2027 Co-Op, Breakthrough Technologies

Alcoa; New Kensington (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Alcoa invites junior or senior-level students to join the Breakthrough Technologies Co-Op Program at the Alcoa Technical Center (ATC) in New Kensington, PA. You will work with world-class engineers and scientists on cutting-edge research, supporting the development of advanced materials and processes.

You will synthesize ceramic powders, operate high-temperature furnaces, analyze data, and publish formal reports.

Qualifications

• Pursuing degrees in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related fields.
• Strong organizational, math and writing abilities required.
• Demonstrated curiosity and collaborative mindset are essential.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to hands-on projects at the Alcoa Technical Center (ATC).
• Assist in synthesizing ceramic powders and processing advanced materials.
• Operate high-temperature furnaces and conduct performance testing.
• Characterize materials and analyze data with standard software.
• Design and execute experiments to optimize equipment and processes.
• Publish an internal report detailing findings.

Skills

Organizational skills

Mathematical skills

Writing skills

Curiosity

Collaboration

Education

Chemical Engineering degree

Materials Science degree

Ceramic Engineering degree

Mechanical Engineering degree

Electrical Engineering degree

Job description

Shape Your World

At Alcoa, you will become an essential part of our purpose: to turn raw potential into real progress. The way we see it, every Alcoan is a work-shaper, team-shaper, idea-shaper & world-shaper.

Shape Your World

At Alcoa, you will become an essential part of our purpose: to turn raw potential into real progress. The way we see it, every Alcoan is a work-shaper, team-shaper, idea-shaper & world-shaper.

Are you ready to kickstart your career with a company that’s revolutionizing sustainability and low-carbon innovation? At Alcoa, we’re not just imagining the future- we’re building it. Join our Breakthrough Technologies Co-Op Program and become part of a team that’s transforming aluminum and redefining how the world lives, builds, moves, and flies.

What You’ll Do

As a Co-Op, you’ll dive into hands-on projects that matter. You’ll work alongside world-class engineers and scientists at the Alcoa Technical Center (ATC), contributing to cutting-edge research and development in materials and processes. Your work may include:

• Synthesizing ceramic powders and processing advanced materials
• Operating high-temperature furnaces and conducting performance testing
• Characterizing materials and analyzing data using industry-standard software
• Designing and executing experiments to optimize equipment and processes
• Publishing a formal internal report to showcase your findings

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking junior or senior-level students who are passionate about innovation and eager to grow in a dynamic technical environment. Ideal candidates are pursuing degrees in:

• Chemical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Ceramic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Or related science fields

You bring:

• Strong organizational, math, and writing skills
• Curiosity and drive to solve real-world challenges
• A collaborative mindset and a desire to make an impact

Program Details

• Spring/Summer 2027 or Summer/Fall 2027 semesters
• Multiple positions available
• Located at the Alcoa Technical Center (ATC) in New Kensington, PA

Ready to shape your world?

About the Location

Every day is a new and exciting challenge at the Alcoa Technical Center in New Kensington, PA, just north of Pittsburgh. We develop new technologies with our Breakthrough Technologies team that has the potential to impact the life of millions of people and foster the sustainable footprint from Alcoa to the world. It was here where we developed the technology recently announced in partnership with Rio Tinto, called ELYSIS, where we will produce aluminum with ZERO emission of greenhouse gases. In fact, we will actually be generating oxygen to our atmosphere during the aluminum production process - a revolution to the aluminum industry!

We are values led, vision driven and united by our purpose of transforming raw potential into real progress. Our commitments to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity include providing trusting workplaces that are safe, respectful and inclusive of all individuals, free from discrimination, bullying and harassment and that our workplaces reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate.

As a proud equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer, Alcoa is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of a person’s gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, nation of origin, disability, veteran status, language spoken or any other characteristic or status protected by the laws or regulations in the places where we operate.

If you have visited our website in search of information on U.S. employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Alcoa Recruiting via email at [e-mail].

Your work. Your world. Shape them for the better.