Metallurgist

PURPOSE:

The Metallurgist / Laboratory Supervisor serves as PCC Carson City's metallurgical subject matter expert and is responsible for overseeing metallurgical testing activities, laboratory operations, and technical support functions. This role ensures testing is performed in accordance with customer specifications, aerospace industry requirements, NADCAP standards, and internal quality procedures.

The Metallurgist / Laboratory Supervisor provides technical guidance related to metallurgy, material properties, casting processes, and failure analysis while supporting Production, Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams. This position also supervises laboratory personnel, maintains laboratory accreditations and approvals, and certifies metallurgical test results required for product acceptance and shipment.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Metallurgical Testing & Technical Support

• Oversee metallurgical testing activities to support customer requirements, process control, product qualification, and first article inspections.
• Review and evaluate metallurgical test results for compliance with customer specifications and internal requirements.
• Interpret material specifications, industry standards, and customer requirements related to metallurgical testing and product acceptance.
• Provide metallurgical expertise related to casting processes, heat treatment, material properties, and product quality.
• Support investigations involving material performance, non-conforming product, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Serve as the plant subject matter expert for ferrous, nickel-based, cobalt-based, and other aerospace alloy systems.

Laboratory Operations & Supervision

• Supervise and support Metallurgical Laboratory personnel to ensure testing requirements, production schedules, and customer commitments are achieved.
• Establish priorities and coordinate laboratory workflow to support production and quality objectives.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is maintained, calibrated, and operating in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Monitor laboratory performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Support employee training, development, and technical competency within the laboratory.

Quality & Compliance

• Maintain compliance with customer requirements, NADCAP standards, and internal quality procedures.
• Support and participate in customer, NADCAP, and internal audits involving laboratory processes and testing activities.
• Review non-conforming material and evaluate metallurgical data to support disposition decisions.
• Initiate and support corrective action investigations as necessary.
• Ensure laboratory records, certifications, and testing documentation are accurate and properly maintained.

Cross Functional Support

• Partner with Quality, Engineering, Production, Operations, and Sales teams to support product quality and customer requirements.
• Review customer specifications and evaluate requirements against PCC capabilities.
• Provide technical recommendations related to process improvements, material performance, and quality initiatives.
• Support new product introduction, qualification activities, and process development efforts.

General

• Promote and maintain a safe work environment.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives throughout the facility.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support business objectives.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 1+ years of experience in metallurgy, materials engineering, metallurgical testing, or aerospace manufacturing.
• Experience with investment casting, heat treatment, and aerospace alloy systems.
• Knowledge of ferrous, nickel-based, and cobalt-based alloys.
• Experience supporting NADCAP-accredited laboratory environments.
• Knowledge of metallurgical testing methods, material characterization, and failure analysis techniques.
• Experience supervising technical personnel.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work in both office and laboratory environments.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout manufacturing and laboratory areas.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 35 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to perform visual evaluations of metallurgical samples, test specimens, and laboratory data.
• Comfortable working in manufacturing environments with exposure to heat, dust, noise, and moving equipment.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires access to export-controlled technical data and technology. Under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), applicants must be a U.S. Person as defined by 22 C.F.R. *120.15.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

With more than 120 operations and approximately 20,000 employees worldwide, Precision Castparts Corp. is the market leader in manufacturing large, complex structural investment castings, airfoil castings, forged components, aerostructures and highly engineered, critical fasteners for aerospace applications. In addition, we are the leading producer of airfoil castings for the industrial gas turbine market. We also manufacture extruded seamless pipe, fittings, and forgings for power generation and oil & gas applications; commercial and military airframe aerostructures; and metal alloys and other materials for the casting and forging industries. With such critical applications, we insist on quality and dependability - not just in the materials and products we make, but in the people we recruit.

PCC is relentless in its dedication to being a high-quality, low-cost and on-time producer; delivering the highest value to its customers while continually pursuing strategic, profitable growth.

In 2016, Berkshire Hathaway, led by Chairman and CEO Warren E. Buffett, acquired Precision Castparts Corp.