Sal Maloney

Research Engineer, Rio Tinto Aluminium Technology

I studied at Monash University in Melbourne and completed an Honours Degree in Materials Science (the science of metals, plastics, ceramics and composites) and afterwards a PhD in Materials Engineering.

As the focus of my PhD project was the metallurgy of high strength aluminium alloys, I was keen to work in the aluminium industry and so applied to Rio Tinto Aluminium. I started with Rio Tinto Aluminium Technology in February 2001 and spent one and a half years in a graduate role as a Research Engineer in the Metal Products area.
During this time I was involved in numerous research, production and marketing focused projects and developed a good understanding of the aluminium casting business at Rio Tinto Aluminium.

Late in 2002 I was promoted to Senior Research Engineer where I have been able to continue working in a technical role, as well as develop other skills such as project management and team leadership. To date I feel my best achievement has been a project I've been leading on increasing 22kg aluminium ingot productivity since we've managed to unravel a problem that has been affecting the casting process for 20 years.

The next challenge is to work with the casting operators so they too understand the problem and how the control plans will assist them in their job. I like working for Rio Tinto Aluminium because the people are friendly, the work is challenging and I have the opportunity to travel.