Metallurgical Technical Associate

Posted Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 4:00 AM

From our roots providing sand to local foundries in the 1880's, Opta has grown to an international group of companies committed to delivering optimal results for our customers. Opta's purpose is to create solutions that enhance productivity and set new standards for industrial performance. Our mission is to consistently deliver custom-engineered additives, specialty equipment and technical expertise that solves complex challenges, optimizes process and drives long-term success.

• SAFETY: We put safety first on our processes, our products and our culture to protect people and ensure long-term operational success.
• PEOPLE :
  We invest in our people because their expertise drives the solutions that power our success.
• CUSTOMERS: We build lasting partnerships by understanding our customers' challenges and delivering customized solutions that meet their unique needs.
• INNOVATION: We continually seek smarter, more effective and innovative ways to deliver solutions , blending creativity, data-driven insight and practical application.
• SUSTAINABILITY: We engineer solutions with efficiency, responsibility, and sustainability as our foundation, optimizing performance today, while strengthening the resilience of tomorrow's operations.

Metallurgical Technical Associate

The Metallurgical Technical Associate will report directly to the VP Strategy, R&D and will be responsible for providing technical support primarily to the sales team and customers. This position will also be expected to support the production plants and overall quality control system. The successful candidate will be a results-driven, motivated problem solver with excellent organization, time management, and decision-making skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Solve technical issues or concerns with existing products at production plants and customer sites as required.
• Develop and implement new products including creating new TDS, item number, BOM and testing high temperature properties.
• Recommend product formulae to meet or exceed customer expectations (Product Quality Assurance).
• Review manufacturing techniques/processes to ensure proper application of raw materials.
• Assist Sales with RFQ system (for Product Development Process).
• Provide product design/application training to Sales or Technical teams when needed.
• Update sales & plant production teams regularly on status of customer requirements to ensure accurate flow of information.
• Communicate with internal departments as needed;
  Sales, Quality, Operations, Technical, Purchasing, Finance, Health and Safety, IT
• Travel to various locations within Canada and US to support production processes, observe applications and conduct trials at customer plants.
• Provide and present periodic customer process reports at customer locations.
• Analyze performance data from trials, evaluate mode of failure, and improve products accordingly to meet customer needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors or Master’s degree in Chemical, Metallurgical or Materials Science Engineering
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in similar role or educational equivalent
• Experience working within steel industry an asset
• Proficient in using Microsoft excel
• Experience using Python an asset

LOCATION:

New Kensington, Pennsylvania or Milan, Michigan (depending on area of focus)

Opta offers a diverse compensation and benefit package that includes the following:

• Extended Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Health Savings Account
• Life, AD&D, and Dependent Life Insurance
• Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Match
• Competitive Compensation Program
• On Demand Pay (Dayforce Wallet)

To perform this job…