Senior Metallurgist

Gerdau; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Prescription coverage

Dental plans

Vision plans

401K match

Disability insurance

Annual bonus

Health Advocate

EAP (Employee Assistance Program)

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Gerdau is seeking a Senior Metallurgist to provide technical leadership across melting, rolling, and quality operations. You will drive metallurgical investigations, product improvements, and customer technical support to enhance quality and productivity.

Working with operations, maintenance, and quality teams, you will lead projects, analyze data, and guide strategies for continuous improvement in a growing steel operation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 7+ years in steel/metals manufacturing and related processes.
• Experience with root-cause analysis, process improvement, and quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead metallurgical investigations and root-cause analyses for production issues.
• Support melt shop, rolling mill, and finishing operations.
• Evaluate customer requirements and product performance.
• Plan and execute product and process trials.
• Analyze production and quality data using SPC, Minitab, and other tools.
• Drive process improvement and cost reduction initiatives.
• Provide technical guidance to operations and quality teams.
• Support customer visits, audits, and technical reviews.
• Assist with quality management systems, corrective actions, and CI efforts.

Skills

Metallurgical investigations

Root-cause analysis

Process improvement

Quality systems

Data analysis

Customer-facing tech

Education

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or related field

Tools

SPC

Minitab

Job description

Senior Metallurgist

Date: Sep 11, 2026

Senior Metallurgist | Quality & Process Improvement

The Senior Metallurgist serves as the technical expert supporting Melt Shop, Rolling Mill, and Quality operations. This position leads metallurgical investigations, product improvement initiatives, customer technical support activities, and process optimization efforts to improve quality, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

Working closely with operations, maintenance, and quality teams, this role provides hands‑on metallurgical leadership for steel production, rolling, testing, and continuous improvement programs.

Why Join Us

• Direct influence on melt shop and rolling mill product quality
• Opportunity to lead mill‑wide improvement projects
• Work closely with operations, maintenance, and commercial teams
• Exposure to customer‑facing technical challenges
• Career path into Quality Manager, Technical Manager, or Operations leadership roles
• Growing steel operation with significant investment and modernization initiatives

What We Offer

• Comprehensive Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision Plans – Eligible upon 1st day of hire
• Health & Dependent Care (Flexible Spending Account)
• 100% Matching 401K up to 6%
• Short‑Term & Long‑Term Disability Insurance
• Annual Bonus
• Health Advocate Services
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program

What You'll Do

• Lead metallurgical investigations and root‑cause analyses
• Support melt shop, rolling mill, and finishing operations
• Evaluate customer requirements and product performance
• Plan and execute product and process trials
• Analyze production and quality data using SPC, Minitab, and other tools
• Drive process improvement and cost reduction initiatives
• Provide technical guidance to operations and quality teams
• Support customer visits, audits, and technical reviews
• Assist with quality management systems, corrective actions, and continuous improvement efforts

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in steel, metals, foundry, casting, rolling, forging, heat treatment, or heavy manufacturing
• Experience with root‑cause analysis, process improvement, and quality systems
• Knowledge of metallurgical testing and material characterization techniques
• Ability to analyze production and quality data and translate findings into operational improvements
• Customer‑facing technical experience preferred
• Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing experience preferred

Gerdau believes in equal employment opportunities related to all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of Gerdau that there will be no discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

If you are vision‑impaired or have some other disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act / Accessible Canada Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment at Gerdau, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at (866)-788-2798 or [e-mail]