Sr. Scientist – Coatings Regulatory & Technology

Kaiser Aluminum Warrick has been on the path of innovation, embracing the latest technologies for almost 60 years! We have revolutionized the industry and lead the way in the development of sustainable aluminum products the you use every day for food and drinks. Our people are the bedrock for our operations. Along with their dedication to excellence and integrity, our people are drivers of continuous improvement who build on new ideas while flourishing within our growing business.

We provide opportunities for you to think outside the box and bring creative and progressive solutions to our operations. Our passion for inclusion, diversity and equity is a value at the core of our organization and people. Are you ready to start your journey with us and be the future of Kaiser Warrick Aluminum? 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 & Technology 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 This position reports directly to Research and Development Manager.

• Industry leading compensation program.
• 401K options that begin vesting day 1.
• First-rate vacation plan for valuable work-life balance.
• Relocation assistance for new team members.

• 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 Project & Portfolio Leadership

• Customers (qualification, troubleshooting)
• Suppliers (coating development, scale-up)
• 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…