Metallurgy Engineer

ALTEN Technology USA•Hagerstown, MD

11h•$75,000 - $80,000

About The Position

We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life—from advancing space exploration and life-saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000+ experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more. As part of the global ALTEN Group—57,000+ engineers in 30 countries—we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing. When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you’ll collaborate on some of the world’s toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. We are seeking a highly skilled Metallurgy Engineer specializing in failure analysis to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in materials science and metallurgical principles, with hands-on experience investigating metal component failures. This individual will be adept at identifying root causes using advanced analytical techniques and translating findings into actionable solutions that improve product reliability and performance. Strong analytical thinking, technical expertise, and clear communication skills are essential for success in this role.

Requirements

Master’s or PhD in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience
5+ years of experience in a relevant role
Deep understanding of metallurgical principles including phase transformations, alloy behavior, fracture mechanics, corrosion, and high-temperature performance
Hands-on experience with analytical tools such as SEM, EDS, optical microscopy, and tensile testing
Strong problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail and analytical rigor
Demonstrated ability to investigate complex material issues and determine root causes effectively
Excellent technical writing and documentation skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex data and findings

Responsibilities

Conduct root cause analysis on failed components, including fracture surfaces, corrosion damage, and microstructures to determine failure mechanisms such as fatigue, creep, or stress corrosion cracking
Utilize advanced analytical tools including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), hardness testing, and optical microscopy
Design and perform destructive testing (e.g., tensile, hardness) and non-destructive testing (NDT) methods to replicate failures and validate material performance
Analyze and interpret test data, fractography, and microstructural images to understand material behavior and failure modes
Develop detailed technical reports summarizing findings, conclusions, and recommendations
Present results and insights to engineering, quality, and leadership teams in a clear and actionable manner
Collaborate cross-functionally with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to implement corrective actions and prevent recurrence of failures
Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product durability and reliability