Principal Metallurgist

Tenth Revolution Group; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Tenth Revolution Group seeks a Principal Metallurgist to lead premium melting operations, including VIM, ESR, and VAR, and to drive advanced metallurgical innovations.

You will collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, quality, R&D, and customers to resolve critical challenges, set standards, and advance melting technologies and capabilities. Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years progressive metallurgical experience in specialty metals and manufacturing.
• Experience with premium melting technologies: VIM, ESR, VAR.
• Experience in regulated industries preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority for premium melting processes (VIM, ESR, VAR).
• Lead investigations of complex metallurgical, process, quality, and manufacturing challenges.
• Provide technical direction and disposition for non-conforming material.
• Establish metallurgical standards, specs, and process controls.
• Lead development and implementation of new melting technologies and improvements.
• Use DOE, statistical analysis, and data-driven methods to optimize performance.
• Mentor engineers, metallurgists, and technicians; lead cross-functional teams.

Skills

Metallurgy

Process Metallurgy

DOE

Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering or related

Master's degree preferred

PhD in Metallurgy or related field desirable

Job description

Principal Metallurgist – Premium Melting (VIM, ESR, VAR)

Position Summary

The Principal Metallurgist – Premium Melting serves as a technical leader and subject matter expert supporting premium melting operations, including Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM), Electroslag Remelting (ESR), and Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR). This role is responsible for providing advanced metallurgical expertise, driving process innovation, supporting strategic business objectives, and leading complex technical initiatives that improve product quality, manufacturing performance, and customer satisfaction.

The Principal Metallurgist partners closely with manufacturing, engineering, quality, research and development, commercial teams, suppliers, and customers to resolve critical technical challenges, establish best practices, and advance melting technologies and capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority for premium melting processes, including VIM, ESR, and VAR operations.
• Lead investigations involving complex metallurgical, process, quality, and manufacturing challenges.
• Provide technical direction and final disposition recommendations for non-conforming or off-standard material.
• Establish and maintain metallurgical standards, specifications, and process controls to ensure product quality and compliance.
• Lead the development, qualification, and implementation of new melting technologies, procedures, and process improvements.
• Utilize advanced statistical analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), and data-driven methodologies to optimize process performance.
• Identify and implement initiatives that improve safety, quality, productivity, yield, and cost effectiveness.
• Evaluate and qualify new raw materials, refractory materials, production technologies, and supplier sources.
• Support the introduction of new products through specification development, process capability assessments, and technical risk evaluations.
• Act as the primary technical resource for customer inquiries, audits, qualifications, and failure investigations.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, quality, purchasing, and research teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional project teams focused on operational excellence and strategic business objectives.
• Develop and communicate technical recommendations to senior leadership.
• Prepare and present technical reports, research findings, and project updates to internal and external stakeholders.
• Mentor engineers, metallurgists, technicians, and manufacturing personnel.
• Develop and deliver technical training programs for employees and customers.
• Support long-term technology roadmaps and capital investment evaluations related to melting operations.
• Stay current on industry developments, emerging technologies, and metallurgical best practices.
• Perform other duties and technical assignments as required.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or a related field is highly desirable.

Experience

• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive metallurgical experience in specialty metals, advanced materials, or related manufacturing environments.
• Significant experience with premium melting technologies including VIM, ESR, and VAR.
• Demonstrated success leading complex technical projects and solving critical metallurgical challenges.
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, energy, medical, or other highly regulated industries preferred.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Expert knowledge of metallurgical principles, process metallurgy, and solidification behavior.
• Deep understanding of premium melting technologies and specialty alloy production.
• Advanced knowledge of process optimization, statistical analysis, Six Sigma methodologies, and Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Experience with root cause analysis, failure analysis, and corrective action implementation.
• Strong understanding of quality systems, industry standards, and customer-specific requirements.
• Ability to evaluate emerging technologies and recommend implementation strategies.
• Experience with process qualification, validation, and supplier approval processes.
• Demonstrated technical leadership and influence across multiple functional areas.
• Ability to lead without direct authority and build consensus among stakeholders.
• Strong project leadership and strategic planning capabilities.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop technical talent.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong customer engagement and relationship management abilities.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable business recommendations.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work in industrial and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to travel as needed to support customer, supplier, and operational requirements.
• Ability to interface effectively with customers, auditors, and executive leadership.
• Commitment to fostering a culture of safety, quality, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.