Alloy Development Technician
Potential Contract-to-Hire
Position Summary
The Alloy Development Technician will provide laboratory and pilot-scale support for aluminum alloy research and development activities at the Alcoa Technical Center. This role works closely with engineers, scientists, and laboratory personnel to conduct melting, casting, heat treatment, characterization, and testing activities while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and data integrity.
Primary Responsibilities
Molten Metal Operations
- Operate electric resistance and induction furnaces
- Prepare and process molten aluminum alloys
- Perform alloy additions and chemistry adjustments
- Cast laboratory and pilot-scale samples
- Follow molten metal safety procedures
Thermal Processing
- Conduct heat treatment experiments
- Install and monitor thermocouples
- Operate thermal analysis systems
- Collect and record process data
Sample Preparation
- Cut samples using saws and sectioning equipment
- Prepare metallographic specimens
- Mount, grind, polish, and etch samples
- Label and track test coupons
Laboratory Testing
- Perform density measurements
- Conduct thermal analysis measurements
- Support tensile testing preparation
- Operate spectrometers and analytical equipment
- Support corrosion and microstructure evaluations
Equipment Operation
Operate and maintain:
- Overhead cranes
- Forklifts
- Band saws
- Abrasive saws
- Furnaces
- Casting equipment
Documentation
- Maintain laboratory notebooks
- Enter results into electronic databases
- Generate reports and data summaries
- Follow quality documentation requirements
Safety & Compliance
- Adhere to Alcoa EHS standards
- Follow laboratory operating procedures
- Participate in safety observations
- Maintain clean and organized work areas
Required Qualifications
Education / Experience
One of the following:
- Associate degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field
- Technical Trade School Certification
- Military Technical Training
- Equivalent industrial experience
Additional Requirements
- Strong mechanical aptitude
- Strong troubleshooting capability
- Basic computer skills
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Ability to work around molten aluminum
- Ability to wear required PPE
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Preferred Qualifications
Experience In One or More of the Following
- Metal casting
- Aluminum processing
- Steel processing
- Foundry operations
- Materials testing laboratories
- Research laboratories
- Heat treatment operations
- Metallography
- Machine shop operations
- Industrial manufacturing
Preferred Certifications / Experience
- Forklift certification
- Overhead crane operation experience
- Laboratory technician experience
Key Skills & Keywords
Aluminum Alloys | Metal Casting | Foundry Operations | Heat Treatment | Metallography | Materials Testing | Thermal Analysis | Laboratory Operations | Furnace Operations | Casting Equipment | Forklift | Overhead Crane | Manufacturing | Research & Development | Quality Documentation | Safety Compliance