About the role#
The Breakthrough Technologies Co-Op program offers students the chance to work alongside engineers and scientists at the Alcoa Technical Center. You will contribute to research and development projects focused on materials and processes. This is a full-time, paid position.
What you'll do#
- Synthesize ceramic powders and process advanced materials.
- Operate high-temperature furnaces and conduct performance testing.
- Characterize materials and analyze data using industry-standard software.
- Design and execute experiments to optimize equipment and processes.
- Publish a formal internal report to document your findings.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment as a junior or senior-level student.
- Pursuit of a degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related science field.
- Strong organizational, math, and writing skills.
- Curiosity and a drive to solve real-world challenges.
- A collaborative mindset.
Location & details#
- Location: Alcoa Technical Center, New Kensington, PA.
- Work Modality: On-site.
- Availability: Spring 2027, Summer 2027, or Fall 2027 terms.
About Alcoa
Alcoa produces bauxite, alumina, and aluminum products. The company operates globally and maintains its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1888. The organization employs over 18,000 people.
How to get in at Alcoa
Applying early to Alcoa gives you a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you apply before the applicant pool grows too large. You can gain a better perspective on the company needs by reaching out to the recruiters behind these roles directly. Intern Insider surfaces these contacts so you can ask about the role or a potential referral, which often improves your response rate compared to applying into a queue.
