Senior Materials Scientist

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 leader within Alcoa, you can help us fulfill our purpose and realize our vision to reinvent the aluminum industry. Be part of the team that is helping shape a better workplace with a better work-life balance and the equal opportunities that help everyone thrive. You have the power to shape things to make them better.

About the Role:

Join the forefront of industrial innovation as a

Senior Materials Scientist

within Alcoa’s Breakthrough Technologies Team. To lead research, development, engineering, and technology commercialization efforts for breakthrough materials in advanced smelting technology portfolio.

- Initiates and leads R&D projects, defines objectives and work plan, and conducts research that advances scientific knowledge for the improvement of breakthrough materials in advanced smelting processes

- Applies detailed knowledge of materials chemistry, microstructures, and failure mechanisms to develop fundamental understanding of materials performance

- Responsible for solving problems to root cause, seeks and identifies opportunities for improvements and implements innovative solutions required to improve materials development and/or production activities

- Hands-on work requires the ability to apply material fundamentals and technology into practical solutions and applications in laboratory, pilot, and commercial scale environments

- Fosters collaborative relationships within and between work groups, including external workgroups and stakeholders

- Provides functional guidance and mentoring to technicians and less experienced engineers/scientists

- Interfaces with external stakeholders, including customers and suppliers in conjunction to develop scope, schedule, and cost to meet objectives of R&D projects

- Diligently communicates progress and results through written detailed technical reports, presentations, patents, and publications

Ability to physically perform work in laboratory and industrial environments, with occasional demands for flexible hours and minimal travel (

What you can bring to this role:

- Bachelors in Materials Science & Engineering, Ceramics Engineering, or Chemical Engineering. Advanced degree preferred.

- 5 years of work experience in materials or ceramics processing, characterization, production, or related areas.

- Strong interpersonal, project management and communication skills

- Demonstrated ability to work and lead effectively in a team environment

- Ability to work with minimal supervision

- Ability to develop project plans and execute in a disciplined fashion to meet objectives within the timeline

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

- Lead by example, awareness to environmental, health, and safety principles in a laboratory and manufacturing environment

- Previous experience in materials characterization of ceramics and metals

- Knowledge in materials selection for high temperature corrosive environments.

- Strong organization and analytical skills for data management, analysis, and results presentation

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.