Wolverine Advanced Materials · 10 hours ago
Metallurgist
Blacksburg, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
10+ years expWolverine Advanced Materials is a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance materials, specializing in elastomer-coated metals for various applications. They are seeking a highly experienced Metallurgist to ensure quality and performance of metallic coils used in their products, collaborating with suppliers and internal teams to resolve quality issues and support product development.
Advanced MaterialsManufacturingPrecious Metals
Responsibilities
Lead technical investigations and root cause analysis related to metal-related quality issues, including but not limited to:
Galvanization and coating layer defects (thickness variation, adhesion, flaking, surface appearance)
Mechanical properties out of specification (yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, hardness)
Surface defects (scratches, pits, roll marks, inclusions, stains)
Flatness, camber, edge wave, crossbow, and deformation issues
Work directly with steel mills, galvanizers, and metal service centers to:
Define root causes using metallurgical principles and data-driven methods
Review chemical composition, microstructure, processing routes, and heat treatments
Establish corrective and preventive actions (8D, PDCA, A3, etc.)
Support supplier audits and technical assessments with a focus on metallurgical capability and process control
Act as WAM’s subject-matter expert during customer and or supplier escalations related to metal raw materials
Lead or support the development and qualification of new metal suppliers for:
Carbon steel
Galvanized steel
Stainless steel
Aluminum
Define technical requirements for raw materials, including:
Chemical composition
Mechanical properties
Surface and flatness criteria
Coating requirements (e.g., zinc coating type and mass)
Support supplier trials, PPAP/APQP activities, and industrialization of new sources
Collaborate with Purchasing, R&D, Quality, and Operations to reduce supply risk and improve robustness of the supply chain
Provide metallurgical expertise and hands-on technical support to manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams in areas including:
Coil handling, slitting, forming, and downstream processing
Interaction between metallic substrates and elastomer coating processes
Impact of metal properties on coating adhesion, functional performance, and long-term durability
Support new product development activities by defining material requirements, supporting trials, and validating metal substrate performance
Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing scrap, rework, and cost of poor quality related to metal raw materials
Contribute to the development, review, and improvement of material and process specifications, ensuring alignment between design intent, supplier capability, and manufacturing reality
Perform metallurgical testing, data analysis, and failure investigations; interpret results and drive clear technical conclusions
Define, implement, and improve metallurgical testing methods, inspection techniques, and laboratory equipment as required
Interpret and apply relevant standards and specifications (ASTM, ISO, DIN, SAE, customer-specific specs)
Lead creation and maintenance of:
Material specifications
Acceptance criteria
Inspection and testing methods and equipment
Document findings, conclusions, and technical recommendations clearly for internal and external stakeholders
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
10+ years of experience in metallurgical engineering, preferably in steel mills, galvanizing operations, or metal processing
Demonstrated experience working with metal coils and downstream processes
Strong background in supplier-facing technical roles (supplier quality, materials engineering, or process engineering)
In-depth knowledge of carbon steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, and aluminum metallurgy
In-depth knowledge of galvanization processes (hot-dip, coating weight, adhesion mechanisms)
In-depth knowledge of mechanical properties and testing methods
In-depth knowledge of microstructure, heat treatment, and forming behavior
Strong understanding of coil manufacturing, rolling, annealing, galvanizing, and slitting
Strong understanding of common metal defects and their metallurgical root causes
Strong understanding of interaction between metal substrates and elastomer or polymer coatings
Familiarity with automotive quality systems (IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP)
Proficiency in structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, PDCA, A3)
Domestic and international travel as required to support suppliers and WAM facilities (estimated 30%)
Preferred
Master's degree in the area preferred
Company
Wolverine Advanced Materials
A Dearborn, Mich.-based maker of products for automotive braking systems and sealing solutions
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Wolverine Advanced Materials has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2024 (2)
2023 (1)
2021 (1)
2020 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknown2015-10-15Acquired
2011-04-03Series Unknown
Leadership Team
Joe Rathbun
Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer
Michael Coullet
Financial Planning Analyst - FP&A - Primary Partner of CFO
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