Quality Metallurgical Engineer

Zekelman Industries•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Wheatland Tube, a division of Zekelman Industries, is seeking a Quality Metallurgical Engineer to support and advance quality, metallurgical, process, and technical initiatives across Wheatland Tube and Atlas Tube operations. Reporting to the Director of Quality, the role partners with Quality Assurance leaders and plant teams to promote consistency, continuous improvement, and operational excellence throughout the manufacturing network. The engineer develops and improves steel purchasing and quality procedures, collaborates with steel suppliers, evaluates raw material deviations, and resolves supplier quality claims. The role also supports plant quality improvements, audits and Quality Management Systems, manufacturing trials, technical product support, and efforts to optimize steel specifications for yield and efficiency.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
At least 5 years of quality assurance or quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or API quality management systems.
Experience with steelmaking, tube manufacturing, pipe coating processes, heat treatment, and finishing operations.
Project management experience with demonstrated success leading technical initiatives.
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems, safety standards, and continuous improvement principles.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Strong troubleshooting and investigative skills.
Effective project planning and organizational skills.
Ability to collaborate across multiple facilities and functional teams.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Results-driven mindset and commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) experience.
Experience working directly with steel suppliers and metallurgical testing programs.
Knowledge of statistical analysis, root cause investigation, and process optimization methodologies.

Responsibilities

Develop, maintain, and improve corporate and mill-specific procedures and specifications for steel purchasing and quality requirements.
Collaborate with steel suppliers to develop grades and coiling practices that meet customer and product specifications consistently.
Review, evaluate, and disposition raw material deviation requests from steel mills.
Manage and resolve steel-related supplier quality claims.
Support manufacturing facilities with quality improvement efforts, process enhancements, and system development initiatives.
Assist with audits, compliance activities, and maintenance of Quality Management Systems, including ISO and API programs.
Participate in plant trials and improvement projects involving steel production, tube and pipe manufacturing, coatings, finishing operations, and related processes.
Provide technical expertise and product support to sales teams, customer service representatives, agents, and customers.
Monitor and optimize steel gauge and width specifications to improve manufacturing yield and efficiency.
Support Wheatland Tube and Atlas Tube facilities on assigned strategic quality initiatives.