Automation Technician

Job Summary

Howmet Aerospace is seeking Automation Technicians to join our state-of-the-art investment casting facility in LaPorte, Indiana. Located between South Bend and Chicago, our facility manufactures jet engine components for some of the most trusted names in the aerospace industry.

We are hiring for two areas of specialization: Automation Controls and Robot Programming. Whether your background is in PLC and HMI troubleshooting, industrial robotics, or robot programming, we encourage you to explore these opportunities.

About the Opportunities

Both positions support automated manufacturing equipment and robotic systems throughout our facility, with a focus on improving reliability, productivity, safety, and manufacturing processes.

Automation Technician – Controls

This position focuses on supporting, maintaining, and troubleshooting PLC, HMI, and robotic control systems.

Responsibilities include:

• Troubleshoot and provide technical support for PLC, HMI, and robotic control systems.
• Partner with maintenance technicians to diagnose and resolve automation and equipment issues.
• Improve the reliability, safety, and productivity of automated manufacturing systems.
• Support equipment performance improvements, including overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Maintain accurate documentation of automation programs, system changes, and improvements.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, engineering, and outside vendors.

Automation Technician – Robot Programmer

This position focuses on developing, modifying, and maintaining robotic programs used throughout our manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities include:

• Create, modify, troubleshoot, and maintain industrial robotic programs.
• Develop and maintain robotic tooling and fixtures.
• Utilize offline programming software to make adjustments, introduce new products, and minimize production downtime.
• Identify and optimize critical process variables to improve manufacturing consistency and quality.
• Support and train manufacturing operators on robotic systems.
• Maintain detailed documentation of program changes and process improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve recurring manufacturing and quality issues.

This position may require flexibility to work across shifts as needed.

What We're Looking For

We're interested in candidates with technical experience in industrial automation, controls, robotics, or related manufacturing technologies.

Controls Qualifications

• Associate degree in a technical discipline or equivalent related field experience.
• Knowledge or experience involving industrial automation, PLCs, HMIs, or robotic control systems.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Robot Programmer Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Two-year technical degree or a minimum of three years of related manufacturing programming experience.
• Experience with industrial robotic programming, process improvements, or related automation technology.

Preferred experience includes:

• FANUC and/or Motoman industrial robots.
• Offline robotic programming software.
• Robotic fixture design and implementation.
• CNC programming.
• Statistical analysis or Six Sigma methodologies.

Additional Requirements

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available.
• These positions involve access to export-controlled items, and employment is contingent upon the ability to lawfully access such items.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and follow established safety and quality procedures.

Interested in Joining Our Team?

If you have experience with PLC controls, industrial robotics, automation troubleshooting, or robot programming, we'd love to hear from you.

We're hiring for two distinct opportunities, so you don't need to have experience in every area listed above to be considered. Our recruiting team will work with you to determine which position best aligns with your background.

Benefits

• Health Insurance from Day One – Medical coverage begins on your first day of employment.
• Generous 401(k) Retirement Plan – Company contribution of 3% of eligible compensation, plus a 100% match on employee contributions up to 6%, providing the opportunity for up to 15% of eligible compensation in total retirement contributions.
• 13 Company-Paid Holidays – Enjoy 13 paid holidays each year.
• Annual Paid Time Off (PTO) – Paid time off to support work-life balance and time away when you need it.
• Overtime Opportunities Available – Additional earning opportunities through available overtime hours.

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 how Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing sustainability for our customers, markets, and the communities where we operate, review our 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report at www.howmet.com/esg-report.

You should be proficient in:

• PLC Troubleshooting Skills
• Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
• Electrical Schematics
• Industrial Robot Programming
• Troubleshooting Industrial Automation Equipment
• PLC Programming Experience
• PLC Wiring Experience

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Fanuc, Allen Bradley, Siemens)
• Industrial Robot (Fanuc)