Job DescriptionThe Product Development Metallurgist is responsible for leading and coordinating product development activities for SSA and SSS products, serving as the central point of contact for development initiatives across the organization. This role supports the successful development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of specialty steel products by planning and managing trials, monitoring product cost and performance, and facilitating cross-functional collaboration among operations, technical, quality, and commercial teams. The position also provides metallurgical expertise and process control guidance to support product quality, operational effectiveness, and long-term product performance.
Main Responsibilities / Essential Functions- Manage and coordinate product development activities for SSA and SSS products from trial planning through performance review and follow-up actions.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for product development meetings by organizing and leading meetings, documenting discussion outcomes, publishing notes and action items, and coordinating onsite development efforts.
- Prepare and maintain product development trial documentation, including trial sheets, operating parameters, and performance results, to ensure accurate tracking and evaluation of development work.
- Analyze product cost, quality, and performance data to assess current product effectiveness and identify opportunities for product enhancements, process improvements, and cost optimization.
- Partner with operations, quality, technical, and other cross-functional teams to support development trials, resolve metallurgical or process-related issues, and improve product consistency and performance.
- Deliver training and technical support to SSAB personnel on metallurgy, steel processing, and process control practices as needed to strengthen technical understanding and improve operating results.
- Support a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and advancing initiatives that enhance product capability, manufacturing performance, and customer value.
- Understand and support the company's goals and values and comply with all company, department, safety, quality, environmental, and ethics policies and procedures.
About You / QualificationsRequired
- Bachelor's Degree or higher in Metallurgy, Materials or related field
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience
- Understanding of the theoretical and mechanical aspects of equipment in chemical and physical testing laboratories
- Thorough knowledge of Quality Management Systems/ISO-9001 and SSAB's established controls to produce branded products
- Excellent computer skills including Microsoft proficiency, database query tools, and AI tools
- Organizational and time management skills
- Very good communication, collaboration, interpersonal and teamwork skills
Preferred
- Master's Degree or higher in Metallurgy, Materials or related field
- Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience
- Proficiency in Minitab and MS Excel Visual Basic for Applications
- Continuous Improvement (Six Sigma Green Belt or similar) training and experience
Our OfferSSAB offers a wide range of benefits to our team members:
- Bonuses
- 401(k) with 5% employer match
- 10 paid holidays
- Vacation
- Excellent, affordable benefits
- Tuition reimbursement
- Profit sharing
- Opportunities for development
- Friendly and welcoming workplace
About the TeamSSAB Special Steels has global responsibility for sales of SSAB's quenched and tempered (Q&T) steels and advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) as well as for steel and plate production in Oxelösund, Sweden, and Mobile, USA.
