Sr. Scientist – Coatings Regulatory & Technology

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.