Chief Metallurgist

Job Overview

This role is responsible for leading metallurgical process development and improvement initiatives within a manufacturing environment. The position oversees metallography laboratory operations and personnel, provides technical support across departments, and serves as the primary expert in material science. Key responsibilities include supporting product development, ensuring compliance with customer specifications, driving cost reduction efforts, and integrating new technologies into production.

The role also involves cross-functional collaboration with engineering, quality, operations, and sales teams, as well as direct interaction with customers and suppliers. The successful candidate will be expected to monitor industry trends, maintain accurate technical documentation, and act as a spokesperson on metallurgical issues.

Job Requirements

• Develop and implement metallurgical processes and controls to support product development and maintenance.
• Manage metallography laboratory operations and staff.
• Provide technical support to laboratory functions and production teams.
• Support operations in areas such as part qualification, failure analysis, specification review, and manufacturing procedure development.
• Recommend and implement process improvements and standardizations.
• Integrate customer and product requirements into development activities.
• Transition new products and processes into manufacturing.
• Identify and implement new manufacturing technologies and methodologies.
• Serve as the technical point of contact for material science-related inquiries.
• Interface with internal and external stakeholders including customers, suppliers, engineers, and management.
• Act as technical spokesperson on casting, alloys, heat treatment, NDT, and failure analysis.
• Monitor technological developments to identify risks and opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records to support intellectual property and validate technical decisions.
• Coordinate component testing with customers to define failure modes and effects.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and ethical standards.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of technical experience in specialty alloys.
• Proven experience in both research and practical application of metallurgy in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong knowledge of metallurgical principles, standards, and equipment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High proficiency in data analysis, applied statistics, process control, and measurement system analysis.
• Creative and strategic thinker with a focus on process and product improvement.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Kaizen, Six Sigma).
• Skilled in mechanical testing and metallographic procedures.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to interpret complex specifications and technical drawings.
• Flexibility to address both production and development challenges.