About this role
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.
We are seeking a Materials Engineer to develop, evaluate, select, and implement refractory and ceramic materials for aluminum electrolysis cells and related high-temperature process equipment. The engineer will lead R&D activities aimed at improving refractory performance, cell reliability, thermal efficiency, service life, and resistance to chemical and mechanical degradation. This role combines materials science fundamentals with hands-on laboratory, pilot-scale, and industrial work. The engineer will develop a fundamental understanding of refractory degradation mechanisms and translate that knowledge into practical material selections, specifications, test methods, and cell-design improvements.
About the Role
As a Materials Engineer, you will:
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
Ability to physically perform work in laboratory and industrial environments, with occasional demands for flexible hours and minimal travel