Metallurgist

Salary : $120,000 — $140,000

SUMMARY

Under general supervision, plan, coordinate and perform materials engineering work (e.g., metallurgy, heat treat, casting, etc.), for a complete product or project of broad scope. The Metallurgist provides technical expertise, guidance and leadership in metallurgical testing and analysis. In addition, provides technical support on all new products, sales orders, or customer quality requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Remains current in the development of new technologies related to primary and secondary aluminum.
• Develop casting practices for new alloys manufactured for use in process design.
• Provide technical support in the design, manufacturing, installation, and ongoing maintenance of auxiliary equipment, i.e. molds, tables, casting pits, flux units, etc.
• Monitor and adjust the production process using statistical process control through analysis of processing parameters and metallurgical testing results to ensure that all requirements, both internal and external, are met.
• Develop/monitor homogenization practices to ensure product consistency as it relates to quality performance.
• Support quality assurance and ultrasonic inspection systems.
• Conduct periodical and scheduled metallurgical testing to ensure customer quality requirements, to determine causes of non-conforming product and/or for continuous improvement for quality and production efficiency.
• Metallurgical failure analysis and disposition for applicable customers, including concessions for customer review.
• Determine root causes of deviations and implement effective corrective and preventative actions in order to minimize future disruption to manufacturing.
• Consult with industry experts to develop methods of manufacturing alloys at minimum costs.
• Provide technical support to sales group, manufacturing personnel, and customers.
• Provide assistance in developing new products to customer specifications.
• Helps to develop standards and methods for inspection, testing, and evaluation.
• Monitors and continually improves measuring and testing of product, process quality and reliability.
• Documents, implements and maintains written procedures as needed for standardization of processes.
• Compiles and writes training material for training employees on material science topics.
• Oversees and directs activities of Lab Technician(s) as it relates to Lab tasks.
• Responsible of standardization, documentation and maintenance of Work Instructions as it relates to the Metallurgy lab activities and processes that impact product quality.
• Responsible for the identification, qualification and ongoing monitoring of quality for all critical items sourced by the company.
• Other duties as assigned by Management.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors Degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related discipline.
• At least 2 years of progressive responsibility in aluminum casting, forging, or extrusion.
• At least 1 year of personnel supervision experience, preferred.
• Knowledge of the principles and methods used in complex metallurgical and processing analyses.
• Able to research and analyze information of considerable difficulty and draw valid conclusions.
• Experience analyzing chemistries and product quality of 7000 and 6000 series alloy, preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with employees of all levels, customers and vendors.
• Ability to influence upward, laterally, and downward.
• Self-directed, goal oriented with effective follow-through.
• Working knowledge of Quality systems and specifications
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 15%.
• Ability and willingness to work off-shift hours to support operations as needed.
• Experience in planning, organizing, and implementing multiple projects.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing normal duties, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations will be made for employees with disabilities as required by law.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; and extreme heat. Noise level is usually loud requiring hearing protection in some areas.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training employees, planning, assigning and directing work of hourly Metallurgy Lab personnel (1-2 employees). Assists in addressing complaints and resolving problems.