Plant Metallurgist

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 Engineer/Plant Metallurgist to join the Kaiser Aluminum team in Bellwood Virginia!

What you will work on:

• This position has direct responsibility and authority for process and quality engineering functions for Extrusion process, Laboratory and Machining/Gaging processes
• Develop, plan, and implement process or product improvement projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Provide technical support to production, maintenance, engineering, and sales and marketing groups.
• Develop processes to maximize capacity utilization, minimize cost and provide statistically sound product performance.
• Engage with the operation on an ongoing basis to ensure product conformance is stable.
• Work in cross-functional teams to support plant business goals and objectives.
• Lead and/or contribute to continuous improvement and six sigma project teams.
• Maintain manufacturing practices and procedures to optimize product quality/performance via continuous improvement.
• Support plant safety initiatives through active involvement in the safety process.
• Collaborate with production management and workforce to drive and implement continuous improvement activities.
• Comply with all safety, quality, and environmental regulations.
• Self-motivated, curious, high-energy individual.

What you will bring to the position:

• A bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Material Science, Mechanical Engineering or related field is required with 5 years of experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to work in a low supervision environment while successfully meeting goals.
• Excellent analytical skills (statistical data analysis experience is a plus).
• Strong PC skills, including Windows, Word, Excel, various data collection and analysis packages.
• Self-sufficiency in data acquisition, analysis, and report writing.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to work in teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Experience or familiarity with the following are preferred but not required:
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Automotive Industry
• IATF 16949, PPAP, APQP experience
• Managing technical projects/initiatives in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Confident, proactive approach to managing difficult situations, conflicting requirements and schedules, and energetic people.
• Flexibility and ability to work collaboratively within a matrix environment.
• Must be able to make sound decisions based on incomplete information, while under pressure, and while maintaining project focus.
• Ability to mentor junior engineering staff when required
• Persuasive with details and facts
• Delegate responsibilities effectively
• High comfort level working in a diverse environment.

Work Environment:

• Approximately 50% of the job function is performed in an office setting requiring normal safety precautions. 50% of the job function is required in the plant. There is exposure to operating machinery and a manufacturing environment.

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.