Laboratory Technician

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 Lab Technologist - Advanced Engineering to join the Kaiser Aluminum Warrick team outside of Evansville Indiana

The role of Lab Technologist for the Advanced Engineering group contributes to coating/cleaning/pretreatment development programs by conducting product testing and evaluation, root cause analysis for the plant coating issues and participating in Regulatory Affairs Qualifications (FDA Extraction Testing, Flavor Odor,). Responsible for the development of hot and cold mill standards for Warrick. The role is responsible for coordinating, executing and providing interpretive feedback on experiments designed by project engineers for new coatings and alloys. The role will also use chemistry understanding and analytical chemistry instruments and methods experience with Scanning Electron Microscope, X-ray (XRF-WDS), GC/MS, UV/VIS, FTIR, ICP (ICAP-OES), auto-titrator, pH and conductivity meters, and Ellipsometer, to guide the Warrick Physical Testing Lab in the interpretation of results either from a developmental or problem-solving activity. This role reports directly to Research and Development Manager.

What’s in it for you

To support our teams and their families beyond the workplace, we provide an outstanding benefits package effective day one of employment

• 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.
• Employee resource groups.

What you will work on:

• Conduct the laboratory testing required to meet regulatory compliance – FDA Extraction Testing, FDA Residual Lubricant testing, Flavor and odor testing under the direction of the Warrick FDA Coordinator.
• Responsible for the annual preparation and determination of hot and cold mill standards using the FTIR for Warrick
• Participate in all screening tests and test packs used in coating/ cleaning/ pretreatment development programs and used in root cause analysis for the plant coating issues
• Support coating/cleaning/pretreatment experiments in the bench lab as well as pilot line operations.
• Use chemistry understanding and analytical chemistry instruments and methods experience (Scanning Electron Microscope, X-ray (XRF-WDS), GC/MS, UV/VIS, FTIR, ICP (ICAP-OES), auto-titrator, pH and conductivity meters, and Ellipsometer) to guide the Warrick Physical Testing Lab in the interpretation of results either from a developmental or problem solving activity.
• Interpretation of lab results and the ability to recommend alternative testing. Make recommendations based on analysis of results.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships at all levels with team members, supervisor, peers, customers, suppliers and plant contacts.
• Be capable to prioritize own work to meet multiple project deadlines with input from project managers and supervisor.
• Supporting plant safety initiatives through active involvement in the safety process.

What you will bring to the position:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field.
• 3+ years of chemistry/ analytical chemistry experience in the context of an industrial environment
• Analytical Chemistry experience with the following instruments: Scanning Electron Microscope, X-ray (XRF-WDS), GC/MS, UV/VIS, FTIR, ICP (ICAP-OES), auto-titrator, pH and conductivity meters, and Ellipsometer
• Strong chemistry background to provide problem solving guidance for Warrick’s cleaning/pretreating, coating processes.
• Laboratory proficiency
• Strong PC skills, including Windows, Word, and Excel.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and organizational skills.
• Excellent problem solving, investigative, experimental, and statistical analysis skills.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization in both a tactical and strategic business context.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proven ability to work in teams.
• Ability to influence others.
• Ability to network and collaborate across Warrick AE and Warrick

About Kaiser Aluminum: Talented people join our team because we are a company passionate about environmental sustainability, employee growth, contributing back to our communities and championing a diverse and inclusive culture. We are strongly committed to expanding inclusion, equity, and diversity – how we hire, develop, and inspire our diverse team members that reflects and relates to the increasingly multicultural community.

No third-party candidate submissions are being accepted at this time for this opening