Metallurgist

Work Location: Durham County, NC

Summary:

 Metallurgist serves as the primary technical expert in metallic materials and processes within an analysis and testing group. This senior-level role requires a blend of metallurgical expertise and hands-on mechanical skills to support laboratory operations, process development, and quality investigations.

Responsibilities:

• Act as the lead metallurgical expert, offering guidance on materials behavior, failure analysis, and process-related inquiries.
• Collaborate with team members to design and execute analysis and testing plans for process development, quality investigations, and product qualification.
• Interpret and analyze microstructures, plating quality, and coating integrity using optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, and related techniques.
• Communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, utilizing micrographs, data, and metallurgical context.
• Drive improvements in laboratory facilities, equipment, and testing methodologies.
• Design and construct mechanical fixtures, electronic controls, and other tooling to enhance laboratory workflows.
• Perform routine repairs and maintenance on laboratory equipment and infrastructure as needed.
• Document procedures, results, and deviations in accordance with quality system requirements.

Qualifications:

• B.S. or higher in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or Metallurgy (no substitute degrees accepted).
• Approximately 10 years of industry experience as a metallurgist or materials and processes engineer (academic experience not accepted as a substitute).
• Comprehensive expertise in metallic materials and processes, with proficiency in at least three of the following: heat treatment, surface treatment, plating, mechanics of materials, materials testing, or metals processing.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to perform hands-on, self-directed work, including creating simple electronic or mechanical controls and conducting basic repairs on laboratory equipment or facilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present metallurgical findings to diverse audiences.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to access requirements for export-controlled information or facilities.
• Experience with metallographic preparation and microstructural analysis using optical microscopy and SEM/EDS.
• Background in defense, aerospace, or automotive materials and processes environments.
• Familiarity with powder metallurgy, sintered materials, or permanent magnet manufacturing.
• Experience working within a quality management system such as AS9100, ISO 17025, or NADCAP.
• Knowledge of failure analysis methodologies and root cause investigation.
• Experience with corrosion evaluation, electrochemistry, or protective coating assessment.

Published Category: Analytical & Process Development