Metallurgical Test Engineer - Automotive

Stefanini Group•Hagerstown, MD

16h•Onsite

About The Position

Stefanini Group is hiring a Metallurgical Test Engineer - Automotive in Hagerstown, MD. This role supports the durability, cleanliness, and metallurgical compliance of diesel engine and transmission components. The primary mission includes validating heat treatment outcomes through precise metallurgical analysis and inspection, collaborating with the Heat Treatment Engineer to interpret process trends and address deviations, leading failure and cleanliness investigations, and partnering with technicians to improve preparation accuracy, documentation, and adherence to Volvo standards. This non-managerial technical role is foundational to quality, production support, and lab advancement, working across departments to enhance metallurgical inspection accuracy, technical cleanliness investigations, and procedural standardization.

Requirements

Metallurgical Knowledge: Deep understanding of phase transformations, alloy behavior, fracture mechanics, corrosion, and high-temperature properties.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical mindset, attention to detail, and ability to solve complex material issues.
Technical Writing: Excellent ability to document and present complex technical data clearly.

Nice To Haves

ASM Mechanical Testing
SEM Operator Training
Metallurgy for Non-Metallurgists

Responsibilities

Validate induction hardening and carburizing outcomes by inspecting microstructure, case depth, and hardness.
Conduct failure analysis using SEM/EDS, hardness profiling, microstructure, and macro/micro etching.
Support technical cleanliness efforts, including contamination source identification and material-type analysis.
Collaborate with lab technicians to improve preparation methods, documentation consistency, and inspection alignment with Volvo and ISO procedures.
Conduct particle classification and reporting using VDA 19.1 / ISO 16232 standards.
Assist with process audits and material quality reviews for in-house and supplier operations.
Maintain a clean and tidy work area with a 5S mindset.
Attend trainings and meetings as per orientation.
Lead initiatives to standardize lab processes, improve test documentation, and reduce variation in metallurgical evaluations.
Assist in root cause investigations tied to material failures, hardness deviation, or cleanliness nonconformities.
Identify and implement improvements in sample prep, inspection flow, or image/data storage.
Participate in advanced metallurgy and testing certifications.
Stay up to date on cleanliness inspection techniques, Volvo STD 107-0002, and VDA 19.1, especially in relation to particle behavior and source identification.
Mentor technicians in preparation techniques, etching protocols, and image quality expectations.
Act as a reference for metallurgical standards and test requirements during audits or new program launches.
Support global alignment by reviewing procedures and lab practices from benchmark Volvo sites.