Metallurgist

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 seventy years.

We are forging the future today.

About the Role

The Metallurgist will play a critical role within the Technical Services Laboratory, supporting the Laboratory Manager and Senior Metallurgists in ensuring that metallurgical testing, investigations, and process controls are conducted to the highest technical and regulatory standards. You will work closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and customer-facing teams to maintain compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, Nadcap Materials Testing (MTL), and customer-specific metallurgical requirements.

You will be responsible for metallurgical testing preparation, execution, reporting, and maintaining laboratory process integrity. As the Laboratory’s primary technical point of contact for an assigned business unit, you will manage testing expectations, support first article inspection activity, and lead metallurgical process reviews that underpin product conformity.

This role demands strong technical judgement, a deep understanding of materials and aerospace special processes, and the ability to drive continuous improvement across laboratory methods, procedures, and operating standards.

All applicants must currently hold the legal Right to Work in the UK.

Successful candidates will undergo a Drugs & Alcohol screening at the start of their Mettis employment & can be subject to random testing throughout their employment.

As a condition of employment, successful candidates are required to fulfil a DBS clearance before commencing this role, to satisfy ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance.

Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities

Conduct metallurgical preparation, testing, and investigations in accordance with specifications, manuals, procedures, and laboratory instructions.

Act as the Laboratory’s primary point of contact for an assigned business unit, managing and communicating test requirements.

Lead all metallurgical First Article Inspection (FAI) activities related to the Laboratory.

Support and maintain ISO/IEC 17025, Nadcap MTL, and customer accreditations across metallurgical and associated special processes.

Participate in the development and review of internal processes, procedures, and testing methodologies to maintain compliance and drive continuous improvement.

Contribute to method‑of‑manufacture generation in collaboration with Engineering and Contract Review teams to ensure metallurgical characteristics are appropriately defined and achieved.

Approve and sign technical reports aligned with company approvals and compliance standards.

Coordinate with manufacturing areas during investigations of process‑related issues.

Support the development and mentorship of laboratory technicians and junior team members.

Identify, initiate, and manage actions required to prevent or minimise departures from quality systems, testing procedures, and compliance requirements.

Promote improvements to laboratory processes, equipment, and facilities.

Safety Responsibilities

Comply with EHS and legislative standards.

Adhere to PPE, safe working practices, and occupational health requirements.

Participate in risk assessments and “near miss” mitigation activities.

Quality Responsibilities

Ensure all testing and calibrations are carried out in accordance with required specifications and reported accurately.

Maintain Nadcap MTL accreditation and support external audit readiness.

Maintain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and associated laboratory management system requirements.

Participate in periodic operator over‑checks to ensure adherence to Laboratory procedures.

Review laboratory instructions, specifications, and processes, recommending improvements where required.

Drive corrective and preventive actions related to metallurgical and testing nonconformance.

Support material- and testing‑related development programmes.

Contribute to a 20% reduction in non‑RFT outcomes through process adherence and technical support.

Delivery Responsibilities

Measure, report, and improve metallurgical test turnaround times.

Prioritise platform production release testing in conjunction with the test release function.

Participate in metallurgical first article, periodic, and re‑qualification reporting processes.

Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders for metallurgical development activities.

Cost Responsibilities

Support the achievement of budgetary targets.

Reduce external testing costs by strengthening internal testing capability and competitiveness.

People Responsibilities

Support Laboratory team engagement in Nadcap audit and ongoing compliance activities.

Participate in training activities to develop and demonstrate competency in metallurgical test methods.

Promote teamwork, communication, and best‑practice technical behaviours across the Laboratory.

Business Responsibilities

Contribute to strategic technical projects aligned with Mettis’s long‑term technical capability roadmap.

Act as an ambassador for Mettis and a role model for the company’s Vision, Mission, and Values.

Demonstrate leadership qualities through technical credibility, communication, and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

Essential

Degree in Materials Science or Engineering (or equivalent experience)

Experience as a technologist or metallurgist within aerospace or automotive.

Strong understanding of metallurgical principles, material properties, and special processes.

Preferred

Experience working in a laboratory accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 or Nadcap MTL.

Familiarity with aerospace testing standards, specifications, and FAI processes.

Experience supporting metallurgical investigations and method-of-manufacture development.

Required Skills

Strong problem-solving and analytical capability.

Planning and project management skills.

Lean tool deployment and continuous improvement understanding.

High levels of accuracy, discipline, and process adherence.

Effective communication across all levels, written and verbal.

Ability to influence, coach, and support colleagues.

IT literacy, including laboratory systems and Microsoft Office.

Strong decision-making and prioritisation skills.

Understanding of change management and visual management tools.

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location: Redditch, Worcestershire

Benefits

Pension: 3% Employer & 5% Employee contribution

Employee benefits, rewards, and wellbeing platform (Perkbox)

Free on-site parking

Cycle to work scheme

Bereavement leave

Company events

Employee referral programme

Sick pay (after probationary period)

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.