses to inquiries regardless of the situation.

Benefits/Salary:

The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package, 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 annual salary range for this position is $120,000 - $160,000

Basic Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Material Science or Environmental Engineering with 10 years of directly related experience or a Master's degree with 8 years of directly related industrial experience. 
• At least 5 years of experience in the design or commissioning of automated coating or painting systems in an industrial or consulting environment.
• Experience with the use of surface processing or coatings to prevent corrosion, for lubrication, and/or to enhance the durability of parts to wear and environmental exposures.
• Familiarity with commercial or government requirements for qualification of aerospace materials and processing
• Strong verbal and written communication skills,  with the ability to effectively interact with internal customers, colleagues, and external partners.
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects,  prioritize tasks, manage resources, meet deadlines, and drive projects to completion.
• This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (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.
• Knowledge of air pollution control technologies, such as wet scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators, catalytic converters, and industrial ventilation.
• Proficiency in CAD software for system design and modeling.
• Familiarity with relevant regulatory frameworks, including EPA regulations (e.g., Clean Air Act)
• Analytical mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and problem-solving.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed (10- 30%).

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering or Environmental Engineering. 
• Knowledge and experience in various coating deposition processes and application equipment such as: HVLV paint sprayer, electrostatic paint sprayer, dip spin processes and air plasma spray.
• Knowledge and experience in different coated materials for specific applications such as: DFL wear coatings and corrosion protective coatings.
• Fundamental knowledge of robotic systems used for coating applications. 
• Knowledge and experience with coating removal processes such as: grit blasting, acid immersion, high pressure waterjet.
• Understanding basic concepts of oxidation, hot corrosion, aqueous corrosion, and wear

About Howmet Aerospace

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 $6.6 billion in revenue in 2023, 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 2023 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report.

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Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.


If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email TalentAcquisitionCoE_Howmet@howmet.com