Senior Scientist

Role details

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 seeking an experienced and driven

Sr. Scientist - Coatings Regulatory & Technology

to join our largest plant operations in Newburgh, IN.

The

Sr. Scientist – Coatings Regulatory & Technolog

y performs coating development activities for all Warrick products. An expectation of this role is to own regulatory compliance (FDA / food contact / global) for coatings and packaging materials and provide technical leadership in coating development, performance, and customer application.

The primary purpose of this role is twofold: Own regulatory compliance (FDA / food contact / global) for coatings and packaging materials. Provide technical leadership in coating development, performance, and customer application.

The role is accountable for

• Regulatory qualification and certification of all Warrick supplied products,
• Technical guidance and decision-making on coating selection, performance, and failure modes
• Integration of regulatory requirements into product development and manufacturing

Additionally, the position serves as

• A senior technical authority for coatings, coating application and packaging systems
• A key interface with customers, suppliers, and Industry Organizations
• A leader of Advanced Engineering coating programs and testing capabilities

Major Activities / Key Challenges

Regulatory & Compliance Leadership

• Full accountability for FDA and food-contact regulatory compliance (U.S., EU, global) programs
• Conduct raw material reviews and determine testing requirements
• Issue certification letters to customers (FDA, FCN, EU, Prop 65, etc.)
• Lead FDA audits and regulatory training,
• Track emerging global regulations via industry organizations

Technical Leadership – Coatings

• Act as subject matter expert for:
• Pre-treatment,
• Coating chemistry,
• Coating application,
• Performance, failure modes, and process sensitivities
• Define coating design rules and selection criteria
• Solve complex customer or production-related technical issues

Product & Process Development

• Lead coating development programs (e.g., BPA-NI, sustainability initiatives)
• Support conversion projects and customer qualifications
• Ensure compatibility across:
• Manufacturing
• Forming/filling
• Regulatory requirements

Project & Portfolio Leadership

• Lead and prioritize coating-related AE projects aligned with business strategy
• Support TTI, customer, and supplier-driven development programs
• Manage risks, deliverables, and cross-functional coordination

External Interface

• Serve as senior technical contact for:
• Customers (qualification, troubleshooting)
• Suppliers (coating development, scale-up)
• Industry organizations.
• Represent the organization in technical and regulatory discussions

Intellectual Property & Strategy

• Manage Warrick IP strategy and execution
• Coordinate with legal on patent filings, office actions, and portfolio optimization

Key Challenges

• Balancing innovation vs regulatory constraints
• Managing global regulatory uncertainty (FDA vs EU divergence)
• Maintaining technical credibility with customers and suppliers
• Preventing loss of critical tacit knowledge during transition
• Integrating regulatory requirements early in development

Essential Knowledge & Skills / Education

Technical Expertise

• Advanced knowledge of coatings chemistry, surface treatments, and metal substrates
• Knowledge of coating application processes to metal substrate
• Strong understanding of food-contact regulations (FDA, EU, Global)
• Knowledge of testing methods, qualification protocols, and compliance systems
• Knowledge of customers package forming processes

Core Competencies

• Ability to interpret complex regulations and translate into technical actions
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capability
• Ability to work independently with high accountability
• Strategic thinking and decision-making

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

• Strong communication skills (technical + executive level)
• Ability to influence across functions and external stakeholders
• Proven capability to mentor and develop technical talent
• Ability to interface with customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies

Basic / Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering, Material Science or (Chemistry preferred)
• 5+ years of experience in coatings, packaging, or related field
• Demonstrated experience with FDA or food-contact regulations
• Proven ability to lead technical programs and cross-functional projects
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in customer and supplier interactions

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.

"No third-party candidate submissions are being accepted at this time for this opening."