Technical Manager

Kaiser Aluminum; Chandler (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Aluminum in Chandler, AZ seeks a Technical Manager (metallurgy focused) to own the integrity of processes converting aluminum billet into aerospace tubing. Lead a small technical organization, drive metallurgical problem solving, and develop plant expertise to meet exacting specs and performance goals.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong communication, and a deep understanding of AMS/ASTM standards, QA testing, and supplier audits.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering (Metallurgical or Chemical) preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in labs and metallurgists.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and PC software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee integrated processes converting billet into aerospace tubing.
• Lead a small technical organization in metallurgy.
• Ensure testing, calibration, and QA lab activities are in current standards.
• Investigate test failures and provide disposition.
• Review customer specifications and ensure product conformity.
• Support corrective actions and process improvements as needed.

Skills

Metallurgy

Leadership

Communication

Quality systems

Education

BS in Engineering (Metallurgical or Chemical)

Tools

Microsoft 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 a Technical Manager (metallurgy focused) to join Kaiser Aluminum in Chandler, Arizona! Requisition 1393 at www.kaiseraluminum.com/careers.

The Technical Manager will own the integrity of an integrated process that converts cast heat-treatable aluminum billet into high-strength aerospace tubing. Lead a small technical organization, solve multistage metallurgical problems, develop the next generation of plant expertise, and materially influence a specialized product for which process history, microstructure, dimensions, and performance must all agree. This position is critical for the overall development, design, implementation, and execution of manufacturing operations. This is an onsite position.

At this time, we are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this role, either now or in the future. Therefore, we cannot move forward with candidates who would require sponsorship and or are on (e.g., H-1B, F-1, STEM OPT, OPT) visas.

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 plus (3+) years of experience labs and metallurgists.
• 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.

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.