At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead metallurgical processes and provide expert guidance in a high-performance aerospace environment.
- Company: Join Mettis Aerospace, a pioneer in precision manufacturing for over 80 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, and employee wellbeing perks.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace and defence while shaping future materials engineering.
- Qualifications: Degree in Metallurgy or Materials Science with significant industry experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 68231 £ per year.
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.
This opportunity can be aligned to either a Heat Treatment or Aluminium Metallurgy specialism, depending on your experience:
- Heat Treatment focus – acting as the site authority for Nadcap Heat Treatment, pyrometry, and compliance
- Aluminium focus – leading metallurgical capability across aluminium alloys, failure investigation, and new product introduction
In both pathways, you will provide expert metallurgical guidance across forging, heat treatment, and special processes, ensuring compliance to customer, regulatory, and internal standards. You will also act as a key technical point of contact across the business, supporting continuous improvement, resolving complex technical challenges, and shaping future materials engineering capability.
This role requires sound judgement, resilience, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, while maintaining independence in technical decision-making.
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 Mettis employment
Responsibilities 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 – 16:30 Friday: 07:30 – 12:30
Benefits: Pension: 3% Employer & 5% Employee contribution 33 days holiday including 8 statutory Bank Holidays p/a 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.
External support We recruit directly and primarily rely on direct applications and referrals. On occasions where agency support is needed, we engage only with agencies on our Preferred Supplier List. Any speculative submissions from non PSL agencies will not be reviewed or accepted, and no introduction fees will apply.
Senior Metallurgist in Worcester employer: Mettis Aerospace
Mettis Aerospace is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Redditch, Worcestershire, where innovation and excellence are at the forefront of our operations. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide numerous growth opportunities, a collaborative culture, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous holiday allowances and a supportive wellbeing platform. Join us in forging the future of aerospace and defence manufacturing, where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Metallurgist in Worcester
✨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.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨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 for a Senior Metallurgist. 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 in Worcester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Mettis Aerospace, 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, 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
✨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.
✨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. 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 love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
