Metallurgical Engineer - Advanced Metallic Systems

BWXT; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 86,000 - 136,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Paid time off and flexible schedules

Professional development and education

Job summary

BWX Technologies, Inc. in Oak Ridge, TN is seeking a Metallurgical Engineer to lead alloy development for advanced metallic systems. You will integrate materials science with mechanical and manufacturing engineering in a DOE/NNSA environment, with on-site work and Q clearance requirements.

The role covers alloy design, processing, and high-throughput methods, collaborating with design teams and driving process improvements. A US citizenship and DOE clearance readiness are essential.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 5+ years experience in metallic materials development or manufacturing processes.
• Expertise in phase diagrams, recrystallization, precipitation, solidification, and mechanical behavior.
• Experience with SEM, TEM, XRD, EDS, DSC, and metallographic tools.
• Ability to tailor alloy chemistry and optimize processes.
• Experience with process controls and variability reduction.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and documentation.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced metallic alloys with targeted strength and oxidation resistance.
• Lead stamping, forming, casting, powder metallurgy, and additive manufacturing process development.
• Apply thermodynamics and kinetics to predict phase transformations and microstructure evolution.
• Perform failure analysis, root cause investigations, and materials/process improvements.
• Operate SEM, TEM, XRD, EDS, DSC, and metallography tools for characterization.
• Collaborate with mechanical and design teams to align alloy capabilities with system needs.
• Document findings, prepare technical reports, and support multidisciplinary reviews.
• Develop manufacturing controls and variability reduction strategies.
• Conduct audits, revise procedures, and analyze production data.
• Drive scrap reduction, troubleshooting, and floor-level investigations.
• Support tooling development and optimization for forming, casting, and flow-forming.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Documentation

DOE clearance

Education

B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

EDS

DSC

Metallography

Job description

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT’s technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome to BWXT

We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth, collaboration, and technical excellence. At our Oak Ridge, Tennessee Enrichment Operations site, you will join teams working at the forefront of advanced nuclear manufacturing, precision engineering, and mission‑critical national security programs. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, you’ll find opportunities to challenge yourself, partner with seasoned experts, and contribute to innovation shaping the future of nuclear technology. Our work requires a wide range of skills, and we welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds and career stages who share a passion for meaningful impact and technical advancement.

Position Overview

As our Metallurgical Engineer for Advanced Metallic Systems, you will lead development of alloys, forming processes, casting routes, additive manufacturing approaches, and high-throughput metallic component production methods. You will support R\&D through manufacturing execution, ensuring metallic systems meet stability, performance, reliability, and throughput requirements. This role integrates materials science with mechanical, manufacturing, and design engineering in a DOE/NNSA environment.

Location

On-site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee (Q Clearance Required).

Your Day to Day as a Metallurgical Engineer – Advanced Metallic Systems

• Develop advanced metallic alloys with targeted strength, thermal stability, and oxidation resistance.
• Lead stamping, forming, casting, powder metallurgy, and additive manufacturing process development.
• Apply thermodynamics and kinetics to predict phase transformations and microstructure evolution.
• Perform failure analysis, root cause investigations, and materials/process improvements.
• Operate SEM, TEM, XRD, EDS, DSC, and metallography tools for characterization.
• Collaborate with mechanical and design teams to align alloy capabilities with system needs.
• Document findings, prepare technical reports, and support multidisciplinary reviews.
• Develop manufacturing controls and variability reduction strategies.
• Conduct audits, revise procedures, and analyze production data.
• Drive scrap reduction, troubleshooting, and floor-level investigations.
• Support tooling development and optimization for forming, casting, and flow-forming.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 5+ years experience in metallic materials development or manufacturing processes.
• Expertise in phase diagrams, recrystallization, precipitation, solidification, and mechanical behavior.
• Experience with SEM, TEM, XRD, EDS, DSC, and metallographic tools.
• Demonstrated ability to tailor alloy chemistry and optimize processes.
• Experience with process controls and variability reduction.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and documentation.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Thermo‑Calc, CALPHAD, or JMatPro.
• Background in thermomechanical processing.
• Familiarity with titanium, nickel‑based superalloys, aluminum, or high‑temperature materials.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or energy materials programs.
• Six Sigma or PFMEA/statistical process control experience.
• Experience with Minitab or related data tools.
• Hands‑on experience with casting tooling, forming dies, or flow‑forming equipment.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Paid time off and flexible schedules (as applicable).
• Professional development and continuing education support.
• Inclusive and collaborative workplace.
• Mission‑driven work supporting national security.
• Continuous technical and materials engineering growth opportunities.

Pay: $86,450 - $136,000

The base salary range for this position in Tennessee (US-TN) at the start of employment is expected to be between $86,450 and $136,000 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at‑will,' unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.

As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities (“BWXT” or the “Company”) complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols. As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Selected applicants are required to successfully complete a pre‑employment check and drug screening. In addition, the position may require the ability to obtain and maintain applicable federal eligibility requirements for access to classified/sensitive information or matter which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test, previous employment, and reference verifications.

BWXT is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company‑sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran or other protected status.

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