Alcoa (NYSE: AA) is a global industry leader in bauxite, alumina and aluminum products, with a strong portfolio of value-added cast and rolled products and substantial energy assets. Alcoa is built on a foundation of strong values and operating excellence dating back nearly 130 years to the world-changing discovery that made aluminum an affordable and vital part of modern life. Since inventing the aluminum industry, and throughout our history, our talented Alcoans have followed on with breakthrough innovations and best practices that have led to efficiency, safety, sustainability and stronger communities wherever we operate.

The role of the technician needs to have a diverse set of skills and will be part of a team that operates and maintains complex electrolytic cells to tight tolerances. In addition to working with cells, the technician will be responsible for recording and documenting results and observations systematically and completely in laboratory notebooks and computers.  The technician will also be required to operate overhead cranes, forklifts, and other mobile equipment as needed.The technician will also operate other equipment that includes analytical equipment to verify bath and metal composition. The technician will also learn how to assist engineers and operations crews as needed. Other work will include assisting in cell startups, shut downs, and autopsies.

Major Activities:

• Operate complex electrochemical cells as part of advanced R&D aluminum smelting process (bench cells, multi-anode cells and pilot cells)

• Maintain and record documentation and results relating to the conditions of the R&D electrolytic cells systematically and completely in lab notebooks, electronic databases, and spreadsheets

• Ability to work with and handle molten materials (take samples, tap and pour molten materials, etc.)

• Prepare electrochemical cells for testing

• Plan and perform experimental tests with supervisor guidance
• Assist supervisor, process engineers, and others in cell work and activities as needed
• Perform analytical testing as needed to verify bath chemistry and metal composition
• Assist in cell startups, shut downs, and autopsies
• Use computers and data acquisition to monitor experiments and to get test data during the run -use judgment, independent problem solving, and decision making throughout the test.
• Validate and communicate results in oral and written form
• Position requires rotating shift work, operation of fork trucks and overhead cranes
• Perform work in crouching, kneeling, and stooping positions
• Complete tasks in noisy conditions and around equipment where fumes, dust, and chemicals exist (will be required to wear respirator for certain tasks). 
• Work safely – follow SWI and HP practices

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (BA in physical sciences; biology, chemistry, physics, etc. is preferred)
• Minimum 1-year experience working with electrolytic cells or in an industrial R&D setting
• Ability to work 24/7 rotating shifts

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with operation of lab, bench and pilot scale equipment

• Ability to operate analytical equipment to monitor cell chemistry

• Fork truck/overhead crane experience

• Ability to communicate technical observations and results

• Basic computer skills (Microsoft word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Ability to work within a diverse team environment

• Capable of working with data acquisition systems, including getting, reviewing, summarizing data and test results

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.