Manufacturing Technician (Operations & Development)

Shape Your World

At Alcoa, you will become an essential part of our purpose: to turn raw potential into real progress. The way we see it, every Alcoan is a work-shaper, team-shaper, idea-shaper & world-shaper.

Manufacturing Technician (Operations & Development) | Alcoa Technical Center (New Kensington, PA) $1,000 Sign-On Bonus Available*

Quick Summary

Hands-on manufacturing role at the Alcoa Technical Center, operating industrial equipment in an R&D environment to support both production and new aluminum technology development. Rotating 12-hour shifts, shift differential, overtime, and strong benefits.

About the Role

We are seeking a Manufacturing Technician to support manufacturing at the Alcoa Technical Center, an R&D environment with mid-scale production capabilities. This role operates at the intersection of manufacturing, laboratory work, and technology development, directly supporting next-generation aluminum processes and products.

You will perform hands-on manufacturing and testing using industrial and laboratory equipment, follow structured work and safety requirements, and support both daily operations and development trials. Unlike traditional high-volume production roles, this position offers direct involvement in process experimentation and scale-up, helping move innovations from trial to application.

Core Responsibilities

• Operate production and laboratory equipment by following work instructions and test plans
• Support manufacturing and fabrication of ceramic powders and electrodes using mixers, presses, furnaces/kilns, mills, and related equipment (role dependent)
• Support manufacturing and operation of electrolysis cells with exposure to high-temperature and molten metal (role dependent)
• Record process data, test results, and observations accurately in logs and databases
• Perform inspections, routine maintenance, and basic troubleshooting to keep equipment running reliably
• Operate forklifts and overhead cranes (training and certification provided)
• Work safely in industrial and laboratory environments, using required PPE and following safety procedures
• Collaborate with Engineering and technical teams to execute trials and improve processes

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and accurately document work
• Comfort working with industrial & laboratory equipment
• Willingness to work around high-temperature processes and, in some assignments, molten materials (role dependent)
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing, production, laboratory, or testing environments
• Trade school or technical training (mechanical or electrical preferred)
• Experience with basic mechanical troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, or equipment setup/changeover
• Experience working in noisy, industrial, or high-temperature environments

Compensation & Schedule

• Base Salary: $56,135 annually ($26.98/hour equivalent)
• Shift Differentials: 3% for evening hours (2:00pm-6:00pm); 5% for night hours (6:00pm-6:00am)
• Schedule: Rotating 12-hour shifts (days/nights vary by role)
• Overtime: Approximately 16 hours per month, paid at time and one-half
• Additional Pay: Shift differentials, overtime, and holiday pay
• Exact schedules & overtime may vary by assignment and will be discussed during the interview process.

Benefits & Growth

• 120 hours of paid vacation annually (prorated from date of hire)
• 10 paid holidays plus one flexible holiday
• 56 hours of sick/safe leave
• 401(k) with up to 6% employer match plus additional company contributions
• Medical, dental, vision, and HSA options
• Ongoing training, cross-training, and long-term career growth opportunities (operations, quality, maintenance, and technical development paths)

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