Associate Engineer, Metal Innovation

Position Overview

As an Associate Engineer, Metal Innovation, you are a key member of the Metal Innovation Engineering team, reporting to the Manager, Metal Innovation & Engineering. You will contribute to the success of Ball by providing technical support and project management to the global innovation function related to aluminum beverage packaging.

• Drive learning and expertise in methods of high speed metal forming, utilizing mechanical knowledge of both equipment and processes.
• Participate and contribute in collaborative brainstorming sessions to generate innovative concepts for improving and creating aluminum packaging solutions.
• Collaborate with the design team to produce engineering tool drawings by applying knowledge of GD&T, metrology, tool manufacturing, and machine design principles.
• Independently collaborate with suppliers to develop tooling and equipment for forming aluminum containers, including specifying designs, issuing orders, and verifying part accuracy.
• Clearly communicate updates or status of projects with internal and external customers.
• Assist in creation and documentation of innovations into finalized Intellectual Property (IP), including patents and trade secrets.
• Generate clear and concise technical reports for communication across regions as well as SOP's for internal and external use.
• Utilize structured problem‑solving and statistical methods (DOE, FMEA, cost analysis, and sample‑size validation) to evaluate designs and processes, consistently developing expertise in production‑ready product implementation.
• Assist in the creation of business cases, ROI calculations, and generation of business recommendations.
• Apply foundational project management skills to identify issues—such as resource gaps or schedule delays—and develop recovery plans to ensure projects progress on time and within budget through the Innovation Stage Gate process.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams and desire to lead group discussions and inspire others.

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or a related technical field, such as mathematics, metallurgy or physics, strongly preferred.
• 6 months to 2 years of work related experience in high-speed can manufacturing or metal forming.
• Experience using hand held metrology equipment.
• Demonstrated skills and knowledge and abilities:
  • Strong ability to multitask, troubleshoot, and think in a nonlinear, solutions‑focused manner.
  • Effective working independently or with geographically dispersed engineering and business teams.
  • Clear communication skills with the ability to articulate and promote project management and Stage Gate best practices.
  • Skilled at removing roadblocks by enabling others through communication, troubleshooting, and hands‑on support.
  • Capable of leading small projects and using project/program management tools such as MS Project.
  • Solid understanding of statistical principles.
  • Knowledge of tooling drawings, dimensioning, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and basic machining operations.
  • Familiarity with machine design and operation; hands‑on metal forming equipment experience is a plus.

• Work experience (internship, contract work, etc.) at Ball Corporation, highly preferred.

• Hiring Salary Range: $79,300 - $110,710 (Salary to be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.)
• This role will be eligible to participate in the annual incentive compensation plan.
• Ball includes a comprehensive benefits structure, please visit our career site and "Total Rewards" page to learn more.
• Onsite Work Environment:
  This position is based in Westminster, CO and requires regular in-person engagement by working on‑site 5 days per week. Travel and local commute between Ball locations and other possible non‑Ball locations will be required.

When submitting your application to Ball, we encourage you to emphasize your skills, experience, and qualifications that align with the role. Under Colorado, California, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania law, you…