Mechanical Engineer – R&D

Alcoa • New Kensington, PA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Alcoa is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the development and commercialization of innovative technologies at the Alcoa Technical Center in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. The role combines mechanical design, equipment development, troubleshooting, and project execution in a research and development environment. The engineer will collaborate with engineers, scientists, technicians, operations partners, suppliers, fabricators, contractors, and other external partners to drive technical innovation, improve equipment performance, and deliver practical engineering solutions that support strategic business objectives.

The position provides technical guidance to programs and projects and supports solutions that improve product performance, reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness while reducing complexity and enabling continuous improvement. It also supports capital and expense projects from concept through execution, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, risk assessment, resource coordination, and performance tracking. The engineer develops and maintains designs, models, and technical drawings using SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent CAD platforms, while ensuring compliance with engineering standards, codes, regulations, and company policies.

The role includes equipment, process, and product design improvements through analysis, testing, root cause investigations, and data-driven decisions. It requires leading cross-functional problem-solving and root cause analysis, implementing sustainable corrective actions, and managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Travel of up to 15% is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 4–8 years of mechanical engineering experience.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
• Experience managing engineering projects from concept through implementation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Willingness to learn.
• Ability to travel up to 15%.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in manufacturing, industrial, research and development, or product development environments, including experience with industrial equipment, automation, manufacturing, or materials processing.
• AutoCAD experience.
• Capital project or project engineering experience.
• Experience working with suppliers, fabricators, and contractors.
• FE/PE certification or progression toward licensure.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical advisor for programs and projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives.
• Support development, evaluation, and implementation of solutions that improve product performance, reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness, reduce complexity, and support continuous improvement.
• Support capital and expense projects from concept through execution, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, risk assessment, resource coordination, and performance tracking.
• Drive equipment, process, and product design improvements through analysis, testing, root cause investigations, and data-driven decision-making.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers, fabricators, contractors, and external partners, and provide oversight to ensure project deliverables meet requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable engineering codes, industry standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies throughout project phases.
• Lead cross-functional problem-solving efforts and root cause analyses, facilitate stakeholder consensus, and implement sustainable corrective actions for complex technical challenges.
• Manage competing priorities and respond to critical, changing business needs with sound judgment, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
• Create and maintain designs, models, and technical drawings using SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent CAD platforms in compliance with engineering standards.
• Travel up to 15%.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation packages, including pay-for-performance variable pay and recognition and rewards programs.
• 401(k) with employer match up to 6% and additional employer retirement income contribution, with no vesting period.
• Healthcare benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, flexible spending account, health savings account with employer contribution, life insurance, and accident insurance.
• 15 vacation days prorated in the first year based on hire date.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Care for Family leave.
• Up to 5 bereavement days.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level