Senior Scientist

Kaiser Aluminum is known around the world for its superior quality. Our secret is what we put into it—innovative thinking, industry-leading reliability, and a world-class commitment to customer service. In short, the same qualities we look for in our people. We are seeking an experienced and driven Sr. Scientist - Coatings Regulatory & Technology to join our largest plant operations in Newburgh, IN.

The Sr. Scientist – Coatings Regulatory & Technolog
y performs coating development activities for all Warrick products. An expectation of this role is to own regulatory compliance (FDA / food contact / global) for coatings and packaging materials and provide technical leadership in coating development, performance, and customer application.

The primary purpose of this role is twofold:
Own regulatory compliance (FDA / food contact / global) for coatings and packaging materials. Provide technical leadership in coating development, performance, and customer application.

• Regulatory qualification and certification of all Warrick supplied products,
• Technical guidance and decision-making on coating selection, performance, and failure modes
• Integration of regulatory requirements into product development and manufacturing

• A senior technical authority for coatings, coating application and packaging systems
• A key interface with customers, suppliers, and Industry Organizations
• A leader of Advanced Engineering coating programs and testing capabilities

• Full accountability for FDA and food-contact regulatory compliance (U.S., EU, global) programs
• Conduct raw material reviews and determine testing requirements
• Issue certification letters to customers (FDA, FCN, EU, Prop 65, etc.)
• Lead FDA audits and regulatory training,
• Track emerging global regulations via industry organizations

• Act as subject matter expert for:
• Pre-treatment,
• Coating chemistry,
• Coating application,
• Performance, failure modes, and process sensitivities
• Define coating design rules and selection criteria
• Solve complex customer or production-related technical issues

• Lead coating development programs (e.g., BPA-NI, sustainability initiatives)
• Support conversion projects and customer qualifications
• Ensure compatibility across:
• Manufacturing
• Forming/filling
• Regulatory requirements
• Lead and prioritize coating-related AE projects aligned with business strategy
• Support TTI, customer, and supplier-driven development programs
• Manage risks, deliverables, and cross-functional coordination

• Serve as senior technical contact for:
• Industry organizations.
• Represent the organization in technical and regulatory discussions

• Manage Warrick IP strategy and execution
• Coordinate with legal on patent filings, office actions, and portfolio optimization
• Balancing innovation vs regulatory constraints
• Managing global regulatory uncertainty (FDA vs EU divergence)
• Maintaining technical credibility with customers and suppliers
• Preventing loss of critical tacit knowledge during transition
• Integrating regulatory requirements early in development

• Advanced knowledge of coatings chemistry, surface treatments, and metal substrates
• Knowledge of coating application processes to metal substrate
• Strong understanding of food-contact regulations (FDA, EU, Global)
• Knowledge of testing methods, qualification protocols, and compliance systems
• Knowledge of customers package forming processes

• Ability to interpret complex regulations and translate into technical actions
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capability
• Ability to work independently with high accountability
• Strategic thinking and decision-making

• Strong communication skills (technical + executive level)
• Ability to influence across functions and external stakeholders
• Proven capability to mentor and develop technical talent
• Ability to interface with customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related…