Metallurgist

Mueller - Decatur, IL
Shape the Future of Brass Metallurgy - Mueller is seeking a highly skilled Metallurgist to join our team in Decatur, IL-a critical role at the intersection of metallurgy, manufacturing, and innovation. This position is ideal for a technically driven professional who thrives in a hands-on foundry environment and wants to directly influence material performance, process capability, and product quality at scale.

At Mueller, you won't just support production-you'll drive metallurgical advancement across alloy development, process optimization, and defect reduction, helping us expand capabilities and unlock new market opportunities.
What You'll Do - As a key technical expert, you will partner closely with operations, engineering, and leadership to elevate metallurgical performance across our brass foundry and downstream processes.

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead metallurgical analysis and process improvements across melting, casting, heat treatment, and machining operations
• Drive reduction of micro-porosity, inclusions, and other casting defects through advanced process control and root cause analysis
• Develop and optimize brass alloys to enhance mechanical properties, manufacturability, and performance
• Spearhead technical projects such as chip reconstitution and scrap utilization strategies
• Improve yield, reduce scrap, and minimize non-conformances through data-driven methodologies
• Apply statistical analysis to anticipate process variation and improve manufacturing consistency
• Serve as a metallurgical authority supporting quality investigations, customer concerns, and internal troubleshooting
• Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance manufacturing capabilities and enable product innovation
• Train and mentor operations personnel on metallurgical principles, best practices, and process controls
• Identify opportunities to expand Mueller's material applications and support entry into new markets

What Sets This Role Apart

• Deep Technical Ownership: Direct influence over alloy selection, casting performance, and metallurgical quality
• Hands-On Impact: Work closely with melt decks, furnaces, and machining processes-not just behind a desk
• Innovation Focus: Drive real advancements in brass metallurgy, recycling, and process capability
• Growth Potential: Build expertise that positions you as a subject matter leader within Mueller

Required Education/Experience:

• BS or MS in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• 4+ years of progressive metallurgical experience in a manufacturing environment
• Direct experience in brass foundry operations (required)
• Strong background in heat treatment and phase transformation behavior
• Working knowledge of machining impacts on metallurgical properties

Technical Strengths:

• Expertise in solidification, porosity control, and defect elimination
• Experience with alloy development and materials selection
• Strong analytical skills, including statistical process analysis
• Proven ability to translate metallurgical theory into practical, shop-floor improvements

Professional Traits:

• Hands-on, problem-solving mindset with strong ownership
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive change
• Passion for continuous improvement, materials science, and manufacturing excellence

Why Mueller

Mueller has a long-standing reputation in metal manufacturing, with a commitment to quality, innovation, and operational excellence. In Decatur, you'll join a team where metallurgical expertise is highly valued-and where your work will have a visible and lasting impact on both products and processes.

Salary/Pay Range:

$94,067.00-$129,329.00

The compensation range above reflects a good-faith estimate of starting base pay for full-time (40 hours per week) employment as of the date of posting. Individual compensation may vary depending on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the role, professional experience, job-related skills, achievements, and/or work location. The range listed is only one component of the total compensation package offered to candidates.

Other Compensation & Benefits:

Mueller offers an excellent salary and benefits package. Current benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k plan with 5% Company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability benefits, vacation, 100% paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement program, student debt retirement matching, well-being program, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-provided life insurance, supplemental insurance at group rates, and more.