Senior R&D Metallurgist (Alloy & Process Development)

R&D Engineer - Alloy & Process Innovation Location: Monroe, NC | Full-Time | Exempt | Individual Contributor or Early Technical Leader Department: Technology - Research & Development Reports To: Sr. Manager, R&D Design the Future of Performance Materials - With ATI R&D At ATI, we push the boundaries of what's possible in metal performance. From jet engines that burn hotter to medical implants that heal faster, our materials serve mission-critical industries where failure is not an option. As an R&D Engineer, you'll sit at the intersection of metallurgy, manufacturing, and innovation-designing new alloys, refining advanced processes, and building the technical foundation for ATI's next generation of products. Your curiosity will fuel performance breakthroughs. Your rigor will shape high-stakes applications in aerospace, defense, and energy. Your work will matter. What You'll Do • Lead alloy and process development projects, focusing on Ni-, Ti-, Co-, or Fe-based systems. • Develop and implement experimental plans for materials testing, process trials, or property optimization. • Analyze microstructure, phase transformation, and mechanical behavior using SEM, EBSD, XRD, or thermal analysis techniques. • Collaborate with Technology, Product Engineering, and Operations to scale lab-to-plant transitions and support new product introductions. • Present findings in internal reviews, customer briefings, and industry conferences. • Draft technical reports, white papers, and R&D proposals that demonstrate ATI's metallurgical leadership. • Contribute to patent filings, IP development, and competitive technical benchmarking. Who You Are • A self-driven problem solver with a passion for metallurgy, materials design, and manufacturing. • Adept at hands-on experimentation, but capable of connecting theory to practice. • Motivated to deliver science-based innovations that work in the real world, not just the lab. Basic Qualifications • M.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or related discipline. • 0-6 years of industrial or academic research experience (co-op/internship/postdoc included). • Demonstrated background in one or more of the following: • Alloy development (Ni-based superalloys, Ti alloys, steels) • Advanced remelting (VIM, VAR, ESR, PAM) • Microstructural characterization and property analysis Preferred Qualifications • Experience with thermodynamic modeling (Thermo-Calc, Pandat), finite element analysis, or process simulation tools. • Knowledge of heat treatment effects, creep/fatigue behavior, or corrosion performance. • Track record of publishing, presenting, or contributing to technical standards or patents. • Familiarity with manufacturing scale-up, root cause investigations, or customer-driven development. Why Join ATI R&D? • Research with Impact: Your ideas won't sit on a shelf-they'll be forged, tested, and put into service on mission-critical platforms. • State-of-the-Art Labs & Pilot Equipment: Work in an environment designed for discovery, failure, and iteration. • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Partner with experts across technology, operations, and external customers. • Growth & Autonomy: Shape your own development while contributing to company-shaping innovations. • Competitive Compensation: Strong salary, bonus opportunities, and generous benefits. Career Pathways Successful R&D Engineers at ATI have advanced into: • Senior and Principal R&D roles • Product Engineering Leadership • Technical Fellow/Subject Matter Expert tracks • Innovation Program Management Work Environment • Primarily based in lab or technical office setting; occasional support at manufacturing sites. • Travel: ~10-15%, including technical conferences and customer site visits.