Materials Engineer

020 ALCOA USA CORP; New Kensington (Westmoreland County); Presencial; USD 80.000 - 110.000; Tempo integral

Benefícios oferecidos por esta vaga

Competitive compensation

HSA/401(k) with employer match

12 paid holidays

15 days paid vacation

Career development opportunities

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Resumo da vaga

Alcoa Technical Center in New Kensington, PA seeks a Materials Engineer to develop, evaluate, select, and implement refractory and ceramic materials for aluminum electrolysis cells and high-temperature equipment. You will lead R&D activities to improve performance, reliability, efficiency, and resistance to degradation.

The role blends materials science with hands-on lab, pilot, and industrial work, translating degradation mechanisms into practical material choices, specs, tests, and design

Qualificações

• Bachelor's degree in materials science/engineering or ceramics/chemical engineering.
• 2+ years in materials/ceramics processing, characterization or production.
• Knowledge of high-temperature corrosive environments.
• Experience in ceramics and metals characterization.
• Ability to plan and execute projects on schedule.

Responsabilidades

• Initiates and leads R&D projects with defined objectives and work plans.
• Develops understanding of materials performance and failure mechanisms.
• Solves problems by root cause analysis and implements improvements.
• Applies material science to lab, pilot, and commercial environments.
• Occasional flexible hours and travel (<15%).

Conhecimentos

Materials science

Ceramics processing

Materials characterization

R&D project planning

Formação

Bachelor's in Materials Science/Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Descrição da vaga

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. We are seeking a Materials Engineer to develop, evaluate, select, and implement refractory and ceramic materials for aluminum electrolysis cells and related high-temperature process equipment. The engineer will lead R&D activities aimed at improving refractory performance, cell reliability, thermal efficiency, service life, and resistance to chemical and mechanical degradation.

This role combines materials science fundamentals with hands‑on laboratory, pilot‑scale, and industrial work. The engineer will develop a fundamental understanding of refractory degradation mechanisms and translate that knowledge into practical material selections, specifications, test methods, and cell‑design improvements.

About the Role

As a Materials Engineer, you will:

• Initiates and leads R&D projects, defines objectives and work plan, and conducts research that advances scientific knowledge for the improvement of breakthrough materials in advanced smelting processes
• Applies detailed knowledge of materials chemistry, microstructures, and failure mechanisms to develop fundamental understanding of materials performance
• Responsible for solving problems to root cause, seeks and identifies opportunities for improvements and implements innovative solutions required to improve materials development and/or production activities
• Hands‑on work requires the ability to apply material fundamentals and technology into practical solutions and applications in laboratory, pilot, and commercial scale environments
• Ability to physically perform work in laboratory and industrial environments, with occasional demands for flexible hours and minimal travel (<15%)

What you can bring to this role

Bachelors in Materials Science & Engineering, Ceramics Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.

• 2+ years of work experience in materials or ceramics processing, characterization, production or related areas.
• Knowledge in materials selection for high temperature corrosive environments.
• Experience in materials characterization of ceramics and metals.
• Ability to develop project plans and execute in a disciplined fashion to meet objectives within the timeline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or higher in Materials Science & Engineering, Ceramics Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.

What we offer

• Competitive compensation packages, including pay-for performance variable pay, recognition and rewards programs
• Flexible spending accounts and generous employer contribution to the HSA 401(k), employer match up to 6%, additional employer retirement income contribution (no vesting period), and a non-qualified deferred compensation plan
• 12 paid holidays per year.
• 15 days of paid vacation (pro-rated from hire date).
• Career development opportunities to pursue your passions; and Social and diversity focused engagement opportunities.

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].

We treat all people with dignity and we believe in inclusion, diversity and enabling all employees to grow and develop their careers with us, where they can pursue their passions.

Discover the possibilities a career with Alcoa can have for you. Come shape your career with us!