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.

Why Join Us? 

This technician role is ideal for people who enjoy variety, problem‑solving, and learning new equipment. You’ll develop a broad skill set across production, testing, and development work while collaborating closely with engineers and technical teams. With exposure to innovative processes not found in traditional manufacturing, this role offers hands‑on work with industrial equipment and strong long‑term growth potential.

What You’ll Do 

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

 What We’re Looking For 

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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About the Location

Every day is a new and exciting challenge at the Alcoa Technical Center in New Kensington, PA, just north of Pittsburgh. We develop new technologies with our Breakthrough Technologies team that has the potential to impact the life of millions of people and foster the sustainable footprint from Alcoa to the world. It was here where we developed the technology recently announced in partnership with Rio Tinto, called ELYSIS™, where we will produce aluminum with ZERO emission of greenhouse gases. In fact, we will actually be generating oxygen to our atmosphere during the aluminum production process– a revolution to the aluminum industry!

We are values led, vision driven and united by our purpose of transforming raw potential into real progress.  Our commitments to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity include providing trusting workplaces that are safe, respectful and inclusive of all individuals, free from discrimination, bullying and harassment and that our workplaces reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate.   

As a proud equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer, Alcoa is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of a person’s gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, nation of origin, disability, veteran status, language spoken or any other characteristic or status protected by the laws or regulations in the places where we operate.  

If you have visited our website in search of information on U.S. employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Alcoa Recruiting via email at gssrecruiting@alcoa.com.  

This is a place where you are empowered to do your best work, be your authentic self, and feel a true sense of belonging. Come join us and shape your career!  

Your work. Your world. Shape them for the better.