Research Technologist

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.

As a

Research Technologist

at Alcoa Technical Center (ATC) located in New Kensington, PA, you will be an integral member of the production team responsible with leading projects from design through implementation by organizing, delegating, coordinating, and directing activities within the scope of functional specialization. This role will be part of a pilot-scale production team focusing on manufacturing and testing advanced proprietary materials for the development of innovative technology.

About the Role:

- Maximize production capacity through process improvements by minimizing ergonomic issues, while meeting customer demand and deliver on-time performance.

- Provide technical direction to technicians and support personnel in ceramic processing, including powder mixing, milling, spray drying, pressing, machining, firing and quality control.

- Track current production performance and improvement to determine effectiveness.

- Responsible for the quality of work performed by others. Assignments involve initiating, designing, developing, testing, and installing equipment for projects or programs.

- Provide operational troubleshooting and problem solving.

- Manage equipment design and product line design.

- Coordinate and take part in manufacturing audits.

- Provide technical direction to support products and processes.

- Coordinate daily tasks to achieve operational goals.

- Coordinate and execute production planning maintenance tasks.

- Provide CAD/CAM programming when needed.

- Produce reports and presentations.

What you can bring to this role:

- Associate of Science with 5 years of work experience in ceramics, chemical or material processing

- In lieu of a degree, 5-10 years of experience in a manufacturing/process environment

- Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact with individuals at all levels of the organization.

- Experienced in ceramic operations.

- Independently conducts and directs processes.

- Demonstrated ability to physically perform work in laboratory and industrial environments.

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills required.

- Ability to work with resources within and outside the program team to accomplish the work required.

- Strong organization and analytical skills for data management, and analysis.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Computer and design skills as well as experience with Allen Bradley PLC/HMI Software (RS Logics, etc.) as well as CAD/CAM software (SolidWorks or AutoCAD).

- Experience in managing projects (equipment installation, upgrades, etc.).

- Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification.

What we offer:

- 401(k), employer match up to 6%, additional employer retirement income contribution (no vesting period), and a non-qualified deferred compensation plans.

- 15 days’ vacation and 12 paid holidays per year.

- Flexible spending accounts and generous employer contribution into a Health Savings Account (HSA).

- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

- Career development opportunities to pursue your passions; and

- Social and diversity focused engagement opportunities.

About the Location

Every day is a new and exciting challenge at the Alcoa Technical Center in New Kensington, PA, just north of Pittsburgh. We develop new technologies with our Breakthrough Technologies team that has the potential to impact the life of millions of people and foster the sustainable footprint from Alcoa to the world. It was here where we developed the technology recently announced in partnership with Rio Tinto, called ELYSIS™, where we will produce aluminum with ZERO emission of greenhouse gases. In fact, we will actually be generating oxygen to our atmosphere during the aluminum production process– a revolution to the aluminum industry!

We are values led, vision driven and united by our purpose of transforming raw potential into real progress.  Our commitments to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity include providing trusting workplaces that are safe, respectful and inclusive of all individuals, free from discrimination, bullying and harassment and that our workplaces reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate.

As a proud equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer, Alcoa is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of a person’s gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, nation of origin, disability, veteran status, language spoken or any other characteristic or status protected by the laws or regulations in the places where we operate.

If you have visited our website in search of information on U.S. employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Alcoa Recruiting via email at gssrecruiting@alcoa.com.

This is a place where you are empowered to do your best work, be your authentic self, and feel a true sense of belonging. Come join us and shape your career!

Your work. Your world. Shape them for the better.