Materials Development Specialist - Alcoa USA Group

Shape Your World

At Alcoa, you will become an essential part of our purpose: to turn raw potential into real progress. The way we see it, every Alcoan is a work-shaper, team-shaper, idea-shaper, world-shaper.

Alcoa is a global industry leader in the production of bauxite, alumina and aluminum, a position enhanced by a portfolio of value-added cast products and select energy assets. Since developing the aluminum industry more than 135 years ago, Alcoa has built a legacy of breakthrough innovations and best practices that have led to efficiency, safety, sustainability, and stronger communities wherever we operate.

About the Role:

This is your opportunity to shape your career through the skills and experience you bring to the role now and by training for the roles you may want in the future. Our success depends on great teams, where you can thrive and do your best work in a supportive environment. You will be an important member of our Breakthrough Technology Team advancing the development of Alcoa’s projects. As the Materials Development Specialist here at Alcoa Technical Center (ATC) located in New Kensington, PA, this position will be responsible for the fabrication of special powders and components, while maintaining safety, quality, and productivity standards.

• Manufacture of powders and components, then prepare and test these samples using laboratory analytical equipment and methods, consisting of LECO chemical analysis, physical measurements, Archimedes density, and various other analytical equipment.

• Support operational tasks to meet project requirements including, but not limited to, material batching and mixing, powder processing (milling and spray drying), forming (die presses), furnace and kiln loading/unloading.

• Some operation of overhead cranes, forklifts, and other mobile equipment as needed.

• Conduct a variety of laboratory experiments to support technological development.

• Collect, organize, and report data to engineering/management personnel.

• Install, setup, troubleshoot and maintain new and existing equipment while adhering to Alcoa’s process as needed.

What you can bring to this role:

Our values – act with integrity, operate with excellence, care for people & lead with courage – are at the foundation of everything we do. To be successful in this role and to play a part in our ongoing success we desire the following background:

• High school diploma, GED, trade school degree in mechanical/electrical trades.

• Preference for candidates with Engineering, Science or Laboratory-based education or experience OR production experience in materials industries.

• Ability to perform material handling, weighing, completing process steps in sequence, and documenting process data.

• Strong communication (both oral and written) and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work in a team oriented and learning environment.

• Willingness to learn and grow as part of a dynamic research and development environment

• Become knowledgeable about Alcoa EHS standards, policies, and tools to ensure that safety protocols are being followed accordingly.  

• Experience with general hand tools

• Strong attention to detail.

• Basic digital literacy: MS Outlook (email), MS Excel (data entry), MS Access or other database (data entry).

Special Instructions:

• Must wear task specific PPE.

• Must have the ability to work in relatively noisy conditions.

• Must be flexible with schedule changes.

• Must be able to work a 12-hour rotating day and evening shift schedule as required

What we offer:

• Shift differentials, overtime & holiday pay

• 120 hours of paid vacation per year (pro-rated based on hire date your first year).

• 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 nonqualified deferred compensation plan

• 10 holidays and one flexible holiday of your choice.

• 56 hours of sick/safe leave

• 4 hours of Paid annual volunteer hours

• Alcoa has been chosen as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces 2023 by Newsweek

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About the Location

Every day is a new and exciting challenge at the Alcoa Technical Center in New Kensington, PA, just north of Pittsburgh. We develop new technologies with our Breakthrough Technologies team that has the potential to impact the life of millions of people and foster the sustainable footprint from Alcoa to the world. It was here where we developed the technology recently announced in partnership with Rio Tinto, called ELYSIS™, where we will produce aluminum with ZERO emission of greenhouse gases. In fact, we will actually be generating oxygen to our atmosphere during the aluminum production process– a revolution to the aluminum industry!

We are values led, vision driven and united by our purpose of transforming raw potential into real progress.  Our commitments to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity include providing trusting workplaces that are safe, respectful and inclusive of all individuals, free from discrimination, bullying and harassment and that our workplaces reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate.   

As a proud equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer, Alcoa is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of a person’s gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, nation of origin, disability, veteran status, language spoken or any other characteristic or status protected by the laws or regulations in the places where we operate.  

If you have visited our website in search of information on U.S. employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Alcoa Recruiting via email at gssrecruiting@alcoa.com.  

This is a place where you are empowered to do your best work, be your authentic self, and feel a true sense of belonging. Come join us and shape your career!  

Your work. Your world. Shape them for the better.