What are the responsibilities and job description for the Global Principal Mechanical Engineer position at Alcoa?
Shape Your World
At Alcoa, you will become an essential part of our purpose: to turn raw potential into real progress. The way we see it, every Alcoan is a work-shaper, team-shaper, idea-shaper & world-shaper.
As a leader within Alcoa, you can help fulfill our purpose and realize our vision to build a legacy of excellence for future generations. Be part of the team that helps shape a better workplace with flexibility and equal opportunities that help everyone thrive. You have the power to shape things and individuals to make them better.
About the Role:
Alcoa is seeking a Global Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide functional leadership and subject matter expertise across our global mechanical engineering discipline. Reporting to the Global Asset Integrity, Mechanical Engineering, Process Safety and Risk Manager, this role is critical in shaping and governing Alcoa’s global mechanical engineering standards, systems, and technology roadmap. This position plays a pivotal role in aligning mechanical engineering programs with Alcoa’s Asset Management strategy, delivering sustained improvements in asset integrity, reliability, safety, and cost performance across our mining, refining, and smelting operations worldwide.
Key Responsibilities include:
This is a rare opportunity to shape global mechanical engineering strategy for a leading industrial organization committed to safety, innovation, and continuous improvement. You’ll have the mandate and influence to set standards, develop future‑ready technology, and build long‑term engineering capability across a global footprint.
About the Location
Alcoa is an international company with multiple locations and joint ventures across six continents. Wherever you choose to join us, you'll be joining a global team committed to advancing sustainability and delivering excellence and innovation. As industry pioneers, we are redefining what it means to be a sustainable aluminum company, bridging the journey from mines to metal.
We are values led, vision driven and united by our purpose of transforming raw potential into real progress. Our commitments to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity include providing trusting workplaces that are safe, respectful and inclusive of all individuals, free from discrimination, bullying and harassment and that our workplaces reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate.
As a proud equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer, Alcoa is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of a person’s gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, nation of origin, disability, veteran status, language spoken or any other characteristic or status protected by the laws or regulations in the places where we operate.
If you have visited our website in search of information on U.S. employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Alcoa Recruiting via email at gssrecruiting@alcoa.com.
This is a place where you are empowered to do your best work, be your authentic self, and feel a true sense of belonging. Come join us and shape your career!
Your work. Your world. Shape them for the better.
At Alcoa, you will become an essential part of our purpose: to turn raw potential into real progress. The way we see it, every Alcoan is a work-shaper, team-shaper, idea-shaper & world-shaper.
As a leader within Alcoa, you can help fulfill our purpose and realize our vision to build a legacy of excellence for future generations. Be part of the team that helps shape a better workplace with flexibility and equal opportunities that help everyone thrive. You have the power to shape things and individuals to make them better.
About the Role:
Alcoa is seeking a Global Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide functional leadership and subject matter expertise across our global mechanical engineering discipline. Reporting to the Global Asset Integrity, Mechanical Engineering, Process Safety and Risk Manager, this role is critical in shaping and governing Alcoa’s global mechanical engineering standards, systems, and technology roadmap. This position plays a pivotal role in aligning mechanical engineering programs with Alcoa’s Asset Management strategy, delivering sustained improvements in asset integrity, reliability, safety, and cost performance across our mining, refining, and smelting operations worldwide.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Act as a Global Technical Authority for Mechanical Engineering, providing leadership, coaching, and decision-making support across all regions.
- Drive the development, governance, and continuous improvement of global mechanical engineering standards, systems, and processes.
- Ensure consistent application of best-practice mechanical engineering aligned with Asset Management objectives.
- Develop and govern global mechanical engineering standards aligned with OSHA, ASME, ISO, CSA, Australian and regional regulations.
- Establish inspection, maintenance, modernization, and asset integrity policies.
- Define KPIs and audit frameworks to ensure compliance and performance across sites.
- Support business case development, concept design, and technology selection.
- Develop and maintain a global 5‑year Mechanical Equipment Development Roadmap aligned with business and Asset Management strategy.
- Lead preferred and approved equipment standardization across regions.
- Provide SME support to Operations, Reliability, Maintenance Planning & Execution (REX), Capital Projects, and OMS development.
- Support Capex and Opex projects to ensure technical excellence and alignment with global standards.
- Participate in biannual mechanical risk reviews and capital prioritization processes.
- Develop training content for mechanical engineering systems, standards, and processes.
- Collaborate with global and regional leaders to align mechanical strategies with business priorities.
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering
- Significant relevant experience in mechanical engineering
- Demonstrated engineering leadership or management roles
- Experience in mining, refining, and/or smelting industries
- Willingness to travel internationally to Alcoa sites
- Influential, collegial leader with strong management capability
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate strategy into practical execution
- Strong analytical, communication, and problem‑solving skills
- Detail‑oriented and systematic, with high personal energy
- Ability to collaborate effectively across cultures, functions, and seniority levels
This is a rare opportunity to shape global mechanical engineering strategy for a leading industrial organization committed to safety, innovation, and continuous improvement. You’ll have the mandate and influence to set standards, develop future‑ready technology, and build long‑term engineering capability across a global footprint.
About the Location
Alcoa is an international company with multiple locations and joint ventures across six continents. Wherever you choose to join us, you'll be joining a global team committed to advancing sustainability and delivering excellence and innovation. As industry pioneers, we are redefining what it means to be a sustainable aluminum company, bridging the journey from mines to metal.
We are values led, vision driven and united by our purpose of transforming raw potential into real progress. Our commitments to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity include providing trusting workplaces that are safe, respectful and inclusive of all individuals, free from discrimination, bullying and harassment and that our workplaces reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate.
As a proud equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer, Alcoa is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of a person’s gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, nation of origin, disability, veteran status, language spoken or any other characteristic or status protected by the laws or regulations in the places where we operate.
If you have visited our website in search of information on U.S. employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Alcoa Recruiting via email at gssrecruiting@alcoa.com.
This is a place where you are empowered to do your best work, be your authentic self, and feel a true sense of belonging. Come join us and shape your career!
Your work. Your world. Shape them for the better.