What are the responsibilities and job description for the Metallurgist / Process Engineer position at Badger Alloys, Inc?
Founded in 1966, Badger Alloys has transformed from a classic sand foundry into a modern full-service casting manufacturing group that encompasses an airset foundry, dedicated pattern facility, complete machine shop, on-site engineers and state-of-the-art rapid response technologies. This single-source capability - and vested interest in the entire process - results in the best castings in the shortest amount of time. For more than 50 years, we have specialized in creating complex pump castings and custom valve castings across many industries.
As a family-owned business our philosophy is simple: Take care of people and do the right thing. Founder Leslie Cowen established that foundation more than 50 years ago and it guides the company today. In 1997, current President and CEO Robert Cowen, Leslie's son, became the company's leader. Many family members, including those in the family's third generation, are also active in the company. We consider each and every employee part of the Badger Alloys family and an integral part of our success.
THE ROLE
The Metallurgist/Process Engineer is responsible for leading the metallurgy lab testing processes, procedures, and equipment as a hands-on, technical expert for our foundry operations. This individual will be a key driver of continuous improvement and process definition, ensuring we produce the highest quality castings by implementing and sustaining best practices.
- Serves as the primary technical resource for all metallurgical related activities, providing expert support to our engineering, quality, customer support, and production teams.
- Interprets and translates customer metallurgical requirements from prints and specifications into precise and repeatable internal manufacturing instructions.
- Maintains and innovates best practice melting and pouring guidelines for each alloy, with the goal of preventing all melt related defects.
- Manages and improves scheduling and charges calculation processes to optimize material usage and reduce melt costs.
- Conducts hands-on metallurgical investigations to identify root causes of material defects and process failures; leads root cause analysis for material and process nonconformances, implementing effective corrective actions.
- Assists with the development and training of melt department employees in standard operating procedures to ensure compliance with all requirements; provides training and mentorship to shop personnel to ensure processes and standards are followed consistently.
- Uses a data driven approach to identify and prioritize opportunities for continuous improvement, performing statistical analysis on key quality metrics to guide process enhancements.
QUALIFICATIONS
We are looking for a motivated individual with strong project management skills and a willingness to learn. You should also have:
- Bachelor's Degree in materials science, engineering, chemistry or a related technical field
- Three (3) or more years of experience in a hands-on, technical role within a foundry or related manufacturing environment
- Familiarity with and broad knowledge of Badger Alloy's library of poured alloys
- Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO 17025, or APQP standards
WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER
Badger Alloys offers a competitive benefits package including employer safe harbor matching contributions to a 401K up to 4%, ample opportunities for professional development, and a focus on employee wellbeing.