Process Control Specialist

Alcoa • Pittsburgh, PA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Alcoa is seeking a Process Control Specialist to join their Information Technology & Automation Solutions (ITAS) Smelting Operations Portfolio team. This role supports manufacturing and process control systems, utilizing advanced automation technologies such as PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, process computers, programmable drives, smart instrumentation, and system interfaces. The specialist will ensure the reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of critical production systems to maximize efficiency, safety, and uptime. Responsibilities include supporting engineering, development, programming, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management of automation and process control solutions across various smelting operations. The role involves managing projects from concept to deployment, driving compliance and system modernization, and delivering innovative solutions that create value globally. The position also involves supporting plant problem-solving, developing technical plans, proposing tools to enhance team productivity, and collaborating with globally diverse teams to achieve objectives aligned with Alcoa's strategic priorities. The specialist will apply engineering and process control principles to manufacturing processes and equipment for safe and reliable operations, coordinate technical needs with centers of excellence, perform application integration and programming, and deploy common solutions across multiple regions. Building relationships with regional resources and assisting in funding requests for automation systems are also key aspects of the role.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
• 5-10 years of experience designing, developing, commissioning, and supporting automation and process control systems in an industrial or manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience managing projects, including scope development, estimating, scheduling, and execution
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting; experience with Rockwell Automation hardware and software is strongly preferred
• Proficiency in C++ programming and application development
• Knowledge of process control and industrial automation technologies, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, process computers, instrumentation, and integrated manufacturing systems
• Experience with system integration, application development, and technical architecture design
• Understanding of manufacturing operations and operational support processes
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex technical issues
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across multiple locations, teams, and organizational levels
• Experience leading projects, influencing stakeholders, and working within cross-functional teams
• Ability and willingness to travel globally as business needs require

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated people leadership, mentoring, or team coordination experience is preferred

Responsibilities

• Support plant problem solving activities and information requirements
• Participate in the development of strategic technical plans
• Propose and develop tools and enablers that facilitate the team’s productivity and service delivery capabilities
• Collaborate with and sometimes lead remote, globally diverse teams and achieve results in the process control and automation area to meet the Center of Excellence commitment to the three Alcoa strategic priorities: Alcoa Technology Advantage, Profitable Growth and Disciplined Execution
• Apply engineering and process control principles to manufacturing and facilities processes and equipment to enable safe and reliable operations and meet business objectives
• Work with the Center of Excellence (CoE) Operational Excellence and technology groups to ensure deployment of standard practices and technologies
• Coordinate technical needs and services to provide common solutions and information sharing
• Perform application integration and programming work, including oversight for work done by third party for common solutions
• Deploy common solutions across multiple regions and locations where GPP has current operating facilities, supporting common solutions across multiple time zones and cultures and the established effective support models
• Build relationships and align regional and location resources to the GPP Manufacturing Solutions strategy
• Assist locations in the development of funding requests for the deployment of automation and process control systems
• Conduct solid project management for deployment, support, or upgrading actions
• Meet all required Alcoa Audit, Engineering Standards, and compliance expectations for the development, deployment, and support of the process control and automation systems

Benefits

• Competitive compensation packages, including pay-for-performance variable pay, recognition and rewards programs, and stock-based compensation awards (3-year vesting schedule)
• Flexible spending accounts and generous employer contribution to the HSA
• 401(k), employer match up to 6%, additional employer retirement income contribution (no vesting period), and a non-qualified deferred compensation plan
• 12 paid holidays per year
• 15 days of paid vacation (pro-rated from hire date)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

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