Research Engineer

Job Description

SSAB is one of the largest North American producers of steel plate and coil, serving many industrial markets including energy, construction, agriculture and transportation. SSAB operates five state‑of‑the‑art facilities strategically located across the U.S. and employs nearly 1,200 highly skilled employees. This role offers a challenging career and comprehensive benefits.

The incumbent will act as an expert in primary steelmaking processes, focusing on scrap melting in the electric arc furnace and ladle refining at the SSAB research and development facility in Muscatine, Iowa. The role reports to the Director of Research and Development and collaborates closely with operations and technical services.

• Develop and evaluate scrap recipes for electric arc furnace trials to optimize scrap melting.
• Analyze the relationship between scrap recipes, flux additions, and slag chemistry to improve foaming, dephosphorization, and overall process performance.
• Develop flux practices to desulfurize steel and absorb non‑metallic inclusions during ladle refining.
• Optimize calcium‑bearing alloy practices for efficient oxide and sulfide modification.
• Collaborate on numerical models for steelmaking processes and support implementation with operations.
• Perform inclusion analysis with optical microscopy and SEM/EDS to refine ladle practices.
• Conduct raw material testing to verify vendor specifications.
• Document research and trial findings in technical reports.
• Review published literature and maintain knowledge of industry and academic advances.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or related discipline.
• At least two years of experience in steel industry or academic work focused on scrap melting and ladle refining.
• Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with polishing machines, optical microscopes, and SEM/EDS desirable.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

• PhD, ScD, or equivalent doctoral degree in Metallurgical Engineering or related field.
• Background in material science with deep understanding of reaction kinetics and thermodynamics in steelmaking.

• Primarily office‑based with standard computer equipment; partially sedentary (~6 hours). Some standing and walking required.
• Work in plant and laboratory environments, handling equipment such as microscopes, SEM/EDS, polishing machines, band saws, surface grinders, hardening and tensile testing machines, welding furnaces, cranes, and cutting tools.
• Preparation of acid solutions for specimen etching.
• Occasional work in mill or field environment with exposure to heat/cold, noise, and required safety gear.
• Physical handling up to 50 lbs and travel by driving or airplane.
• Vision and hearing requirements for communication.

• Full‑time, exempt.
• 8‑hour day shift, Monday through Friday.
• Travel up to 20‑25% of hours; international travel possible.
• On‑site presence required.

• Excellent pay with additional bonus.
• Very affordable health insurance.
• 401(k) with 5% employer match.
• Profit sharing.
• 10 paid holidays.
• Vacation.
• Company‑paid life insurance, STD, and LTD.
• Optional life, hospital indemnity, critical illness.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA).
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee assistance program.

This job description is not intended to cover all duties, which may change at any time with or without notice.