Sr Metallurgical Engineer

Brightpath Associates LLC; Temple (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Brightpath Associates LLC seeks a senior Metallurgical Engineer to oversee production, quality, and technical integrity of high-performance alloys. You will lead VIM/VAR/ESR processes, interpret aerospace specifications, and ensure NADCAP, AS9100, and ISO9001 compliance while maintaining chemical homogeneity.

Responsibilities include process optimization, MoM documentation, metallurgical testing, RCA/CAPA investigations, and collaboration with suppliers and OEMs on complex alloy systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• At least 5 years in metallurgical roles focused on nickel-, cobalt-, or iron-based superalloys.
• Hands-on experience with Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) and/or VAR/ESR and investment casting foundry environments.
• Ability to interpret aerospace/defense specifications to ensure compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee VIM process parameters and melting operations for chemical homogeneity.
• Interpret customer and aerospace specifications; ensure AS9100, ISO9001, NADCAP compliance.
• Lead metallurgical testing, RCA/CAPA investigations for material or process failures.
• Develop and approve Method of Manufacture (MoM) documentation and Material Control Plans.

Skills

Metallurgical expertise

VIM/VAR/ESR processes

Investment casting

Specification interpretation

Quality systems (AS9100, ISO9001, NAD+

Root Cause Analysis

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science

Tools

ProCAST

Magma

Job description

This role is critical in overseeing the production, quality, and technical integrity of high-performance alloys. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in superalloy metallurgy, specifically within the realms of Investment Casting and Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM). You will be the primary technical authority for interpreting complex aerospace and industrial specifications, ensuring that all products meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

Key Responsibilities

Process Engineering & Melting

• Provide technical oversight and optimization for Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) processes to ensure chemical homogeneity and cleanliness of superalloy heats.
• Manage and refine operating parameters, including refractory preparation, melt profile, additions, filtration, and pouring temperatures, .
• Troubleshoot production issues related to alloy chemistry and manufacturing.

Specification & Quality Compliance

• Specification Interpretation: Act as the lead technical point of contact for interpreting customer, industry (AMS, ASTM, ASME), and internal material specifications.
• Quality Management: Ensure all manufacturing processes and final products comply with internal, customer, AS9100, ISO 9001, and NADCAP requirements.
• Develop and approve Method of Manufacture (MoM) documentation and Material Control Plans.

Testing & Characterization

• Provide oversight on metallurgical testing protocols, including chemistry, metallography, and physical testing.
• Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Corrective Action (CAPA) investigations for material or process failures.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in a metallurgical role specifically focused on nickel-, cobalt-, or iron-based superalloys.
• Proven experience with Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) and/or VAR/ESR processes.
• Direct experience in an Investment Casting foundry environment.
• Strong understanding of solidification theory and phase transformations in complex alloy systems.
• Compliance: Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex aerospace/defense specifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with casting simulation software (e.g., ProCAST or Magma).
• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification.
• Prior experience interfacing with Tier 1 aerospace OEMs.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and move throughout the office as needed.
• Regular use of hands for typing, writing, and computer work.
• Ability to lift or carry light office items (typically up to 15 lbs).
• Work performed in a standard office environment with moderate noise and routine interruptions.
• Ability to read screens, documents, and electronic communications with clarity.
• Occasional extended hours during peak HR cycles (onboarding, payroll deadlines, audits).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information in shared office spaces.
• Occasional time spent on the manufacturing floor and supplier visits as required.
• Ability to work standard business hours with flexibility during production or supply disruptions.
• Must be able to comply with all safety and PPE requirements when entering production areas.