Senior Research Engineer

Vesuvius USA; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled researcher to innovate and develop new products in the field of materials science. This role involves planning and executing experiments to enhance understanding of steel-refractory interactions and contribute to the global growth of the Flow Control business. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in materials engineering, particularly in steel-making processes, and will thrive in a collaborative team environment. If you are passionate about driving results and solving complex problems, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 4-6 years of research experience related to steel-making.
• Expertise in thermodynamic modeling and materials characterization.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct experiments for new product development.
• Investigate steel-refractory interaction in SGPR applications.

Skills

Research Skills

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Team Collaboration

Education

Master’s or Ph.D. in Materials Engineering

Bachelor's in Ceramic Engineering

Master's in Material Sciences

Tools

Thermo-Calc

Fact Sage

Job description

Description

Purpose:

1. Plan and carry out experiments in support of development of new products for Slide Gate and Purge Refractory (SGPR) applications.
2. Apply ideas and experimental findings to efforts to protect and grow the Flow Control business globally.
3. Investigate and develop fundamental understanding of Steel-Refractory Interaction (SRI) in SGPR applications.

Direct Reports:

One or two Lab or Research Technicians may directly report to this position depending on project loading.

Dimensions of Position:

1. The position will lead or support 1-2 new product development projects globally, influencing value of new products sold each year.
2. The position will lead or support potential cost savings projects, e.g., 1/year of approximately 100k GBP savings.

Key Result Areas:

1. 30% Designs and carries out experiments in support of 1-2 new product development projects.
2. 30% Designs and carries out experiments to increase fundamental understanding of products and processes.
3. 20% Reviews literature and R&D activity in other areas to bring new ideas and evaluates the applicability of those new ideas in the laboratory to develop new technology.
4. 20% Identifies and implements improvements in R&D tests, processes and equipment to yield a safer working environment and better quality R&D results.

Qualifications:

1. Master’s or Ph.D. Degree in Materials or related engineering field.
2. Demonstrated accomplishments working in a research environment.
3. Excellent verbal and written communication, demonstrated success working in a team environment.

Experience:

Required:

1. Minimum 4-6 years research experience related to steel-making, especially continuous casting, and interaction of molten steel with refractory materials.
2. Familiarity with induction furnaces and lab scale equipment for metal melting.
3. Expertise in characterizing metal-refractory interfaces.
4. Strong expertise in thermodynamic modelling, e.g., Thermo-Calc, Fact Sage, etc.

Additional expertise and qualification for consideration:

1. New product development.
2. Refractory ceramic compositions: alumina, magnesia, zirconia, and other oxides.
3. Carbide and carbon composites, nitride ceramics.
4. Papers and publications, presentations, patents.

Knowledge:

Significant knowledge of materials science and engineering or a closely related engineering field is required. A strong knowledge of thermodynamics is also required. A strong knowledge of continuous-casting is desirable.

Skills & Behavior:

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and behaviors:

1. Drive for Results.
2. An ability to form strong working relationships with colleagues.

Problem Solving & Complexity:

The position will require the job holder to creatively solve problems and develop new solutions. Problem solving will require a very diverse acquired knowledge base including thermodynamics and materials science. Decisions referred to manager would include best approaches to use for experimental plans, interpretation of results in the context of the business and determining overall project priority.

Environmental Conditions:

Some potential exposure to hazards from industrial equipment, chemicals, or toxic materials. Vesuvius has a strong record of working safely and safety protocols are required to be followed.

Physical Requirements:

Position may occasionally require standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects (up to 35 lbs), walking, climbing, reaching and working in uncomfortably hot or cold climates.

Qualifications

Education

Required:

Bachelors or better in Ceramic Engineering or related field.

Preferred:

Masters or better in Material Sciences or related field.

Experience

Required:

1-5 years materials research or new product/process development experience in related material composition or process field. Actual experience level will partially determine starting level of employment. Expertise with materials characterization and analysis.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.