Senior Metallurgist – Heat Treatment or Aluminium Metallurgy
Contract: Full Time
Term: Permanent
About Mettis
We design, manufacture and assemble precision forged and machined components at our fully integrated facility in the heart of the UK. Our vision is not only to be the best at what we do but to continually set new standards in the industry by investing and innovating. That’s why we have been pioneers in our industry for over eighty years. We are forging the future today.
About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Metallurgist to join our technical leadership team within our ISO 17025 and Nadcap-accredited laboratory environment. This is a pivotal role within a high-performance aerospace and defence manufacturing business, requiring close collaboration with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Planning.
Depending on experience, the role can be aligned to either a Heat Treatment or Aluminium Metallurgy specialism.
Core Responsibilities
- Act as a metallurgical lead and technical authority within the business
- Provide expert input into forging processes, heat treatment, and special processes
- Translate internal and external material requirements into Methods of Manufacture
- Collaborate cross‑functionally to ensure technical and quality standards are achieved
- Lead and support metallurgical investigations, resolving complex material and process issues
- Support customer engagement on technical and production matters
- Contribute to continuous improvement and capability development across the site
- Support internal and external audits (ISO 17025, Nadcap, customer audits)
- Mentor and develop laboratory, engineering, and operational teams
Heat Treatment Focus (where applicable)
- Lead and maintain Nadcap Heat Treatment accreditation for the site
- Act as the subject matter expert for heat treatment compliance and governance
- Ensure adherence to AMS2750 pyrometry requirements
- Conduct shopfloor audits, provide technical training, and maintain process standards
- Act as the primary contact for heat treatment‑related technical and compliance queries
- Drive improvements in heat treatment quality, consistency, and efficiency
Aluminium Focus (where applicable)
- Provide technical leadership across aluminium alloy metallurgy and processing
- Lead failure investigations, identifying root cause and implementing corrective actions
- Support and lead New Product Introduction (NPI) activities
- Work closely with production teams to optimise aluminium forging and heat treatment processes
- Engage internal and external stakeholders to deliver metallurgical solutions
- Develop and enhance aluminium materials capability across the business
Safety Responsibilities
- Comply with EHS and legislative standards
- Promote safe working practices across laboratory and manufacturing environments
- Ensure adherence to occupational health and environmental requirements
Quality Responsibilities
- Maintain compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and Nadcap accreditations
- Ensure testing and calibration activities meet procedural and regulatory requirements
- Drive improvements in Right First Time (RFT) performance
- Lead audit readiness and compliance activities
- Initiate actions to prevent non-conformance and improve process reliability
Delivery Responsibilities
- Support production through timely and effective metallurgical input
- Coordinate investigations and testing with manufacturing teams
- Manage priorities across multiple technical projects and operational requirements
Cost Responsibilities
- Support cost control through process optimisation and reduced non-conformance
- Identify opportunities to improve internal capability and reduce external spend
People Responsibilities
- Mentor and develop metallurgical and operational teams
- Support training and competency development across the business
- Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team environment
Business Responsibilities
- Act as an ambassador for Mettis
- Role model the company’s Vision, Mission, and Values
- Support strategic development of materials and process capability
Qualifications
- Degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or a related discipline
- Significant industry experience (typically 10+ years) within forging, heat treatment, or metallurgical environments
- Experience within aerospace or other highly regulated industries (desirable)
Additional (Heat Treatment pathway)
- Experience leading Nadcap Heat Treatment accreditation
- Knowledge of AMS2750 pyrometry standards
Additional (Aluminium pathway)
- Advanced qualification in Aluminium Metallurgy (PhD desirable) or extensive equivalent experience
- Experience in aluminium alloy processing and failure investigation
Required Skills
- In-depth understanding of aluminium, titanium, and/or steel alloys
- Experience within forging, heat treatment, or related manufacturing processes
- Expertise in metallurgical investigation and problem-solving
- Knowledge of aerospace quality standards and compliance requirements
- Experience of Nadcap and/or ISO 17025 environments
- Ability to audit, train, and support shopfloor teams
- Effective communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and technical challenges
- Leadership capability with a focus on coaching and development
- IT proficiency (Word, Excel, Outlook and technical systems)
Job Type
Full-time, Permanent
Location
Redditch, Worcestershire (on site, 5 days)
Hours
Monday – Thursday: 07:30 – 16:30Friday: 07:30 – 12:30
Benefits
- Pension: 3% Employer & 5% Employee contribution
- 33 days holiday including 8 statutory Bank Holidays per annum
- Employee benefits, rewards, and wellbeing platform (Perkbox)
- Free on-site parking
- Cycle to work scheme
- Bereavement leave
- Company events
- Employee referral programme
- Sick pay
Compliance Requirements
As a condition of employment, successful candidates are required to satisfy ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance and must fulfil the following before commencing this role:
- Currently hold the legal Right to Work in the UK
- Fulfil a DBS clearance
- Provide a consistent 5-year UK domicile
- Pass Drugs & Alcohol screening at the start of their employment
This job description is not exhaustive and may be reviewed periodically in agreement with the job holder. The postholder must comply with all policies and procedures issued by or on behalf of Mettis Aerospace.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Mettis Aerospace is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
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