Ceramic Engineer at Alcoa in New Kensington, Pennsylvania

Job Description:

Alcoa (NYSE: AA) is a global industry leader in bauxite, alumina and aluminum products, with a strong portfolio of value-added cast and rolled products and substantial energy assets. Alcoa is built on a foundation of strong values and operating excellence dating back nearly 130 years to the world-changing discovery that made aluminum an affordable and vital part of modern life. Since inventing the aluminum industry, and throughout our history, our talented Alcoans have followed on with breakthrough innovations and best practices that have led to efficiency, safety, sustainability and stronger communities wherever we operate.

The Ceramic Engineer will lead research, development, engineering, and technology commercialization efforts for breakthrough materials in advanced smelting technology portfolio.

Major activities/Key challenges

• 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


• Demonstrated knowledge in materials processing such as blending, forming, compaction, densification, physical, chemical and thermal property analysis and characterization


• 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 work-groups 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%).

Minimum Qualification

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


• Minimum 3 years of work experience in materials or ceramics processing, characterization, production, and related areas.


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills


• Demonstrated ability to work and lead effectively in a team environment


• Ability to work with minimal supervision


• Demonstrated 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


• Strong organization and analytical skills for data management, analysis, and results presentation

Essential Knowledge & Skills/Education

• Lead by example, awareness to environmental, health, and safety principles in a laboratory and manufacturing environment


• Previous experience in ceramic processing, including raw material selection, mixing, pressing and firing.


• Mechanical aptitude and electrical systems competencies, ability to work hands-on, troubleshoot equipment issues, identify resource needs to solve problems in a methodical, disciplined fashion


• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar computer aided design tools.


• Strong project management skills

To support our teams and their families beyond the workplace, Alcoa provides an outstanding benefits package effective day one of employment! In addition to medical benefits, we offer structured work-from-home programs, employee resource group opportunities, 401K options and a first-rate vacation plan for valuable work-life balance.

Alcoa encourages applications from women, a diverse group of backgrounds and those with different skills and life experiences. Alcoa is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.