Technical Manager

kaisercareers; Chandler (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Aluminum in Chandler, Arizona seeks a Technical Manager (metallurgy focused) to lead aluminum manufacturing, QA, and process improvement. You will oversee thermal and mechanical processes, ensure AMS/ASTM compliance, and drive corrective actions across the site.

The role requires a metallurgy background, leadership experience, and strong communication skills to interact with customers and internal teams. Lean Six Sigma familiarity is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Metallurgical or Chemical Engineering preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience as a metallurgist.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Oversee aluminum manufacturing process controls and QA for seamless tubing.
• Maintain current industry specifications (AMS/ASTM) and calibration of inspection tools.
• Review and disposition nonconformances; notify customers of issues within one business day.
• Perform supplier audits and evaluate raw materials, tooling, and outside labs.
• Support corrective actions and Vital Few investigations with site Quality Manager.
• Lead process owners to address corrections from audits in a timely manner.
• Assist with process performance reviews and data analysis for scrap and RCCA.
• Review customer drawings and specifications to advise on process capabilities.

Skills

Metallurgy knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Lean Six Sigma

Team management

Education

Bachelors in Engineering (Metallurgical/Chemical)

Tools

MS Office

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 looking for aTechnical Manager (metallurgy focused)to join Kaiser Aluminum in Chandler, Arizona!

The Technical Manager is an expert in the field of aluminum manufacturing. This position is critical for the overall development, design, implementation, and execution of manufacturing operations.

What you will work on:

• Oversee the Thermal and Mechanical processes needed to produce aluminum seamless tubing to meet applicable AMS and ASTM industry specifications.
• Develop a deep understanding of applicable industry and customer specifications and maintain current revisions.
• Oversee product testing and release through QA Lab including mechanical testing, external testing, and the measurement tool calibration system to ensure that inspection tools are maintained and are in current calibration.
• Troubleshoot and investigate test failures for resolution and disposition.
• Ensure accuracy, validity, and record maintenance of all necessary product and process testing.
• Determine product conformity or nonconformity and provide disposition.
• Notify customers within one business day when a nonconformance is determined to exist or suspected to exist (include information in the notification as determined applicable)
• Perform supplier audits, such as raw material, outside testing and calibration labs, and tooling vendors.
• Review and disposition deviation requests from suppliers critical to product quality such as raw material, tooling, and calibrated tools and products.
• Support the site Quality Manager in development and implementation of corrective actions as necessary, including Vital Few investigations.
• As clause/process owner, responsible for ensuring corrections/ corrective actions arising from audits are addressed in a timely manner
• Support periodic reviews of process performance including scrap, complaints, RCCA, and audit findings, both internal and external
• Sign customer certifications as necessary
• Instruct and train employees on processes critical to product quality and perform competency evaluations, as necessary.
• Evaluate customer requirements (review, accept, reject) such as drawings, specifications, purchase orders, and supplier quality requirements
• Customer technical support and product complaint investigations, including on-site and off-site activities.
• Identify potential nonconforming outputs (product, process, or service) and risks to develop appropriate countermeasures
• Support production plan reviews including draw plans, press recipes, thermal practices, and other manufacturing steps.
• Support commercial organization with new product review of drawings and specifications to advise process capabilities and product/process risks.
• Manage thermal process controls according to AMS 2772 and AMS 2750 including thermal uniformity survey (TUS), system accuracy test (SAT), and thermal instrument calibration (TIC).
• Suggest documentation/process changes and improvement opportunities
• General floor support with QA functions, in-process inspection, inspection equipment troubleshooting, product or process failures to find resolution
• Review of new equipment (flare, age ovens, air gage) implementation and validation
• Follow applicable Environment, Quality, and Safety documents, notify supervisor immediately if not correct
• Communicate with internal and external personnel (on any matter relevant to your job function; to be able to perform you job successfully; whenever necessary; with anyone necessary; in any manner necessary (phone, e-mail, in person, by mail; etc.) as long as the communication does not violate Kaiser Aluminum’s Code of Conduct

What you will bring to the position:

• Bachelors of Science in Engineering, Metallurgical or Chemical Engineering preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a metallurgist.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, OneDrive) and other PC based software programs.
• Ability to professionally communicate to parties inside and outside the organization at all organizational levels with regards to technical issues facing the facility.
• Ability to manage personnel from engineer to operator within department, and advise/coach personnel across the facility.
• Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma concepts and product/process quality systems techniques.

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 a diverse and inclusive culture. We are strongly committed to expanding inclusion, equity, and diversity -- how we hire, develop, and inspire our diverse team members that reflects and relates to the increasingly multicultural community.