Staff Scientist, Lubrication and Tribology

Arconic is currently in search of a Staff Scientist, Lubrication and Tribology to join our Rolled Products North America Team based out of New Kensington, PA.
 

At Arconic, we take pride in our work and our innovative products and technologies that advance sustainable solutions for a better world. We strive to create a safe, inclusive, and collaborative workplace with competitive benefits, development opportunities and a culture that values and rewards employees on all levels of the organization.
  Job Summary:

The Staff Scientist, Lubrication and Tribology is responsible for developing and supporting lubricant and surface technology with application across Arconic’s processes including casting, rolling, extrusion, etc. This role is part of our Research & Development team and will provide technical expertise to support operations and lead multi-disciplinary projects focused on optimization of aluminum forming/fabrication processes. 

In this role, you will:

• Propose, develop, and execute technical projects in the area of tribology, with focus on lubricant and surface technology.
• Solve complex tribology (lubrication and surface) problems and implement solutions in operations.
• Support operations via application of scientific principles in the areas of lubricant formulation development, application and surface analysis, as applied to metal (aluminum) forming.
• Design, develop, and implement lab and pilot scale test equipment for evaluation of tribology solutions.
• Conduct physical and chemical tribology and lubrication tests including sample handling and preparation.
• Operate surface analysis tools including non-contact profilometers, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and/or Auger electron spectrometer (AES), while supporting equipment calibration, maintenance, and operating procedures.
• Interpret and evaluate data from testing/experiments to meet customer and project needs.
• Communicate progress through oral updates as part of technical/project reviews.
• Complete written reports, presentations, and/or IP documentation (trade secrets and/or patents) as appropriate.

Also note:

• Some travel may be required occasionally for this role. 

You have: (required) 

• Master of Science (M.S.) Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or an Engineering or Science discipline with a focus in Tribology, Lubrication, and/or Surface Science.
• Minimum 3 years of professional experience working in the areas of tribology (friction, lubrication, and wear) and/or surface technology. 
• Fundamental knowledge of chemistry, particularly as applied to an industrial environment.
• Understanding of chemical hygiene and safe lab practices.
• Experience working with tribology equipment and techniques used to evaluate lubricant properties, including viscosity, droplet size analysis, emulsion stability testing, and friction and wear testing (tribometers).
• Experience working with sensitive instrumentation such as profilometers, AFM, SEM, XPS, FTIR, Auger, etc. and associated software packages.
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, as well as data analysis packages such as JMP, Minitab, or others.
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. §730, et seq.) and/or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Authorizations from the relevant government agency may be required to meet export control compliance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or an Engineering or Science discipline with a focus in Tribology, Lubrication, and/or Surface Science.
• 5 or more years of professional experience working in the areas of tribology (friction, lubrication, and wear) and/or surface technology, especially with an industrial focus. 
• Experienced in lubricant chemistry, organic chemistry, and the formulation and characterization of lubricants, particularly as applied to metal forming processes such as casting, rolling, and extrusion.
• Proficient in operating tribology equipment and utilizing techniques to characterize lubricant properties, including viscosity, droplet size, emulsion stability, and friction and wear behavior.
• Expertise in working with sensitive instrumentation such as profilometers, AFM, SEM, XPS, FTIR, Auger, Tribometer, etc. and associated software packages. 
• Experience in process/technology development and implementation at the pilot and production scale.
• Knowledge of engineering principles as they apply to aluminum processing operations, including casting, rolling, extrusion, and related forming techniques.
• Attention to detail within daily working habits.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.