Research & Development Co-Op (Fall 2027)

SSAB; Montpelier (IA); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,444,000; Full time

Job summary

SSAB offers an internship in metallurgy and materials science in which you will collaborate with research engineers and analysts to advance steelmaking processes and develop new products. You will contribute to metallographic investigations, mechanical testing, and heat treatment experiments in well-equipped labs.

The role emphasizes teamwork, strong communication, and attention to detail, with exposure to lab instruments such as SEM/EDS/EBSD, CVN, and DWTT, as well as office tasks using Word,

Qualifications

• Complete freshman year at a university.
• Pursuing an undergraduate degree in metallurgy, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering.
• Proficient in using Word documents, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A team player and able to multitask.
• Demonstrated professionalism and strong work ethic.
• Possess attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

Responsibilities

• Work with research engineers and analysts to develop new products and processes, and improve steel-making practices.
• May participate in mill trials for process and product developments.
• Perform metallographic investigations involving sample preparation, mechanical testing, and microstructure analysis using band saws, CNC machines, abrasive saws, surface grinder, polishing machines, mounting presses, chemical etching procedures, hardness equipment, light optical microscopes (LOM) scanning electron microscopes (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD).
• May participate in mechanical testing of steel using other equipment, such as CVN impact tester and drop weight tear testing equipment (DWTT).
• Perform heat treatment experiments for product developments using furnaces in the heat treatment laboratory.
• Participate in developing welding practices and investing weldability of steels using welding equipment in the welding laboratory

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team player

Multitask

Professionalism

Education

Freshman year at university

Undergraduate degree in metallurgy or related fields

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Basic coding skills

Job description

• Work with research engineers and analysts to develop new products and processes, and improve steel-making practices
• May participate in mill trials for process and product developments
• Perform metallographic investigations involving sample preparation, mechanical testing, and microstructure analysis using band saws, CNC machines, abrasive saws, surface grinder, polishing machines, mounting presses, chemical etching procedures, hardness equipment, light optical microscopes (LOM) scanning electron microscopes (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD).
• May participate in mechanical testing of steel using other equipment, such as CVN impact tester and drop weight tear testing equipment (DWTT).
• Perform heat treatment experiments for product developments using furnaces in the heat treatment laboratory.
• Participate in developing welding practices and investing weldability of steels using welding equipment in the welding laboratory

Essential Responsibilities

• Work with research engineers and analysts to develop new products and processes, and improve steel-making practices
• May participate in mill trials for process and product developments
• Perform metallographic investigations involving sample preparation, mechanical testing, and microstructure analysis using band saws, CNC machines, abrasive saws, surface grinder, polishing machines, mounting presses, chemical etching procedures, hardness equipment, light optical microscopes (LOM) scanning electron microscopes (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD).
• May participate in mechanical testing of steel using other equipment, such as CVN impact tester and drop weight tear testing equipment (DWTT).
• Perform heat treatment experiments for product developments using furnaces in the heat treatment laboratory.
• Participate in developing welding practices and investing weldability of steels using welding equipment in the welding laboratory

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Work with research engineers and analysts to develop new products and processes, and improve steel-making practices
• May participate in mill trials for process and product developments
• Perform metallographic investigations involving sample preparation, mechanical testing, and microstructure analysis using band saws, CNC machines, abrasive saws, surface grinder, polishing machines, mounting presses, chemical etching procedures, hardness equipment, light optical microscopes (LOM) scanning electron microscopes (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD).
• May participate in mechanical testing of steel using other equipment, such as CVN impact tester and drop weight tear testing equipment (DWTT).
• Perform heat treatment experiments for product developments using furnaces in the heat treatment laboratory.
• Participate in developing welding practices and investing weldability of steels using welding equipment in the welding laboratory

Required

QUALIFICATIONS - Education, Experience and Competencies

• Complete freshman year at a university
• Pursuing an undergraduate degree in metallurgy, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering
• Proficient in using Word documents, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A team player and able to multitask
• Demonstrated professionalism and strong work ethic
• Possess attention to detail and organizational skills
• Regular and reliable attendance

Preferred

• Computer skills and ability to write code
• Strong analytical skills
• Previous internship/co-op experience

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The Employee Will Frequently Be Required To

• This position operates in an office environment. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, network tools/equipment, phones, photocopiers and scanners. This role is partially sedentary (average of 6 hours per day), however, some standing and walking is required.
• The position requires working with laboratory equipment such as optical microscopes, SEM/EDS/EBSD, welding, bend testing, polishing machines, hardness testing, tensile testing, CVN testing, DWTT machine, band saws, thermal cutting, waterjet cutting, surface grinder, heat treating furnaces, and crane.
• The position requires preparing various acid solutions for etching steel specimens such as sulfuric acid, picric acid, oxalic, nital etc.

The Employee Will Occasionally Be Required To

• This position will periodically require work in the mill and in the field environment with some exposure to heat/cold, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, noise and wearing safety equipment/clothing for protection from hazards
• Some handling of materials is required. This would require the ability to walk, bend, kneel or stand, use of hands to finger, hold and handle, reach with hands and arms and to push/pull, lift or carry items up to 50 lbs.
• Drive or travel by airplane

The Position Requires The Following Vision And Hearing Capabilities

• Talking person to person, on the phone, and/or in group settings
• Hearing in person, on the phone, and/or in group settings
• Vision at near, mid, and far range

Position Type - Work Hours - Travel Requirements

• Position is hourly and works regular day shift Monday through Friday - additional hours as needed
• Occasional travels to career fairs and other SSAB locations

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice