Metallurgy Manager

Confidential; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential in Reading, PA is seeking an experienced Metallurgy Manager to lead material characterization programs, process qualifications, and continuous improvement in a highly technical manufacturing environment.

The role requires deep technical expertise, strong leadership, and collaboration with Manufacturing, Engineering, R&D, Quality, and senior leadership to improve product performance and cost effectiveness. Onsite, near Reading, PA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Quality Science, Materials Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of professional metallurgy/materials experience in manufacturing/quality environments.
• Strong background in metallurgical characterization, manufacturing processes, material performance, and problem-solving.
• Experience leading technical projects, programs, or cross-functional initiatives.
• People management or technical team leadership experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to translate technical findings into actionable plans.
• Experience collaborating across Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, R&D and leadership teams.
• Understanding of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and process optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead metallurgical characterization programs and technical projects supporting manufacturing, product quality, and business objectives.
• Manage material characterization, technical analysis, documentation, and reporting per requirements.
• Support qualification and implementation of new manufacturing processes, technologies, and equipment.
• Set technical goals and project priorities to improve product consistency, reliability, quality, and cost.
• Partner with leadership to develop short- and long-term metallurgy plans and programs.
• Provide metallurgical expertise and troubleshooting support to Manufacturing, R&D, Quality, Engineering, and others.
• Evaluate requests for experimental production runs and plan execution.
• Lead cross-functional technical initiatives and support quality/operational improvement programs.
• Apply continuous improvement methodologies to identify process optimization opportunities.
• Serve as adviser to metallurgy and operations leadership; mentor junior staff.
• Assist with resource planning to align with financial, operational, and organizational objectives.

Skills

Metallurgical characterization

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Quality Science, Materials Engineering

Job description

*MUST reside in/near Reading, PA, Onsite position

We are seeking an experienced Metallurgy Manager to lead strategic metallurgical initiatives, material characterization programs, process qualifications, and continuous improvement efforts within a highly technical manufacturing environment.

This position is ideal for a metallurgy professional who combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills. The successful candidate will work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, R&D, Quality, and senior leadership to improve product performance, qualify new technologies, and support long-term operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead metallurgical characterization programs and complex technical projects supporting manufacturing, product quality, and business objectives.
• Manage material characterization, technical analysis, documentation, and reporting in accordance with customer and industry requirements.
• Support the qualification and implementation of new manufacturing processes, technologies, and equipment.
• Establish technical goals and project priorities focused on improving product consistency, reliability, quality, and cost effectiveness.
• Partner with leadership to develop short- and long-term plans for metallurgy and technical programs.
• Provide timely metallurgical expertise and troubleshooting support to Manufacturing, R&D, Quality, Engineering, and other business functions.
• Evaluate requests for experimental production runs, trials, and technical investigations, determining feasibility and appropriate execution plans.
• Lead cross-functional technical initiatives and support broader quality and operational improvement programs.
• Apply operational excellence and continuous improvement methodologies to identify opportunities for process optimization.
• Serve as a technical adviser and strategic partner to metallurgy and operations leadership.
• Build strong relationships across departments to support the successful implementation of major projects, process changes, and corporate initiatives.
• Prepare and present technical findings, recommendations, project updates, and comprehensive reports to technical and business stakeholders.
• Mentor junior metallurgists and technical professionals while supporting employee development and knowledge transfer.
• Assist with resource planning and ensure departmental initiatives align with financial, operational, and organizational objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Quality Science, Materials Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of professional experience in metallurgy, materials engineering, quality, manufacturing engineering, or a related technical environment.
• Strong background in metallurgical characterization, manufacturing processes, material performance, and technical problem-solving.
• Previous experience leading technical projects, programs, or cross-functional initiatives.
• Prior people management or technical team leadership experience is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to research, interpret, and communicate complex technical information.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop technical strategies and translate business objectives into actionable plans.
• Experience working collaboratively across Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, R&D, and business leadership teams.
• Strong understanding of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and process optimization principles.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a technically accomplished metallurgy professional who enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges while influencing broader business strategy. This individual will be comfortable operating both at the technical level and as a trusted partner to leadership, with the ability to guide projects from investigation and analysis through implementation and measurable improvement.