Metallurgist
Company : Steel Dynamics
Location : Columbus, MS, 39701
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 3 January 2026
Division
Steel DynamicsResponsibilities
- Collaborate with Product Development, Mill Personnel and Tech Service Resources in improving product robustness as well as conversion costs through continuous process improvement.
- Collaborate with Technical Reps and Sales to resolve customer claims and corrective actions
- Collaborate with other department Metallurgists as it relates to product development through the mill
- Execute all product trials in collaboration with Product Metallurgist, Engineers and Supervisors
- Drive root cause investigation of internal/external quality issues, report findings, initiate improvement measures.
- Responsible for reviewing and approving customer inquiries/orders for product capabilities associated with operational units if assigned to an operations unit
- Assist Metallurgists with daily product disposition if assigned to an operations unit
- Assist Metallurgist to set line parameters to meet customer specifications
- Maintain all quality systems (CBS, QCBD, CAR, MOC)
- Support customer visits, mill tours, technical exchanges, and affiliated industry organizations
Qualifications
- B.S. degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering
- Proven leadership, verbal & written communications, and presentation skills
- Proficiency in: Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point,
- Strong work ethic – Positive outlook- Team Player
- Strong orientation for continuous improvement and innovation
Preferred
- 5 years of experience in steel production and/or applications
- Data analysis & management skills (SQL, Access, Excel, SPC, MiniTab,)
- Knowledge of ISO and other applicable standards, such as IATF, API
- Demonstrated knowledge of steel or iron production, product specs, testing procedures, properties, customers, and applications
Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers.
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Frequently asked questions
Expertise in metallurgy fundamentals combined with hands-on experience in steel processing tools such as SPC software, Minitab, and SQL data analysis is highly prized. Mastery of quality control systems and standards like ISO and IATF also significantly boost effectiveness in Columbus’s steel industry.
Metallurgists often begin focusing on lab analysis and process monitoring, gradually advancing to lead product development trials and root cause investigations. Leadership roles in technical service or operational units emerge with experience, especially when combined with continuous improvement initiatives.
A frequent misunderstanding is that Metallurgists solely work in labs; however, in steel production, they collaborate cross-functionally with sales, engineering, and mill personnel to optimize processes, handle customer claims, and set operational parameters, blending fieldwork with technical analysis.
Demand for Metallurgists in Columbus is growing, driven by expansion in steel manufacturing. Employers prioritize candidates with integrated data skills and knowledge of industry standards. Local hiring cycles often align with production ramp-ups, making timing and qualifications critical factors.
Columbus offers a specialized yet moderately competitive landscape, favored by candidates with steel industry experience. While larger metro areas may have more openings, Columbus’s niche focus on steel production creates unique opportunities for professionals with targeted metallurgical skills.
Steel Dynamics emphasizes a collaborative culture where Metallurgists engage directly in continuous improvement projects and customer relations, fostering innovation. Their focus on cross-department teamwork and quality system management offers a dynamic environment distinct from more siloed competitors.
At Steel Dynamics, Metallurgists play a pivotal role in product trials alongside engineers and supervisors, influence line parameter settings, and contribute to resolving quality issues. This integration ensures their expertise directly shapes both product quality and operational efficiency.
Metallurgists in Columbus typically earn between $65,000 and $85,000 annually, reflecting the steel production sector’s mid-level technical roles. Salary variations depend on experience, certifications, and specific skills like data analysis and process improvement expertise.
A robust background in metallurgy or materials science paired with skills in data management, proficiency in quality control tools, and familiarity with steel production standards such as IATF and API mark a Metallurgist ready to excel, especially when coupled with problem-solving and communication abilities.
Certifications like ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and training in statistical process control are highly regarded. Pursuing continuous learning in advanced materials characterization and data analytics methods also enhances competitiveness and aligns with evolving industry quality expectations.