Sr. Scientist – Coatings Regulatory & Technology

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 seeking an experienced and driven Sr. Scientist - Coatings Regulatory & Technology to join our largest plant operations in Newburgh, IN.

The Sr. Scientist – Coatings Regulatory & Technology 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

This position reports directly to Research and Development Manager.

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.

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

Education

Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related field (preferred)

Major Customers/Suppliers

Advanced Engineering (AE) and Customer and Product Quality Assurance (CPQA) Teams

Warrick Operations and Process Technology Teams

Coating Suppliers (PPG, AkzoNobel, Sherwin-Williams, etc.)

Key Packaging Customers (Crown, Ball, Ardagh, Silgan, etc.)

Industry organizations.

Basic / Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Science or Engineering (Chemistry preferred)

10+ 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

FINANCIAL INDICATORS

Impact:

High impact on: Product qualification and revenue continuity

Customer approvals and retention

Risk mitigation (regulatory and liability)

Scope:

Global / Multi-region (US + EU regulatory scope)

TEAM KAISER 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.

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.

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.