Howmet Aerospace Business Intelligence Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Howmet Aerospace is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries, focusing on innovative technologies that enhance fuel efficiency and sustainability.

The Business Intelligence role at Howmet Aerospace is pivotal in leveraging data analytics tools to optimize processes within an aerospace manufacturing environment. Key responsibilities include designing and implementing reporting and software tools, creating SQL queries, and developing meaningful analytics from various business and manufacturing data sources, including ERP and quality systems. The ideal candidate should possess strong analytical and programming skills, a solid understanding of data management, and excellent communication abilities to interact effectively with diverse teams. A self-starter attitude, along with a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies, aligns closely with Howmet’s commitment to safety and continuous improvement.

This guide will equip you with the insights and preparation needed to articulate your fit for the Business Intelligence role, showcasing both your technical skills and alignment with Howmet Aerospace's values.

The interview process for the Business Intelligence role at Howmet Aerospace is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several stages, each focusing on different aspects of the candidate's qualifications and experiences.

1. Initial Phone Interview

The first step in the interview process is a phone interview, usually lasting around 30 minutes. This conversation is typically conducted by a recruiter and focuses on understanding your background, motivations, and fit for the company culture. Expect to answer general questions about your work experience and discuss your eagerness to learn and grow within the role.

2. Behavioral and Technical Interviews

Following the initial screening, candidates may participate in one or more behavioral interviews, often conducted via video conferencing. These interviews are typically led by team members and focus on situational questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills. While the emphasis is on behavioral aspects, some technical questions may arise, particularly related to data analytics tools and methodologies relevant to the aerospace manufacturing environment.

3. In-Person Panel Interview

Candidates who progress to the next stage will be invited for an in-person panel interview. This session usually involves multiple interviewers, including managers and team leads. During this interview, you will be asked to elaborate on your past experiences, particularly those that demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to work with data systems. You may also be asked to provide examples of projects you've led or contributed to, showcasing your technical expertise in SQL and data analytics.

4. Facility Tour

As part of the in-person interview process, candidates often receive a tour of the facility. This is an opportunity to see the work environment and understand the company's operations better. It also allows interviewers to assess your interest in the role and the company culture.

5. Final Interview and Offer

The final stage may involve a discussion with higher management, such as the General Manager or Operations Manager. This interview typically focuses on your long-term career goals and how they align with the company's objectives. If successful, candidates will receive an offer, which may be contingent upon background checks and other pre-employment requirements.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise during this process.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Emphasize Your Willingness to Learn

Howmet Aerospace values candidates who demonstrate eagerness to learn and adapt. During your interview, highlight instances where you have taken the initiative to learn new skills or technologies, especially in data analytics or business intelligence. Be prepared to discuss how you approach learning in a professional setting and how you can apply that to the role.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a significant focus on behavioral questions that assess your past experiences and how they relate to the role. Prepare specific examples that showcase your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and adaptability. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey the impact of your actions clearly.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

While the interview process may not heavily emphasize technical questions, it’s essential to demonstrate your proficiency in SQL and data analytics tools. Be ready to discuss your experience with SQL queries, data manipulation, and any relevant projects you’ve worked on. If you have experience converting legacy systems or developing applications, make sure to highlight those as well.

Understand the Company Culture

Howmet Aerospace places a strong emphasis on safety and environmental health. Familiarize yourself with their EHS policies and be prepared to discuss how you prioritize safety in your work. Showing that you align with their values will help you stand out as a candidate who fits well within their culture.

Engage with Your Interviewers

The interviewers at Howmet are described as friendly and personable. Use this to your advantage by engaging them in conversation. Ask insightful questions about the team, the role, and the company’s future direction. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Be Ready for a Facility Tour

If you are invited for an in-person interview, be prepared for a tour of the facility. This is an excellent opportunity to observe the work environment and ask questions about the processes and technologies used. Show enthusiasm and curiosity during the tour, as it reflects your genuine interest in the role and the company.

Follow Up with Gratitude

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Mention specific points from the conversation that resonated with you, reinforcing your interest in the position. This small gesture can leave a lasting impression and demonstrate your professionalism.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who is not only technically capable but also a great cultural fit for Howmet Aerospace. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Intelligence interview at Howmet Aerospace. The interview process will likely focus on your analytical skills, experience with data systems, and your ability to work collaboratively with teams. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, technical knowledge, and how you can contribute to the company's goals.

Experience and Background

1. What have you done in engineering prior to this role?

This question aims to understand your relevant experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities of the position.

How to Answer

Highlight specific projects or roles that demonstrate your engineering background and how they relate to business intelligence.

Example

“In my previous role, I worked on a project that involved optimizing manufacturing processes through data analysis. I collaborated with cross-functional teams to gather data from various sources, which helped us identify inefficiencies and implement solutions that improved production rates by 15%.”

2. What are three things that make you well suited to the role?

This question assesses your self-awareness and understanding of the job requirements.

How to Answer

Identify key skills or experiences that directly relate to the job description and explain how they make you a strong candidate.

Example

“I believe my strong analytical skills, experience with SQL for data querying, and my ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical teams make me well suited for this role. I have a proven track record of using data to drive decision-making in previous positions.”

Technical Skills

3. Can you describe your experience with SQL and how you have used it in past projects?

This question evaluates your technical proficiency with SQL, which is crucial for the role.

How to Answer

Discuss specific instances where you utilized SQL to extract, manipulate, or analyze data.

Example

“In my last position, I used SQL to create complex queries that pulled data from multiple tables to generate reports for management. This helped us track key performance indicators and make informed decisions based on real-time data.”

4. How do you approach debugging a program or query that is not returning the expected results?

This question tests your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge.

How to Answer

Explain your systematic approach to identifying and resolving issues in your code or queries.

Example

“When debugging a program, I first review the code to check for syntax errors or logical flaws. I then use print statements or logging to trace the execution flow and identify where the issue occurs. Once I pinpoint the problem, I make the necessary adjustments and test the solution thoroughly.”

Behavioral Questions

5. Have you ever seen an unsafe practice at work? What did you do?

This question assesses your commitment to safety and compliance, which is important in manufacturing environments.

How to Answer

Describe a specific situation where you identified a safety concern and the steps you took to address it.

Example

“I once noticed a colleague not wearing the required personal protective equipment while operating machinery. I immediately approached them and reminded them of the safety protocols. I also reported the incident to our supervisor to ensure that proper training was reinforced.”

6. Give an example of a continuous improvement initiative you led.

This question evaluates your ability to drive change and improve processes.

How to Answer

Share a specific example of an initiative you led, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes achieved.

Example

“I led a continuous improvement initiative focused on reducing waste in our production line. By analyzing data on material usage, I identified areas where we could minimize excess. Implementing new procedures resulted in a 20% reduction in waste and significant cost savings for the company.”

Company Knowledge

7. What do you know about Howmet Aerospace and why do you want to work here?

This question gauges your interest in the company and your understanding of its operations.

How to Answer

Demonstrate your knowledge of the company’s products, values, and industry position, and explain why you are drawn to it.

Example

“I know that Howmet Aerospace is a leader in advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace industry, focusing on innovation and efficiency. I admire the company’s commitment to sustainability and safety, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to projects that enhance fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact.”

8. What is your preferred management methodology?

This question seeks to understand your working style and how you fit within the company culture.

How to Answer

Discuss your preferred management style and how it aligns with the company’s values.

Example

“I prefer a collaborative management style that encourages open communication and teamwork. I believe that involving team members in decision-making fosters a sense of ownership and leads to better outcomes. This aligns well with Howmet’s emphasis on teamwork and continuous improvement.”