R & D Manufacturing Engineer

Kaiser Aluminum Warrick has been on the path of innovation, embracing the latest technologies for almost 60 years! We have revolutionized the industry and lead the way in the development of sustainable aluminum products the you use every day for food and drinks. Our people are the bedrock for our operations. Along with their dedication to excellence and integrity, our people are drivers of continuous improvement who build on new ideas while flourishing within our growing business. We provide opportunities for you to think outside the box and bring creative and progressive solutions to our operations. Our passion for inclusion, diversity and equity is a value at the core of our organization and people. Are you ready to start your journey with us and be the future of Kaiser Warrick Aluminum?

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 R&D Manufacturing Engineer - Advanced Engineering to join the Kaiser Aluminum Warrick team outside of Evansville Indiana!

The principle role of the R&D Manufacturing Engineer - Advanced Engineering is to be the press equipment and process owner for beverage end/tab and food can manufacture. Process owner for all package testing equipment. Manufacture beverage end/tabs and food cans as needed for coating evaluation. Provide leadership and guidance to the group as beverage ends, tabs and food cans are manufactured and tested in the AE Warrick lab to support the development programs at Warrick Operations.

Key characteristics to be able to succeed in this job:

Strong hands-on press & tooling expertise: Able to set up, operate, align, troubleshoot and optimize stamping/conversion presses, progressive dies, fixtures and auxiliary equipment.

Good understanding of aluminum can/end manufacturing: Preferred experience with beverage ends, tabs, food cans, forming/conversion processes and the relationship between alloy, coating, forming and package performance.

Laboratory equipment ownership mindset: Can take full ownership of equipment reliability: preventive maintenance, calibration, spare parts, equipment readiness.

Troubleshooting & root-cause capability: Able to diagnose equipment, tooling, dimensional and forming problems, distinguish symptoms from root causes, and implement verified corrective actions.

Execute laboratory trials: Can plan and run trials that generate reliable, production-representative samples for alloy, coating, forming, qualification and customer problem-solving programs.

Strong safety leadership: Safety must be a personal responsibility. The candidate needs practical knowledge of LOTO, guarding, handling, chemicals, PPE, inspections with the confidence to stop unsafe work.

Testing, data and documentation discipline: Can properly document samples, conditions, measurements, deviations, results and equipment settings.

Standard work: Can create and maintain SOPs, work instructions, test methods, checklists, setup sheets, training materials and equipment records

Cross-functional technical communication: Work effectively with AE/R&D, Operations, Quality, EH&S, Maintenance, Engineering, suppliers, coating companies, can makers and customers and translate laboratory observations into actionable technical conclusions.

Independent project leadership: Someone who can manage multiple trials/projects, prioritize work, communicate risks early, solve problems using data/DOE/process capability, and train backup operators.

What you will bring to the position:

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or similar field

5 years of related press experience within a similar field.

5 years’ experience in Stamping Press Operation, Press maintenance, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing GD&T – setup, aligning the tooling, manufactured parts dimensions, Metal Forming,

Tool and Die, Tooling maintenance experience a plus,

Progressive die experience a plus

Expertise in beverage end, beverage tab and food can forming processes preferred.

General Skills within the AE Team:

Skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Demonstrated capability in leadership and accountability.

Demonstrated capability in written, reporting and oral communications.

Ability to execute tasks independently and without supervision in order to exhibit creativity, but within objectives of program.

Problem solving skills / ability to think outside the box.

Ability to influence others.

Ability to network and collaborate across Advanced Engineering and Warrick.

Measures of success:

Safe operation of assigned laboratory and high-bay 46 equipment, with hazards controlled and corrective actions closed.

Reliable equipment availability, documented maintenance, and reduced dependence on single-person knowledge.

Repeatable package manufacture and testing, supported by controlled methods, traceable samples, and complete records.

On-time technical support for coating, alloy, product-development, qualification, customer, and problem-solving programs.

Effective troubleshooting and verified corrective actions that reduce recurrence.

Qualified backup operators and current training, setup, safety, and test documentation

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

Kaiser Aluminum encourages applications from women, people of diverse backgrounds and those with different skills and life experiences. Kaiser is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.