Sandblasting Operator

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

We are currently looking for a candidate to fill the role of sandblaster for a 3rd shift opening (10:30 pm to 7:00 am), training to take place on 1st shift (6:30 am to 3:00 pm). This position is responsible for grit blasting parts used, largely, for small Jet engine components. This person will be responsible for the setup and operation of both manual and automatic grit blasting machines. Work requires the operator to perform a wide variety of sandblasting techniques and processes that: A) change from job to job, B) techniques vary, depending upon the type and C) requires operator to work with a wide variety of grit materials without damaging parts. All training necessary to successfully perform this job will be provided, in-house by Howmet.

Job Responsibilities

• Review work instructions, stored electronically and written in English, for each job assignment to ensure compliance with product requirements.
• Written instructions will include the type and size of grit to be used, appropriate PSI setting for equipment, proper setup of fixtures into automatic machines, blasting distance from parts to nozzle and any possible areas of restrictions, etc.
• Operator will be required to perform various tasks including inspection of parts to ensure proper masking, load parts into a variety of sandblasting machines, and assure proper/secure placement of parts into fixtures as required (depending upon the process being used).
• Continuously monitor the operation of the nozzle (ensuring no blockage exists) and appropriate flow occurs.
• Adjust machine or grit-flow as needed.
• Perform work activities to obtain acceptable and uniform finishes at various processing stages (initial, in-process and final). Depending upon the process being performed, may move parts in the cabinet back and forth and side-to-side to remove unwanted finish and/or surface irregularities.
• As work is completed, complete all related paperwork i.e. routers, daily log sheets, etc. following standard operating procedures.
• Keep work area clean and organized.
• Adhere to all company safety rules and practices and wear protective equipment as directed.
• Perform other job duties as needed or directed by management.

Job Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.
• This position requires a minimum of a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-3 Years of manufacturing experience highly desired.
• Experience running manufacturing equipment, advanced math skills, and leadership qualities preferred.

Skills & Abilities:

Must be able to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos, together with charts, diagrams, and precision measuring instruments. Ability to write simple correspondence or documentation.

Good math skills with the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Good organizational skills in maintaining a variety of records and reports.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will usually work in a shop environment with exposure to loud noise, heat/fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and moving mechanical parts with a risk of electrical shock.

Salary & Benefits

• Starting salary $21.25
• Shift differential: 3rd shift $2.00 - Ability to train on 1st shift for several months.
• External hires are eligible for a $1,000 sign on bonus.
• Benefit package includes, Medical, Dental, Visual, vacation, and more eligible from day one.
• Excellent benefits/401K vested from day one.