Metallurgical Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

The Metallurgical Engineer is responsible for supporting and improving metallurgical processes within an automotive manufacturing environment. This role ensures material integrity, process stability, and compliance with customer and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in die casting operations, material analysis, failure investigation, and continuous improvement initiatives within a high-volume manufacturing setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide metallurgical expertise to support die casting operations and related secondary processes.

• Analyze casting defects, porosity, inclusions, and microstructure to determine root cause and implement corrective actions.

• Lead failure analysis investigations involving fractured or non-conforming components.

• Support new product launches through material validation, PPAP documentation, and process capability studies.

• Collaborate with Quality, Production, and Maintenance teams to improve casting yield, reduce scrap, and optimize process parameters.

• Develop and maintain metallurgical standards, specifications, and control plans.

• Conduct laboratory testing including hardness, tensile, microstructure evaluation, and chemical composition analysis.

• Support supplier quality initiatives related to raw materials and cast components.

• Participate in APQP activities and customer technical reviews.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve material performance and reduce cost.

• Ensure compliance with ISO/IATF quality management system requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related Engineering discipline.

• Minimum of 5+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably in automotive manufacturing.

• Experience with aluminum or magnesium die casting processes strongly preferred.

• Strong understanding of metallurgy principles, heat treatment, and casting defect analysis.

• Experience with metallurgical lab equipment and analysis techniques.

• Knowledge of automotive quality standards (IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans).

• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills (8D, Fishbone, 5-Why).

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification.

• Experience working directly with automotive OEM customers.

• Familiarity with simulation software related to casting processes.

Competencies:

• Technical expertise in metallurgy and casting processes.

• Analytical and data-driven decision-making.

• Cross-functional collaboration.

• Continuous improvement mindset.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily based in a plant environment with occasional travel to other facilities or suppliers.

• May require standing, walking, and interaction with machinery in a production setting.

• Ability to work on different shifts (days, evenings, nights)