Materials Development Specialist

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...