Six Sigma Program Manager

Howmet Aerospace 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. 

The Engines Six Sigma Program Manage is located at our Whitehall, MI location.  This position will be responsible for the strategic deployment, governance, and continuous evolution of the Six Sigma program across Howmet Engine Products. This role partners with manufacturing, engineering, quality, finance, and operations leadership to develop Lean Six Sigma capability, drive measurable operational improvements, and cultivate a culture of data-driven problem solving. The Program Manager will lead Green Belt training and certification, continuously enhance the training curriculum, manage the enterprise-wide project portfolio, and ensure projects deliver meaningful financial and operational results across investment casting, ceramic core manufacturing, ring forging, alloy production, tool manufacturing, coatings, and machining operations.   

Essential Functions

• Lead the deployment and execution of the Six Sigma program across all Howmet Engine Products manufacturing locations.

• Design, develop, and continuously improve Six Sigma Green Belt training curriculum, instructional materials, and certification requirements.

• Deliver engaging classroom, virtual, and hands-on Six Sigma training to engineers, operations leaders, and technical professionals.

• Coach, mentor, and certify Green Belt candidates through successful completion of DMAIC projects.

• Serve as the subject matter expert for Lean Six Sigma methodologies, statistical analysis, and structured problem-solving techniques.

• Manage the enterprise pipeline of Six Sigma projects, ensuring balanced project selection, prioritization, execution, and completion across all locations.

• Partner with plant leadership to identify high-value improvement opportunities aligned with strategic business objectives.

• Establish governance processes for project reviews, tollgate approvals, certification standards, and financial validation.

• Develop dashboards and executive reporting to monitor project status, financial impact, certification progress, and overall program health.

• Collaborate with finance to validate project savings and ensure consistent measurement of business impact.

• Standardize best practices, project documentation, templates, and knowledge sharing across the organization.

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by engaging leaders and employees at all organizational levels.

• Identify opportunities to integrate digital tools, automation, AI, and advanced analytics into Six Sigma training and project execution.

• Support strategic operational initiatives focused on improving safety, quality, delivery, productivity, yield, and cost performance.

• Travel to manufacturing facilities as needed to facilitate training, coach project teams, and support improvement initiatives. 

 

 

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Statistics, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, quality, operational excellence, or continuous improvement.
• Minimum of 3 years leading Lean Six Sigma initiatives or continuous improvement programs.
• Certified Six Sigma Black Belt from a recognized organization or equivalent demonstrated expertise.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional improvement projects that delivered measurable financial results.
• Strong knowledge of DMAIC methodology, statistical analysis, process capability, root cause analysis, design of experiments, and Lean manufacturing principles.
• Strong proficiency with statistical software such as Minitab, JMP, or equivalent analytical tools.
• Excellent presentation, facilitation, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to influence leaders and project teams without direct authority.
• Willingness to travel 30-50% to other manufacturing locations. 

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, metals manufacturing, investment casting, forging, machining, coatings, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• ASQ Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt or equivalent advanced certification.
• Experience developing enterprise-wide training curricula and certification programs.
• Demonstrated experience building and managing a portfolio of continuous improvement projects across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Experience with Power BI or other business intelligence platforms.
• Familiarity with ERP, MES, and digital manufacturing systems.
• Experience integrating AI, automation, or advanced analytics into continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership and influence organizational change.