About the role#
The Molten Metal Processing team in Spokane is seeking a Metallurgical Engineering Co-Op for an 8-month term starting in Summer 2027. Reporting to the Lead Research Scientist, you will contribute to projects focused on aluminum solidification, melting, casting, and scrap analysis. This position offers practical experience in a research environment while supporting manufacturing excellence and sustainability initiatives.
What you'll do#
- Demonstrate a personal commitment to safety by following all laboratory practices and equipment operating procedures.
- Support technical projects by meeting agreed timelines and documenting progress.
- Collaborate with researchers, engineers, and technicians to achieve project objectives.
- Assist with small-scale aluminum melting, casting, heat treatment, and solidification experiments.
- Prepare metallurgical samples through machining, mounting, grinding, polishing, and etching.
- Support materials characterization using optical microscopy and techniques such as SEM, EBSD, EDS, XRD, XRF, OES, DSC, TGA, and LIBS.
- Plan and execute laboratory tests according to standard procedures.
- Document observations, test results, and conclusions in technical reports.
- Assist with sampling and analysis of aluminum molten metal chemistry, inclusions, and hydrogen content.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree in metallurgical engineering, materials science, or materials engineering.
- Basic laboratory skills and a willingness to learn sample preparation and characterization techniques.
- Ability to work safely with molten metal, furnaces, heat treatment ovens, and chemicals including acids and bases.
- Effective communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Hands-on experience in a metallurgical, materials science, or chemistry laboratory is preferred.
- Coursework or experience related to aluminum alloys, solidification, phase transformations, or materials characterization.
- Experience with optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, image analysis, or metallographic sample preparation.
- Interest in aluminum recycling, molten metal processing, and sustainability-focused research.
Location & details#
- Location: Spokane Valley, Washington.
- Work Modality: This is an on-site position.
- Compensation: This is a paid role with a combined housing and relocation stipend available for eligible candidates.
- Eligibility: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.
About Novelis
Novelis produces flat-rolled aluminum products. It operates as a recycler of aluminum on a global scale. The company serves customers in the automotive, aerospace, beverage can, and specialty markets. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the firm maintains a network of rolling and recycling facilities across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. It employs over 10,000 people.
How to get in at Novelis
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