Materials Engineer – Ceramics & Refractories (R&D)

Alcoa Corporation; New Kensington (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

HSA/FSA options

401(k) with employer match

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Job summary

Alcoa Corporation in New Kensington, PA, is seeking a Materials Engineer to develop, evaluate, select, and implement refractory and ceramic materials for aluminum electrolysis cells and related high-temperature equipment.

The role combines materials science with hands-on lab, pilot-scale, and industrial activities, focusing on improving material performance, cell reliability, and thermal efficiency. Travel is limited, and a strong emphasis on project planning is expected.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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%).

Skills

Materials engineering

Ceramics processing

Materials characterization

Project planning

Laboratory work

Education

Bachelors in Materials Science & Engineering

Bachelors in Ceramics Engineering

Bachelors in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Alcoa Corporation in New Kensington, PA, is seeking a Materials Engineer to develop, evaluate, select, and implement refractory and ceramic materials for aluminum electrolysis cells and related high-temperature equipment.

The role combines materials science with hands-on lab, pilot-scale, and industrial activities, focusing on improving material performance, cell reliability, and thermal efficiency. Travel is limited, and a strong emphasis on project planning is expected.