Process Metallurgist

Nucor Corporation; Blytheville (AR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Nucor Corporation in Blytheville, AR invites engineers with a materials science/metallurgical background to join our team. You will lead safety, quality, and cost improvements across metallurgical processes, collaborating with operations and maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

Candidates will apply SPC, process capability, and microstructural evaluation techniques using tools like Minitab to deliver robust process control, waste reduction, and high-quality steel products for diversified

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related field with two years of steel manufacturing experience.
• Experience monitoring metallurgical processes (melting, alloying, casting, mechanical testing, heat treatment).
• Experience using SPC tools (X-bar, R, I-MR) and regression analysis to improve process stability.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering activities focused on safety, quality, production and cost improvements.
• Monitor metallurgical processes (melting, alloying, casting, mechanical tests, heat treatment).
• Apply SPC tools (X-bar, R, I-MR) and regression analysis to improve process stability.
• Provide engineering support for Scrap, Melting, Refining, Refractories, Casting, Rolling, Finishing and Heat Treatment.
• Develop cost/benefit analyses and risk mitigation for production improvements.

Skills

SPC tools

Root cause analysis

Process optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering

Tools

Minitab

Job description

Other Available Locations: N/A

Welcome to Nucor, where our unique culture sets us apart. Joining Nucor means becoming part of North America's largest steel and steel products manufacturer, offering unmatched career opportunities and stability. We are known for our innovative sustainability practices and are the continent's largest recycler. Our vibrant culture, built on personal connections and teamwork, empowers every team member with the freedom to innovate and contribute to our collective success. Experience a workplace where safety, efficiency, and meaningful personal connections define every day, enriching both our teammates and the communities we serve.

Nucor supports its teammates with top-tier benefits like Medical, Dental, Vision, and Disability Insurance, 401K and Roth accounts, Profit sharing, Pay-for-performance bonuses, Paid parental leave, Tuition reimbursement, Stock program, Scholarships and more.

Basic Job Functions:

Must be able to perform engineering activities focused on Safety, Quality, Production and Cost improvements. Lead team member training and work closely with operation and maintenance teams to ensure optimal technical performance. Monitor metallurgical processes, including melting, alloying, casting, mechanical testing, microstructural phase evaluation, and heat treatment to ensure process consistency and control. Apply Statistical Process Control (SPC) tools, including control charts (X-bar, R, and I-MR), process capability analysis (Cp, Cpk), and regression analysis using Minitab to monitor variability and improve process stability. Perform microstructural analysis using optical microscopy and image analysis software to evaluate grain size and phase distribution. Evaluate materials used to create a range of steelmaking products and developing manufacturing processes for use in products to meet specialized design and performance specifications. Provide engineering support for the areas of Scrap, Melting, Refining, Refractories, Casting, Rolling, Finishing and Heat Treatment processes by overseeing safety, environmental, process, practice, and equipment monitoring. Implement heat treatment to manufacture steel products including products designed for high temperature, oxidation resistance, high thermal and fatigue resistance. Execute cost/benefit analyses and determine risk management and abatement strategies for production system enhancements. Develop, refine, and communicate strategies and operating information to optimize productivity while ensuring efficient and cost-effective production in the Hot Mill. Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production. Design and monitor scrap mix performance to minimize cost and achieve the residual element goal (low copper and tin for demanding applications and high residuals for non-demanding applications). Apply production engineering techniques such as SPC (Statistical Process Control) and quality control mechanisms to maximize production system capabilities. Apply materials science and engineering knowledge to the materials value stream to optimize processing of raw material to production. Monitor material performance and evaluate deterioration; ensure optimization of scrap consumption and automation parameters related to modern continuous caster. Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for metallurgical defects, including inclusions and cracking, and implemented corrective actions. Confer with engineers or the operations department to resolve system malfunctions or provide technical information. Perform engineering appraisal of current system maintainability and reliability. Identify process deficiencies, optimization opportunities, and equipment upgrade requirements. Develop and test models of alternate designs to assess feasibility, operating condition effects, possible new applications, and necessary equipment modification. Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design and performance specifications. Industrial trials to develop new products, qualify production lines, evaluate equipment performance and maximize productivity. Correct selection and improvement of steel grades to optimize processing and production cost such as selection of vanadium, niobium or titanium alloys. Option to work from home one day a week may be available based on performance and company need. Employee must reside locally and within commuting distance and be available to report to the worksite as needed.

Safety is the most important part of all jobs within Nucor; therefore, candidates must be able to demonstrate the ability to initiate, lead, and uphold safety policies, practices, procedures, and housekeeping standards at all times.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or foreign equivalent degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or directly related field and two (2) years of experience within the steel manufacturing industry.

Experience must include monitoring metallurgical processes, including melting, alloying, casting, mechanical testing, microstructural phase evaluation, and heat treatment to ensure process consistency and control; Applying Statistical Process Control (SPC) tools, including control charts (X-bar, R, and I-MR), process capability analysis (Cp, Cpk), and regression analysis using Minitab to monitor variability and improve process stability; Performing microstructural analysis using optical microscopy and image analysis software to evaluate grain size and phase distribution; and Conducting root cause analysis (RCA) for metallurgical defects, including inclusions and cracking, and implemented corrective actions. Option to work from home one day a week may be available based on performance and company need. Employee must reside locally and within commuting distance and be available to report to the worksite as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

Nucor is an Equal OpportunityEmployer and a drug-free workplace