At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead titanium metallurgy projects and solve complex technical challenges in aerospace manufacturing.
- Company: Join Mettis Aerospace, a pioneer in precision forged components for over 80 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, and employee wellbeing perks.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace while developing your expertise in titanium metallurgy.
- Qualifications: Degree in Metallurgy or Materials Science; 10+ years in titanium metallurgy preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
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 with a clear specialism in Titanium 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. This position is explicitly focused on Titanium metallurgy, supporting the development, control, and optimisation of titanium forging and heat treatment processes across the site. In addition, you will bring supporting knowledge of nickel‑based alloys, contributing to broader materials capability where required. You will act as a metallurgical authority within the business, leading failure investigations, resolving complex technical challenges, and supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) activities. You will play a critical role in ensuring that metallurgical processes meet the highest standards of quality, compliance, and performance, particularly within aerospace customer requirements. This role requires sound judgement, technical depth, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment while maintaining independence in decision‑making.
As a condition of employment, successful candidates must satisfy ITAR compliance and 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 Mettis employment
Core Responsibilities
- Act as the lead metallurgical authority for titanium materials and processing within the business
- Provide expert technical input into titanium forging, heat treatment, and associated special processes
- Translate customer and internal material requirements into effective Methods of Manufacture
- Lead metallurgical investigations, resolving complex material and process failures
- Support and lead New Product Introduction (NPI) activities involving titanium components
- Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Planning to ensure optimal process performance
- Engage with customers on technical and production matters
- Support internal and external audits (ISO 17025, Nadcap, customer audits)
- Mentor and develop metallurgical and operational teams
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
- Ensure compliance with aerospace quality standards and customer specifications
- Maintain adherence to ISO/IEC 17025 and Nadcap accreditation requirements
- Drive improvements in Right First Time (RFT) performance
- Support audit readiness and technical compliance activities
- Identify and implement actions to prevent non‑conformance
Delivery Responsibilities
- Support production through timely and effective metallurgical decision‑making
- Coordinate investigations and technical activities with manufacturing teams
- Manage multiple technical priorities across production and development activities
Cost Responsibilities
- Support cost reduction through improved process efficiency and reduced rework/scrap
- Contribute to development of internal capability to minimise external dependencies
People Responsibilities
- Mentor and develop laboratory and shopfloor personnel
- Provide training and guidance on titanium metallurgy and process requirements
- Contribute to a collaborative and high‑performing team culture
Business Responsibilities
- Act as an ambassador for Mettis
- Role model the company’s Vision, Mission, and Values
- Support development of future materials and process capability, particularly in titanium
Qualifications
- Degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or a related discipline
- Advanced qualification (PhD) in Titanium Metallurgy (desirable) or extensive equivalent industry experience
- Significant experience (typically 10+ years) in titanium metallurgy within forging or similar environments
- Experience within aerospace or other highly regulated industries (desirable)
- Knowledge of nickel‑based alloys (supporting capability)
Required Skills
- In‑depth expertise in titanium metallurgy and alloy behaviour
- Experience with beta annealing and titanium heat treatment processes
- Proven capability in metallurgical failure investigation and root cause analysis
- Experience within forging, heat treatment, or related manufacturing environments
- Knowledge of aerospace quality standards and compliance requirements
- Ability to lead technical problem‑solving in fast‑paced manufacturing environments
- Effective communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
- Ability to manage multiple technical challenges and priorities
- 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 – 16:30; Friday: 07:30 – 12:30
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
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.
Senior Metallurgist - specialism in Titanium in Redditch employer: Mettis Aerospace Limited
Mettis Aerospace is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Redditch, Worcestershire, where innovation and quality are at the forefront of our operations. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide extensive growth opportunities, competitive benefits including a generous holiday allowance and pension contributions, and a collaborative culture that values every team member's contribution. Join us in forging the future of aerospace manufacturing while enjoying a supportive workplace that prioritises safety and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Metallurgist - specialism in Titanium in Redditch
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
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✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Mettis Aerospace Limited for a Senior Metallurgist - specialism in Titanium. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Metallurgist - specialism in Titanium in Redditch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Mettis Aerospace Limited, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Mettis Aerospace Limited, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mettis Aerospace Limited
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Mettis Aerospace Limited.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Mettis Aerospace Limited. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Mettis Aerospace Limited love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
