Senior Materials Scientist

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 (<15%).

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.

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