Metallurgist

Wam Global•Blacksburg, VA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Wolverine Advanced Materials (WAM) is seeking a highly experienced Metallurgist to support and strengthen our metal raw material supply base. This role is critical to ensuring the quality, consistency, and performance of metallic coils used in elastomer-coated products across multiple applications. The Metallurgist will act as the technical authority for metallic materials, working closely with suppliers, internal manufacturing teams, and customers to resolve complex quality issues, develop new suppliers, and support new product and process development. The position requires deep expertise in carbon steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, particularly in coil form and downstream coating/lamination processes. This position is an on-site position in Blacksburg, VA.

Requirements

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 Automotive, industrial, or coated-metal applications
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 Galvanization processes (hot-dip, coating weight, adhesion mechanisms) Mechanical properties and testing methods Microstructure, heat treatment, and forming behavior
Strong understanding of: Coil manufacturing, rolling, annealing, galvanizing, and slitting Common metal defects and their metallurgical root causes 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%)

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in the area preferred

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