Senior Scientist

Kaiser Aluminum; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Aluminum is seeking a Sr. Scientist - Coatings Regulatory & Technology to lead regulatory compliance for coatings and packaging materials at our Newburgh, IN site.

You will drive technical leadership in coating development, performance, and customer application while interfacing with customers, suppliers, and industry groups. The role includes owning FDA/global regulatory programs, performing material reviews, issuing certification letters, and leading audits and regulatory training.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related field preferred.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Science or Engineering (Chemistry preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in coatings, packaging, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience with FDA or food-contact regulations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Own regulatory compliance (FDA / food contact / global) for coatings and packaging materials.
• Provide technical leadership in coating development, performance, and customer application.
• Lead FDA audits and regulatory training.
• Track emerging global regulations via industry organizations.
• Lead coating development programs and testing capabilities.
• Interface with customers, suppliers, and Industry Organizations.
• Integrate regulatory requirements early in development.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Coatings knowledge

Project leadership

Technical communication

Cross-functional collaboration

FDA compliance

Education

Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related field

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Science or Engineering (Chemistry preferred)

Job description

Kaiser Aluminum is known around the world for its superior quality. Our secret is what we put into it—innovative thinking, industry-leading reliability, and a world-class commitment to customer service. In short, the same qualities we look for in our people. We are seeking an experienced and driven Sr. Scientist - Coatings Regulatory & Technology to join our largest plant operations in Newburgh, IN.

The Sr. Scientist – Coatings Regulatory & Technology performs coating development activities for all Warrick products. An expectation of this role is to own regulatory compliance (FDA / food contact / global) for coatings and packaging materials and provide technical leadership in coating development, performance, and customer application.

The primary purpose of this role is twofold: Own regulatory compliance (FDA / food contact / global) for coatings and packaging materials. Provide technical leadership in coating development, performance, and customer application.

The role is accountable for:

• Regulatory qualification and certification of all Warrick supplied products,
• Technical guidance and decision-making on coating selection, performance, and failure modes
• Integration of regulatory requirements into product development and manufacturing

Additionally, the position serves as:

• A senior technical authority for coatings, coating application and packaging systems
• A key interface with customers, suppliers, and Industry Organizations
• A leader of Advanced Engineering coating programs and testing capabilities

Regulatory & Compliance Leadership

• Full accountability for FDA and food-contact regulatory compliance (U.S., EU, global) programs
• Conduct raw material reviews and determine testing requirements
• Issue certification letters to customers (FDA, FCN, EU, Prop 65, etc.)
• Lead FDA audits and regulatory training,
• Track emerging global regulations via industry organizations

Technical Leadership – Coatings

• Act as subject matter expert for:
• Pre-treatment,
• Coating chemistry,
• Coating application,
• Performance, failure modes, and process sensitivities
• Define coating design rules and selection criteria
• Solve complex customer or production-related technical issues

Product & Process Development

• Lead coating development programs (e.g., BPA-NI, sustainability initiatives)
• Support conversion projects and customer qualifications
• Ensure compatibility across:
• Manufacturing
• Forming/filling
• Regulatory requirements
• Lead and prioritize coating-related AE projects aligned with business strategy
• Support TTI, customer, and supplier-driven development programs
• Manage risks, deliverables, and cross-functional coordination

External Interface

• Serve as senior technical contact for:
• Industry organizations.
• Represent the organization in technical and regulatory discussions

Intellectual Property & Strategy

• Manage Warrick IP strategy and execution
• Coordinate with legal on patent filings, office actions, and portfolio optimization
• Balancing innovation vs regulatory constraints
• Managing global regulatory uncertainty (FDA vs EU divergence)
• Maintaining technical credibility with customers and suppliers
• Preventing loss of critical tacit knowledge during transition
• Integrating regulatory requirements early in development

Technical Expertise

• Advanced knowledge of coatings chemistry, surface treatments, and metal substrates
• Knowledge of coating application processes to metal substrate
• Strong understanding of food-contact regulations (FDA, EU, Global)
• Knowledge of testing methods, qualification protocols, and compliance systems
• Knowledge of customers package forming processes

Core Competencies

• Ability to interpret complex regulations and translate into technical actions
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capability
• Ability to work independently with high accountability
• Strategic thinking and decision-making

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

• Strong communication skills (technical + executive level)
• Ability to influence across functions and external stakeholders
• Proven capability to mentor and develop technical talent
• Ability to interface with customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies

What you will bring to the role:

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related field (preferred)

Basic / Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Science or Engineering (Chemistry preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in coatings, packaging, or related field
• Demonstrated experience with FDA or food-contact regulations
• Proven ability to lead technical programs and cross-functional projects
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in customer and supplier interactions

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered based on job-related qualifications and abilities. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

About Kaiser Aluminum: Talented people join our team because we are a company passionate about environmental sustainability, employee growth, contributing back to our communities and championing an inclusive culture.