Metals Chemist

The Metals Chemist is responsible for conducting chemical, metallurgical, and materials analyses to support aerospace manufacturing, quality assurance, failure investigations, and regulatory compliance. This role ensures metallic materials and processes meet aerospace industry specifications, customer requirements, and applicable standards. The Metals Chemist works closely with engineering, quality, laboratory, and production teams to evaluate material performance, investigate defects, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

• Perform chemical and metallurgical analyses on aerospace alloys, including aluminum, titanium, nickel-based superalloys, stainless steels, and specialty metals
• Conduct laboratory testing using techniques such as Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), ICP-OES, ICP-MS, Atomic Absorption (AA), and wet chemistry methods
• Prepare and analyze metallographic samples to evaluate grain structure, inclusions, heat treatment effects, and microstructural characteristics
• Investigate material failures, corrosion issues, contamination events, and nonconforming products
• Interpret test data and prepare detailed technical reports for customers, engineering teams, and regulatory agencies
• Support material qualification programs and first article inspections
• Verify compliance with aerospace specifications, including AMS, ASTM, MIL, NADCAP, FAA, and customer requirements
• Develop and validate laboratory test methods and procedures
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action investigation
• Maintain laboratory equipment calibration, maintenance, and quality record
• Assist with internal and external audits, including NADCAP and customer audit
• Support research and development projects involving new materials, coatings, and aerospace manufacturing processes
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety procedures and environmental regulations

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or related scientific discipline
• 3+ years of experience in metals testing, analytical chemistry, or metallurgical laboratory environments
• Knowledge of aerospace metals, heat treatment processes, and material specifications
• Experience operating analytical instrumentation such as OES, XRF, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, SEM/EDS, or similar equipment
• Understanding of ASTM, AMS, and aerospace quality standards
• Ability to interpret metallurgical data, technical drawings, and engineering specifications.