Position Summary The Carson Operations is seeking an intermediate Collar Heading Machinist. The Machinist is responsible for setting up, operating, and adjusting collar heading machines to manufacture precision aerospace fasteners in accordance with established quality and production standards. This intermediate-level position requires a working knowledge of heading operations, machine setups, tooling, and dimensional inspection. The individual is expected to perform routine operations with increasing independence while continuing to develop the technical skills necessary to troubleshoot equipment, improve productivity, and advance to more complex manufacturing processes.
Key Responsibilities
Machine Operation & Setup
- Set up, operate, and monitor collar heading machines to produce aerospace fasteners according to work instructions and engineering specifications.
- Perform routine machine setups, tooling changes, and adjustments with limited supervision.
- Install and adjust dies, punches, and other tooling components.
- Monitor machine performance and make adjustments to maintain consistent production.
- Identify and troubleshoot common machine, tooling, and production issues.
- Assist experienced machinists with complex setups and troubleshooting.
- Perform basic machine maintenance and report equipment concerns to appropriate personnel.
Quality & Production
- Read and interpret blueprints, work orders, and manufacturing instructions.
- Perform first-piece and in-process inspections to verify dimensional accuracy.
- Use precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
- Identify defective or nonconforming parts and communicate quality concerns.
- Maintain accurate production records, inspection results, and required documentation.
- Meet established production expectations while minimizing scrap, rework, and downtime.
- Follow applicable aerospace quality standards and established manufacturing procedures.
Teamwork & Continuous Improvement
- Work with senior machinists, supervisors, and support departments to resolve production challenges.
- Participate in training to expand machine setup, tooling, and troubleshooting knowledge.
- Assist newer operators with basic machine operations and established procedures when appropriate.
- Identify and communicate opportunities to improve safety, quality, and productivity.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in heading, cold forming, or a related manufacturing operation, or demonstrated equivalent competency.
- Working knowledge of machine setups, tooling adjustments, and manufacturing processes.
- Ability to lift 30 pounds.
- Ability to read and interpret basic engineering drawings and manufacturing instructions.
- Experience using precision measuring instruments.
- Ability to troubleshoot common machine and production issues.
- Basic mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently on routine tasks and seek assistance when necessary.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous learning.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in aerospace fastener manufacturing.
- Familiarity with collar heading equipment and cold forming processes.
- Understanding of dies, punches, and heading tooling.
- Experience manufacturing parts to close dimensional tolerances.
- Familiarity with aerospace quality standards and production documentation.
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 salary range for this position is $27.00- $32.00.
Compensation and Benefits:
If a pay range is identified for this job, it is based on a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. Actual compensation is subject to variation due to factors such as education, experience, skillset, market/business considerations, and/or location.
Howmet Aerospace offers a competitive benefits package to support the health, financial well-being, and professional growth of our employees. Benefits include:
- Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision benefits coverage, including FSA and HSA account options
- Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) retirement savings plans offering employer matching funds and a separate employer retirement contribution
- Paid holidays and vacation time (eligibility, accrual, and usage are discretionary and governed by applicable policies)
- Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs
- Life insurance and disability coverage plans
- Optional coverage plans for auto, home, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance
- Tuition Assistance Program and ongoing professional development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We 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
