Cold Rolling Metallurgist
Company : Steel Dynamics
Location : Columbus, MS, 39701
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 11 January 2026
Division
Aluminum DynamicsOverview
Aluminum Dynamics LLC., is seeking a disciplined, detail-oriented metallurgist for Hot Rolling and Cold Rolling divisions of our state-of-the-art Aluminum Flat Rolled Product facility, located in the Golden Triangle Region of Mississippi. The incumbent to this position will become the metallurgical subject matter expert in hot rolling or cold rolling within each business unit. The Rolling Metallurgist will interact with process and product engineers to identify opportunities to meet customer requirements with improved product performance and capability. Key responsibilities will include setting up the hot rolling and cold rolling operational parameters with process engineers, Technical Leadership and SME during commissioning, acceptance testing, and ramp-up for Can, Auto, and General Industry product lines for successful product qualification and maintenance of product metallurgy for performance.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for reviewing and approving Reverse Mill and Hot Finishing Mill or Cold Mill capabilities based on Auto OEMs, Beverage Packaging and General Industry customer inquiries/orders to meet metallurgical and other product requirements
- Work closely with Process Metallurgists to set Hot or Cold rolling line parameters to meet product quality, and metallurgical requirements with a focus on safety, volume, and cost parameters in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Technical leadership for coil-to-coil rolling of products during product trials in collaboration with Process Metallurgists, Engineers and Supervisors
- Work with multidisciplinary teams across the plant to analyze the rolled product to identify surface & metallurgical criteria and support root cause analysis for customer returns with data driven and structured problem solving methods
- Develop best coil-to-coil rolling practices to improve production and productivity, monitor scrap rate & performance, minimize rework, disposition/ hold material, and increase yield with on-time delivery
- Reverse Mill and Hot Finishing Mill or Cold Rolling Metallurgy subject matter expert responsibility and take lead role with other department Product Metallurgists to support the product development and qualification through the mill
- Use process data and appropriate problem-solving techniques to identify the underlying causes and lead the implementation of practical production solutions with the Hot or Cold Rolling team
- Develop corrective action plans along with the expected business impact, then execute and monitor to determine the effectiveness of the solution
- Provide support during customer visits, mill tours, technical exchanges and training in Reverse Mill and Hot Finishing Mill or Cold Rolling of products
- Support departmental training, line audits, walk abouts, and mentor young technical team members on rolling practices.
Qualifications
- B.S. degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering
- 2+ years of experience in Hot Rolling or Cold Rolling of aluminum sheet/plate production
- Quality system support and working knowledge of ISO, IATF and other applicable standards
- Direct experience with Aluminum reverse mill, hot finishing mill or cold mill applications
- Proficiency in: Office programs, and statistical data analysis tools
- Lean manufacturing experience with continuous improvement for business impact and innovation
- Agile project implementation, good communication skills, and experience in matrix organization
- Strong leadership, verbal & written communications, and presentation skills
Benefits:
Steel Dynamics puts employees first with a robust benefits package. We’re also committed to the health and well-being of our team, urging employees to focus on wellness. When it comes to your health, we encourage everyone to take charge, take action, take care and be safe!These are just some of the ways we show our appreciation and ongoing commitment to our employees.
- Medical, Dental and Prescription Insurance
- Vision and Hearing Coverage
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Health Savings Accounts
- Castlight Health Navigation Platform
- Well-Being Program
- Life/AD and D Coverage
- Disability Coverage
- Profit Sharing and Retirement Savings
- Stock Benefits
- Educational Assistance
- Dependent Child Scholarships
- Paid Vacations and Holidays
Benefits may vary by division.
Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers.
Frequently asked questions
In Columbus, MS, a Cold Rolling Metallurgist at Steel Dynamics plays a pivotal role in optimizing aluminum sheet production, collaborating with engineers to refine rolling parameters and ensuring metallurgical quality that meets automotive and beverage industry standards within a high-tech manufacturing setting.
Mastery of aluminum sheet cold rolling processes, including reverse mill operations and hot finishing mill capabilities, is crucial. Understanding microstructural changes and applying statistical analysis to control product quality under high-volume manufacturing are key skills for this metallurgical engineering job.
While a BS in metallurgy or materials science is fundamental, certifications related to quality systems like ISO or IATF standards, plus lean manufacturing and agile project management credentials, are highly valued in Mississippi’s aluminum rolling plants for advancing process improvements.
Cold Rolling Metallurgists in Columbus, MS typically earn between $70,000 and $90,000 annually, reflecting the technical expertise required in aluminum sheet production and the region’s industrial pay scales, with additional benefits often included in companies like Steel Dynamics.
Steel Dynamics emphasizes mentorship and continuous learning, encouraging metallurgists to engage in cross-disciplinary projects, technical exchanges, and leadership training, fostering growth within the aluminum dynamics division and supporting career progression in the metals manufacturing field.
The fast-paced, safety-focused plant environment requires metallurgists to adapt quickly, leading coil-to-coil rolling trials and collaborating with diverse teams. This dynamic setting demands technical precision and proactive problem-solving to maintain product quality and production efficiency.
Identifying root causes for surface and metallurgical issues requires analyzing production data and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. Metallurgists must implement corrective actions swiftly to reduce scrap rates, minimize rework, and maintain client satisfaction in a competitive market.
Columbus's growing aluminum manufacturing sector, powered by companies like Steel Dynamics, drives steady demand for metallurgists skilled in cold rolling. The region’s focus on automotive and beverage packaging industries fosters competitive hiring, with an emphasis on quality and process innovation.
Given Columbus’s central location in the Golden Triangle region, many metallurgists commute daily from surrounding areas. Employers typically consider flexible schedules or shift options to accommodate travel times, reflecting local workforce patterns common in Mississippi’s manufacturing hubs.
Steel Dynamics offers a comprehensive benefits package, including wellness programs and profit sharing, alongside cutting-edge aluminum rolling technology. Their commitment to employee development and innovation creates a supportive culture well-suited for metallurgists aiming to advance in metal manufacturing careers.