MMP Quality Lab Co-Op

About the role

The Novelis Molten Metal Processing Quality Laboratory, located in Spokane, has an opportunity to participate in our summer 2027 Co-Op program. The team is seeking a Quality Lab Co-Op to join the team for approximately 6-8 months. This role will report to the Quality Lab Manager and will support day-to-day laboratory testing, sample preparation, analytical verification, and materials characterization activities that help Novelis maintain strong melt-quality control, reliable plant support, and consistent laboratory service. Novelis’ Spokane facility, also known as the Molten Metal Processing Group (MMP), is located along the border of Washington and Idaho. Employing approximately 40 people, the facility focuses on innovating new products and processes to support Novelis’ manufacturing facilities and the Novelis Global Research and Technology Center in Kennesaw, Georgia. Situated halfway between artistic downtown Spokane, Washington, and the scenic city of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, the area offers abundant indoor and outdoor activities, from theater, music, and art to skiing, hiking, biking, and boating. The facility is committed to the local community through its ongoing support of worthwhile community and civic organizations.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a personal commitment to safety by following Novelis safety rules, laboratory practices, chemical-handling requirements, and equipment operating procedures.
• Support routine Quality Lab testing and characterization requests, which may include working with molten aluminum, ceramics and metals, chemicals, and power tools.
• Prepare (cut/grind/polish) and organize samples for metallography and testing work.
• Assist with optical microscopy and SEM/EDS metallographic examinations, and use of other lab equipment such as OES, XRD, DSC, etc.
• Maintain organized test records, sample tracking, analytical results, and data summaries to support reporting and timely turnaround of laboratory requests.
• Communicate progress, observations, and issues clearly with Quality Lab personnel and technical staff.

Requirements

• A junior or senior pursuing an engineering or science degree, preferably in chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, or a related technical field.
• Basic laboratory skills with safe work habits and good data-organization discipline.
• Interest in laboratory testing, aluminum processing, or materials characterization.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment, follow written procedures, and communicate clearly.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship (visa sponsorship not provided).

Skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office - Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in a laboratory environment, especially sample preparation, metallography, chemistry, microscopy, or analytical testing.
• Experience working with standard procedures and test records.

Benefits

Novelis' benefits offer choices on many levels and are high