Senior Materials Scientist

Alcoa • New Kensington, PA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

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 (<15%).

Requirements

• Bachelors in Materials Science & Engineering, Ceramics Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.
• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead research, development, engineering, and technology commercialization efforts for breakthrough materials in advanced smelting technology portfolio.
• Initiate and lead R&D projects, define objectives and work plan, and conduct research that advances scientific knowledge for the improvement of breakthrough materials in advanced smelting processes.
• Apply detailed knowledge of materials chemistry, microstructures, and failure mechanisms to develop fundamental understanding of materials performance.
• Solve problems to root cause, seek and identify opportunities for improvements, and implement innovative solutions required to improve materials development and/or production activities.
• Apply material fundamentals and technology into practical solutions and applications in laboratory, pilot, and commercial scale environments.
• Foster collaborative relationships within and between work groups, including external workgroups and stakeholders.
• Provide functional guidance and mentoring to technicians and less experienced engineers/scientists.
• Interface with external stakeholders, including customers and suppliers, to develop scope, schedule, and cost to meet objectives of R&D projects.
• Communicate progress and results through written detailed technical reports, presentations, patents, and publications.
• Physically perform work in laboratory and industrial environments.

Benefits

• 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.
• Social and diversity focused engagement opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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