Research & Development Technician I - 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.

This is your opportunity to help share the future of sustainability with world-changing innovations and low-carbon technologies. Become a valued part of the team that’s shaping the future of aluminum, revolutionizing the way the world lives, builds, moves, and flies. Be part of it and shape your world.

About the Role: 

The Research & Development Technician will be part of a team developing new technologies related to aluminum production in electrolytic cells of various scales. This requires a diverse set of skills to be able to build and operate the test cells, along with maintaining records of observations, results, and data for each experiment. The Electrolysis R&D team consists of individuals of diverse backgrounds and expertise, and includes scientists, engineers, and technicians.

• Assist with construction of test cells, including following safe work instructions, building to dimensions specified by drawings, taking direction from senior technicians.

• Autopsy of test cells, including methodical disassembly of cell, accurate separation of different constituents.

• Interaction with molten materials (sampling, transferring, etc.).

• Maintaining organization of collected samples.

• Assembly, disassembly, and reconfiguration of test cell furnaces.

• Complete tasks in noisy conditions and around equipment where fumes, dust, and chemicals exist (will be required to wear respirator for certain tasks).

• Conduct work safely and in line with Alcoa’s policies and procedures.

• Perform work in crouching, kneeling, and stooping positions.

• Operation of cranes and fork trucks.

What you can bring to this role:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Proficient in use of Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

• Experience with basic hand tool usage (drills, saws, etc.)

• Ability to work 24/7 rotating shifts as required by test schedule.

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

• Willingness to learn.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2 years significant experience in a light industry environment (example: vehicle repair garages, building maintenance shops, metal work, millwork, and cabinetry work)

• 2 years relevant of experience in an R&D setting.

• 2 years related familiarity with molten materials (example: aluminum and steel industry)

What’s on offer:

• 401(k), employer match up to 6%, additional employer retirement income contribution (no vesting period), and a nonqualified deferred compensation plans​;

• 15 days’ vacation and one flexible holiday of your choice​;

• Flexible spending accounts and generous employer contribution to the HAS; 

• Paid annual volunteer hours; 

• Career development opportunities to pursue your passions; and

• Social and diversity focused engagement opportunities.

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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.