Metallurgist

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Metallurgist

Openings: 1

Location: Muskegon, MI

Worksite Address: 2860 McCracken Street, Muskegon, MI

Duration: Direct Placement

Salary: $90,000 – $110,000/year (flexibility possible for exceptional candidates)

Work Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30/5:00 PM (salaried; occasional overtime possible)

Interview Process: Two rounds — Round 1 with Corey (and possibly one additional team member); Round 2 with senior leadership including an engineering manager

Target Start Date: ASAP

Must-Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field
• Minimum 3–4 years of hands-on, industry-based experience in a manufacturing or production environment (academic lab experience alone does not qualify)
• Demonstrated experience with metallographic evaluation, including grain structure analysis, carbide dispersal assessment, and the variables that influence those outcomes
• Solid understanding of heat treatment processes and how they affect metal at a microstructural level
• Proven ability to conduct metallurgical testing such as hardness testing (Rockwell, Vickers), metallographic analysis, and sample preparation
• Ability to read and interpret technical specifications, engineering drawings, and material standards
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in identifying material defects or failures
• Experience documenting test results and maintaining compliance with quality standards
• Excellent communication skills — must be able to translate highly technical concepts into plain, accessible language for non-technical audiences
• Ability to develop and deliver training and written work instructions for operator-level personnel
• Basic computer proficiency for data entry, analysis, and reporting
• Strong interpersonal skills — must be comfortable interacting cross-functionally with multiple departments and fielding questions from colleagues at all levels

Plusses

• Experience in aerospace or other highly regulated manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with industry standards such as AS9100 or NADCAP
• Knowledge of pyrometry and furnace integrity maintenance
• Experience performing retained austenite measurements, cleanliness ratings, or other advanced metallurgical analyses
• Exposure to root cause failure analysis within a manufacturing setting
• Background supporting continuous improvement or process optimization efforts
• Familiarity with lab equipment calibration and maintenance practices
• Experience with specific heat treatment processes such as through hardening, carburization, or induction hardening

About the Company

This is a globally recognized, century-old manufacturer with a long-standing reputation for precision engineering. The company produces highly specialized components that are single-sourced and mission-critical, with the majority of their output supporting U.S. government and allied defense applications. The facility operates in a temperature-controlled environment and has undergone ongoing upgrades and improvements. Despite the company's global scale, the Muskegon facility operates with a close-knit, collaborative culture where every team member plays a visible and meaningful role.

Day to Day

The Metallurgist serves as the primary technical authority for all matters related to metal chemistry and heat treatment within the facility. This individual will work closely with operators, technicians, and cross-functional teams throughout the factory on a daily basis — providing guidance, answering technical questions, and ensuring that all heat treatment processes are executed correctly and in accordance with specifications. The role involves a combination of hands-on lab work and advisory responsibilities: the Metallurgist will oversee the work of the Met Lab technician, conduct sample preparation and evaluation when needed, and perform testing using equipment such as microscopes, magnified cameras, X-ray diffraction, and carbon analyzers. Because the science of heat treatment involves a high degree of nuance and interpretation, this person must be comfortable making informed, judgment-based decisions — decisions that carry real consequence given the safety-critical nature of the products being manufactured. The Metallurgist will also be responsible for writing and delivering work instructions and training to operators, maintaining furnace integrity, and serving as the go-to resource for technical questions from virtually every corner of the facility. This is not a siloed or behind-the-scenes role — within six months, this person will know every individual in the factory by name.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the on-site technical expert for all heat treatment and metal chemistry-related questions and processes
• Provide direction and training to operators and oversee the work of the Met Lab technician
• Perform sample preparation, metallographic evaluation, and hands-on testing as needed
• Analyze grain structure, carbide dispersal, and other microstructural characteristics using lab equipment including microscopes, magnified cameras, X-ray diffraction equipment, and carbon analyzers
• Write and maintain work instructions for operator-level personnel
• Ensure all heat treatment processes meet engineering specifications and quality standards
• Document test results and maintain accurate records in compliance with applicable standards
• Collaborate cross-functionally with production, engineering, and quality teams throughout the facility
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action efforts related to material or process failures
• Maintain furnace integrity and support pyrometry-related processes