Process Engineer

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 looking for a Process Development Engineer to join our Advanced Engineering team in Newark Ohio!

The Process Development Engineer will work on and lead identified priority projects while also collaborating with our manufacturing sites on process and product improvement initiatives, driving sustained changes via data driven analysis. With the technical resources in the Kaiser Aluminum extrusion facilities, this individual will be expected to support and strongly collaborate with sites to foster the technical competencies and experiences, while leveraging best practices across the enterprise.

This is an onsite position. At this time, we are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this role, either now or in the future. Therefore, we cannot move forward with candidates who would require sponsorship and or are on (e.g., H-1B, F-1, STEM OPT, OPT) visas.

Develop, define, and complete on a timely basis the assigned Research & Development projects

• Work in cross-functional teams, interacting with the Advanced Engineering team and Kaiser plant based resources, collaborating on and completing prioritized tasks and initiatives
• Collaborating with plants, supporting process analysis and improvement initiatives
• Utilize data to drive fact-based, sustainable improvements in process and product control throughout Kaiser’s facilities
• Develop and apply technical understanding of aluminum alloy processing, including casting, rolling, extrusion, drawing, thermal processing, and destructive and nondestructive testing
• Design experiments using research and production processing equipment. Analyze experimental results and make recommendations based on analysis
• Researching new and existing aluminum materials and/or processes for potential improvements to Kaiser’s products and processes
• Support the analysis of product issues/changes through various metallographic techniques
• Communicate project status and technical findings clearly through reports, presentations, and stakeholder updates
• Write technical reports summarizing work as well as presentations to peers on progress of projects
• Evaluate equipment designs and capabilities, recommend upgrades, and prepare technical specifications for equipment and testing
• Lead and/or contribute to Housekeeping and 5S initiatives through active involvement within the Advanced Engineering team
• Support safety initiatives through active involvement in the safety process

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science is preferred. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in another relevant engineering field such as Industrial Engineering or Mechanical Engineering and applicable industry experience will also be considered.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in aluminum processing preferred.
• 5+ years process engineering experience in heavy industry, preferably in metals.
• Experience using statistical methods for data acquisition, root cause analysis, process control, and capability analysis
• Experience leading technical projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to collaborate across multiple manufacturing facilities
• Ability to manage projects independently, including at remote locations
• Ability to work with limited supervision while meeting goals
• Self-sufficient in data acquisition, analysis, and report writing
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in team environments
• Demonstrate curiosity and a willingness to learn through…