Research & Development Technician I

Alcoa; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Vacation time

Flexible spending accounts

Volunteer hours

Career development

Diversity initiatives

Job summary

Alcoa is seeking a Research & Development Technician to join the Electrolysis R&D team, developing new aluminum production technologies and operating test cells with meticulous data records.

You will collaborate with scientists, engineers and technicians, perform hands-on tasks with basic tools, and adapt to rotating shifts while supporting sustainable, low‑carbon innovations.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in a light industry environment.
• Two years experience in an R&D setting.
• Two years familiarity with molten materials (aluminum/steel).

Responsibilities

• Assist with construction of test cells, following safe work instructions and drawings.
• Autopsy of test cells with careful separation of constituents.
• Interact with molten materials (sampling, transferring, etc.).
• Maintain organization of collected samples.
• Assemble/disassemble and reconfigure test cell furnaces.
• Perform tasks in noisy environments with fumes, dust, and chemicals; respirator may be required.
• Work safely and in line with Alcoa’s policies and procedures.
• Work in crouching, kneeling, and stooping positions.
• Operate cranes and fork trucks.

Job description

Full 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. This is your opportunity to help share the future of sustainability with world‑changing innovations and low‑carbon technologies. Become a valued part of the team that’s shaping the future of aluminum, revolutionizing the way the world lives, builds, moves, and flies. Be part of it and shape your world.

About the Role

The Research & Development Technician will be part of a team developing new technologies related to aluminum production in electrolytic cells of various scales. This requires a diverse set of skills to be able to build and operate the test cells, along with maintaining records of observations, results, and data for each experiment. The Electrolysis R&D team consists of individuals of diverse backgrounds and expertise, and includes scientists, engineers, and technicians.

Responsibilities

• Assist with construction of test cells, including following safe work instructions, building to dimensions specified by drawings, taking direction from senior technicians.


• Autopsy of test cells, including methodical disassembly of cell, accurate separation of different constituents.


• Interaction with molten materials (sampling, transferring, etc.).


• Maintaining organization of collected samples.


• Assembly, disassembly, and reconfiguration of test cell furnaces.


• Complete tasks in noisy conditions and around equipment where fumes, dust, and chemicals exist (will be required to wear respirator for certain tasks).


• Conduct work safely and in line with Alcoa’s policies and procedures.


• Perform work in crouching, kneeling, and stooping positions.


• Operation of cranes and fork trucks.

What you can bring to this role

• High school diploma or equivalent


• Proficient in use of Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)


• Experience with basic hand tool usage (drills, saws, etc.)


• Ability to work 24/7 rotating shifts as required by test schedule.


• Ability to work in a team oriented and learning environment.


• Willingness to learn.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years significant experience in a light industry environment (example: vehicle repair garages, building maintenance shops, metal work, millwork, and cabinetry work)


• 2 years relevant of experience in an R&D setting.


• 2 years related familiarity with molten materials (example: aluminum and steel industry)

What's on offer

• 401(k), employer match up to 6%, additional employer retirement income contribution (no vesting period), and a nonqualified deferred compensation plans;


• 15 days’ vacation and one flexible holiday of your choice;


• Flexible spending accounts and generous employer contribution to the HAS;


• Paid annual volunteer hours;


• Career development opportunities to pursue your passions;


• Social and diversity focused engagement opportunities.