Materials Engineer — High‑Temp Ceramics & Refractories

Alcoa Australia; New Kensington (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

HSA/401(k) with employer match

12 paid holidays

15 days paid vacation

Career development opportunities

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Job summary

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

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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%).

Skills

Materials science

Ceramics processing

Materials characterization

R&D project planning

Education

Bachelor's in Materials Science/Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Job description

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