Manager, Metallurgical Engineering

NOV; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

NOV in Houston, Texas is seeking a Metallurgical Engineer who will lead and develop a team, oversee R&D initiatives related to new steel chemistries, and direct failure analysis activities. The ideal candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or material science and 7-10+ years of relevant experience, showcasing strong leadership and collaboration skills.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to support innovations in materials and product performance while driving alignment between R&D and operations for enhanced product reliability.

Qualifications

• 7-10+ years of relevant experience with prior leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong understanding of welding technologies and procedures, including ASM Section IX.
• Experience with lab equipment and familiarity with non-destructive testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of metallurgical engineers.
• Oversee metallurgical R&D initiatives including new steel chemistries.
• Direct failure analysis activities and ensure timely root cause identification.

Skills

Metallurgical testing

Leadership

Collaboration

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or material science

Advanced degree preferred

Professional Engineer in Material Science

Tools

SEM

Microscopy

Hardness testing

Impact testing

Job description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of metallurgical engineers
• Oversee metallurgical R&D initiatives including new steel chemistries and product improvements
• Direct failure analysis activities and ensure timely root cause identification
• Review and approve technical reports and test results
• Ensure lab equipment is maintained, calibrated, and operated safely
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to resolve technical challenges
• Support heat treatment processes and material property optimization, when required
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with HSE and QA systems
• Communicate project updates and milestones to leadership

Education & Experience Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or material science (required)
• Advanced degree preferred
• Professional Engineer in Material Science a plus
• 7–10+ years of relevant experience with prior leadership or supervisory experience

Job Requirements

• Strong knowledge of metallurgical testing, failure analysis, and material properties
• Strong understanding of welding technologies and procedures, including ASM Section IX
• Experience with lab equipment such as SEM, microscopy, hardness, and impact testing
• Understanding of heat treatment processes and steel chemistry development
• Familiarity with non‑destructive testing including wet magnetic inspection, ultrasound, x‑ray, etc.

Behavioral Competencies

• Leadership
• Accountability
• Collaboration
• Continuous improvement mindsetResilience

Technical Competencies

• Metallurgical analysis
• Materials development and testing
• Data analysis and technical reporting
• Strong technical writing and verbal skills
• Knowledge of industry standards (API, NACE, ASTM, ASM)
• Knowledge of metallurgical flaw inspection processes
• Ability to quickly master new software associated with metallurgical instruments and analysis

Facility/Group Specific Responsibilities

• Support Grant Prideco R&D strategy through innovation in materials and product performance
• Partner with operations to transition R&D developments into production
• Drive alignment between R&D, quality, and manufacturing to improve overall product reliability and performance