Senior Controls & Automation Engineer

Howmet Aerospace in Branford, CT is currently hiring highly motivated and energetic candidates to join their team. Howmet Aerospace is a leading provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries worldwide. The Branford facility is focused on producing jet engine components that are essential for mission-critical performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications. With over 50 years of experience in the Branford facility, we are proud to contribute to the development of more fuel-efficient, quieter aerospace engines, and sustainable ground transportation. For more information, please visit www.howmet.com.

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Job Summary:

Howmet Aerospace - Branford, CT is seeking a qualified candidate to join our team as a Senior Controls and Automation Engineer. This role will focus on the design, implementation, and support of instrumentation, control systems, and automation for our manufacturing operations. A key responsibility will be integrating advanced technology to enhance operational efficiency, quality, and reliability, with a primary emphasis on optimizing furnace performance.

The ideal candidate will evaluate existing manufacturing equipment and processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend actionable solutions. In addition, they will provide expert troubleshooting support for process or equipment-related challenges.

This position requires a highly skilled and experienced professional who thrives in a collaborative environment yet can work independently with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for delivering impactful results.

Job Responsibilities:

Design, Develop and Implementation of CAPEX projects (30%):

Leads/contributes to control system design, replacement, and upgrade initiatives to improve overall operations

• Automates manufacturing or similar processes using instrumentation or controls systems.
• Responsible for all aspects of the project life cycle: planning, scope definition, design and engineering, execution, cost, and delivery.
• Evaluate equipment and process capabilities and make recommendations on equipment design and selection.
• Lead/direct the installation and start-up of new processes and equipment.
• Design, evaluate and select equipment and exchange information with vendors, suppliers, and contractors to ensure accurate specifications, quotes, and delivery schedules.
• Support start-up of manufacturing processes and equipment including transitioning of responsibilities to Operations after project scope has been met.
• Ability to generate requests for proposals and review design documentation and drawings

Design, Develop and Implementation of Improvement projects (50%):



Manages, organizes, and updates SQL databases for the manufacturing environment.

• Develops new and/or modifies existing PLC applications, interfaces, or embedded controls.
• Troubleshoots and resolves malfunctions for all furnace operations utilizing necessary resources in Maintenance, Furnace Technician, external contractors, or personal programming updates.
• Analyze product/process data identifying opportunities for improvement and cost reduction.
• Provide technical support on any production/product/quality issues as required.

Operation/Maintenance troubleshooting support (10%):

• Manages and collects manufacturing data, analyzes data, and ensures process harmonization.
• Handles complex issues & problems related to equipment failures.
• Provides assistance to other team members on intermediate complex issues.

Documentation (5%):

• Develops new and/or modifies existing documentation related to control systems. (Instruction manuals, controls panel drawings, network architecture drawings etc.).
• Develop work instructions and provide for the documented training of operators and maintenance personnel on all new and improved equipment and support systems implemented and assist in the design of preventative and corrective maintenance programs and spare parts inventories.
• Responsible for the tracking and trending of equipment down time.

Leadership (5%):

• Responsible for the development and management of one Furnace Technician.

Additional duties and responsibilities may be reassigned, as necessary.

Required Skills & Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and /or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field from an accredited university.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant working experience with the following:
  • PLC programming
  • Control Systems Implementation, Design, Installation & Troubleshooting
  • Experience with industrial application programming languages
  • Experience with Automation Implementation
  • Experience with industrial communication networks and design.
  • Perform system analysis, design, configuration, development, implementation, testing and maintenance.
• 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 entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Appropriate vendor (Allen Bradley, Siemens, Wonderware, etc.) training certificates preferred.
• Experience with Furnace Controls, highly desired.
• AutoCAD Electrical Circuit & Control Panel Design experience is strongly preferred.
• Wonderware and Siemens PLC programming experience preferred.

Specialized Skills and Experience: 

• Demonstrate strong analytical, design, and technical skills.
• Ability to process volumes of information and extract information to enhance the systems.
• Demonstrate complex problem-solving skills to anticipate and resolve any issues.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and strong interpersonal skills.
• Proven success contributing to a team-oriented environment.
• Intermediate technical working knowledge or computers (PC’s), control systems, operator interfaces, how they interact and be able to program and interface them to host controllers (i.e., PLC’s).
• Plans, organizes, and guides projects and location team members.
• Highly organized in scheduling, executing responsibilities and prioritizing in a multitask environment.
• Self-starter, able to work alone with limited supervision.
• Team player – maintain a positive, cooperative attitude with all employees of Howmet.
• Computer skills: Intermediate technical knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, and AutoCAD.
• Ability to recognize and raise concerns with a high sense of urgency.

Physical Requirements:

• Lift: Must be able to lift and/or carry a minimum of 25 pounds.
• Push/Pull: Must be able to push/pull 25 pounds.
• Standing: Must be able to stand at least 50% of the day.
• Sitting: Must be able to sit 50% of the day.
• Twisting/Bending: Must be able to twist/bend 25% of the day.
• Squatting, Climbing and/or Crawling: Must be able to squat/climb/crawl 20% of the day.

Compensation

• Salary range $115k to $125k based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package starting on your first day of employment.
  
  
• Submit your resume today for consideration!

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