Sr. Scientist – Coatings Regulatory & Technology

Kaiser Aluminum•Newburgh, NY

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Kaiser Aluminum Warrick is seeking an experienced and driven Sr. Scientist - Coatings Regulatory & Technology to join its largest plant operations in Newburgh, IN. This role performs coating development activities for all Warrick products. The Sr. Scientist is expected to own regulatory compliance (FDA / food contact / global) for coatings and packaging materials and provide technical leadership in coating development, performance, and customer application. The position reports directly to the Research and Development Manager. Kaiser Aluminum is known for its superior quality, innovative thinking, industry-leading reliability, and world-class customer service.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Science or Engineering (Chemistry preferred).
10+ years of experience in coatings, packaging, or related field.
Demonstrated experience with FDA or food-contact regulations.
Proven ability to lead technical programs and cross-functional projects.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Experience in customer and supplier interactions.
Advanced knowledge of coatings chemistry, surface treatments, and metal substrates.
Knowledge of coating application processes to metal substrate.
Strong understanding of food-contact regulations (FDA, EU, Global).
Knowledge of testing methods, qualification protocols, and compliance systems.
Knowledge of customers package forming processes.
Ability to interpret complex regulations and translate into technical actions.
Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capability.
Ability to work independently with high accountability.
Strategic thinking and decision-making.
Strong communication skills (technical + executive level).
Ability to influence across functions and external stakeholders.
Proven capability to mentor and develop technical talent.
Ability to interface with customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

Perform coating development activities for all Warrick products.
Own regulatory compliance (FDA / food contact / global) for coatings and packaging materials.
Provide technical leadership in coating development, performance, and customer application.
Regulatory qualification and certification of all Warrick supplied products.
Provide technical guidance and decision-making on coating selection, performance, and failure modes.
Integrate regulatory requirements into product development and manufacturing.
Serve as a senior technical authority for coatings, coating application and packaging systems.
Act as a key interface with customers, suppliers, and Industry Organizations.
Lead Advanced Engineering coating programs and testing capabilities.
Full accountability for FDA and food-contact regulatory compliance (U.S., EU, global) programs.
Conduct raw material reviews and determine testing requirements.
Issue certification letters to customers (FDA, FCN, EU, Prop 65, etc.).
Lead FDA audits and regulatory training.
Track emerging global regulations via industry organizations.
Act as subject matter expert for pre-treatment, coating chemistry, coating application, performance, failure modes, and process sensitivities.
Define coating design rules and selection criteria.
Solve complex customer or production-related technical issues.
Lead coating development programs (e.g., BPA-NI, sustainability initiatives).
Support conversion projects and customer qualifications.
Ensure compatibility across manufacturing, forming/filling, and regulatory requirements.
Lead and prioritize coating-related Advanced Engineering projects aligned with business strategy.
Support TTI, customer, and supplier-driven development programs.
Manage risks, deliverables, and cross-functional coordination.
Serve as senior technical contact for customers (qualification, troubleshooting), suppliers (coating development, scale-up), and industry organizations.
Represent the organization in technical and regulatory discussions.
Manage Warrick IP strategy and execution.
Coordinate with legal on patent filings, office actions, and portfolio optimization.