Metallurgist

Veolia; Heverlee; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Veolia is seeking a hands-on Metallurgical Engineer to perform failure analyses and corrosion assessments across European water and hydrocarbon systems. You will lead investigations, operate SEM-EDXA, and collaborate with multiple labs to deliver actionable insights for material selection and reliability.

The role requires a Master’s in Metallurgy or Materials Science, 3+ years of lab experience, and fluency in English, with a proactive approach to reporting and delivering results in a

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years metallurgical laboratory experience, including leading failure analysis investigations.
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills suitable for all organizational levels.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Fluency in English.
• Pro‑active behaviour and professional reporting to customers.
• Excellent problem‑solving capability.

Responsibilities

• Conduct metallurgical failure analyses and corrosion mechanism assessments to determine root causes in industrial water and hydrocarbon systems.
• Act as the technical go-to for metallurgical evaluations and materials selection.
• Operate SEM-EDXA and other instrumentation to support examinations.
• Execute failure analyses on membrane systems and provide clear findings and recommendations.
• Collaborate with other laboratory departments to gather analytical data.
• Prepare detailed analytical reports for Technology and Commercial teams.
• Deliver work on schedule in a high-volume, compliant environment.

Skills

Metallurgy

Technical writing

Verbal communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Project leadership

English fluency

Analytical thinking

Laboratory instrumentation

Education

Master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering

Master's degree in Materials Science & Engineering

Tools

SEM-EDXA

LabWare LIMS

Metallographic microscopes

Stereomicroscopes

Micrometers

Hardness testing

Job description

Company Description

As part of the Veolia Group, Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions brings together experienced professionals with the same goal: solving the world's most complex challenges in water scarcity, quality, productivity, environment and energy. We are always looking for passionate and creative people to help us with this mission!

Job Description

In this hands‑on position with the European Customer Analytical Services - Technology Centre of Excellence, you will perform root cause investigations into metallurgical failures and assess corrosion mechanisms. Serving clients throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, you will analyze samples from hydrocarbon process and water treatment operations—such as petroleum refineries, cooling towers, heat exchangers, and boilers. Your expertise in metallurgy and failure analysis will directly drive critical materials and reliability decisions across water and hydrocarbon process systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive metallurgical failure analyses and corrosion mechanism assessments, gathering necessary process information and determining required analytical approaches to determine root causes of failures in industrial water and hydrocarbon process systems

• Act as the technical go‑to for metallurgical evaluations and materials selection, providing consulting support across the organization

• Operate the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM-EDXA) and other analytical instrumentation to support metallurgical examinations

• Execute failure analysis investigations on membrane systems (reverse osmosis, ultra-/nanfiltration membranes, flat sheet and spiral wound, as well as hollow fibre configurations), delivering clear findings and recommendations

• Collaborate with other laboratory departments (organic analyses, microbiological examinations, etc.) to gather comprehensive analytical data

• Prepare detailed, professional analytical reports and provide high‑level technical input to Technology and Commercial teams

• Deliver work on schedule in a fast‑paced, high-volume environment while maintaining compliance with all EHS policies and procedures

• Take ownership of customer application and R&D projects on membrane systems, including planning, execution, and reporting

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, or equivalent professional experience

• Minimum 3 years of metallurgical laboratory experience, including leading failure analysis investigations (academic and/or industrial/commercial)

• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills suitable for all organizational levels

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams

• Strong computer proficiency and comfort working in a high‑volume environment

• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and manage priorities

• Fluency in English

• Pro‑active behaviour and professional reporting to customers

• Excellent problem‑solving capability

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with tools and instrumentation such as: digital photography, saws/cut‑off wheels, cleaning equipment, hardness testing, metallographic microscopes, SEM-EDXA, stereomicroscopes, micrometers, sample preparation equipment, and related hand tools

• Experience using LabWare LIMS

• Knowledge of industrial water treatment processes and experience performing failure analyses tied to industrial water or process systems

• General programming knowledge

Additional Information

As an inclusive company, Veolia is committed to diversity and gives equal consideration to all applications, without discrimination.