Mechanical Process 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?

What’s in it for you!

To support our teams and their families beyond the workplace, we provide an outstanding benefits package effective day one of employment!

• Industry leading compensation program.

• 401K options that begin vesting day 1.

• First-rate vacation plan for valuable work-life balance.

• Relocation assistance for new team members.

• Employee resource groups.

What you’ll do:

• Provide process improvements to safely meet Warrick Operations’ business plan for cost, quality, delivery, and safety.
• Serve as the process owner for Coil Coating Lines, including:
  • Tension leveler process and strip shape control
  • Coatings application processes
  • Wet section chemical processes
  • Oven curing and thermal process control
• Function as a technical problem solver, applying engineering principles and manufacturing experience to troubleshoot mechanical and process issues and develop sustainable fixes.
• Combine process knowledge with statistical analysis tools to refine process control limits, monitor performance, and reduce variability of finishing, customer sensitive characteristics. 
• Own and maintain process guidance, including control plans, and standard operating conditions for leveling, coating weight, chemistry, temperature, speed, and cure.
• Troubleshoot process excursions with flatness, surface quality, or other coating-specific concerns with the mindset of root cause, and countermeasures to prevent reoccurrence. 
• Use Data driven, and structured root‑cause methodologies to identify process gaps and drive corrective actions.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability, mechanical alignment, and process capability.
• Support development trials for new alloys, gauges, coatings, and process changes, including documentation, validation, and risk assessment.
• Lead and participate in multi‑discipline improvement teams focused on yield, quality, scrap reduction, energy efficiency, and throughput optimization.
• Work to eliminate waste through enhanced process control, reliability improvements, and monitoring systems while ensuring processes remain in control and meet customer requirements.
• Assist production and maintenance with day‑to‑day equipment and process challenges as needed.

What you’ll need to succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Material Science Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Strong understanding of continuous-web manufacturing processes, including strip tension control, mechanical leveling systems, coatings, fluid systems, and thermal processing.
• Ability to apply statistical methods and SPC tools to process control and improvement.
• Excellent analytical and root‑cause problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment: noisy, hot, cold, elevated platforms, and occasional outdoor conditions.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Willingness to work non‑standard shifts, including weekends or holidays, as business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of experience in process engineering within coil coating, metals processing, rolling, or continuous manufacturing.
• Experience with tension levelers, strip shape control, flatness optimization, and coatings applications.
• Working knowledge of SPC, process capability analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong communicator at the shop floor, and in the conference room, working among multiple cross-functional. professional groups to drive successful results. 
• Root cause problem‑solving experience in high‑volume manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical concepts clearly across operations, maintenance, and leadership teams.

About Kaiser Aluminum Warrick: 

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered based on job-related qualifications and abilities.  There shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

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 an inclusive culture.

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.