At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative R&D projects in powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing.
- Company: Global engineering group focused on productivity and sustainability.
- Benefits: Relocation packages, diverse workforce, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth and networking opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge alloy design and process development.
- Qualifications: PhD in Materials Science or Metallurgy with hands-on alloy design experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Sandvik is a global, high-tech, engineering group providing solutions that enhance productivity, profitability and sustainability for the manufacturing, mining, and infrastructure industries. In our Additive Manufacturing business, we offer the widest alloy range of metal powders on the market, under the world-renowned Osprey® brand. We’re now looking for a Senior R&D Metallurgist to provide technical leadership to drive innovation in powder metallurgy, alloy design and additive manufacturing technologies.
ABOUT YOU
Essential for the right candidate is a PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgy or a closely related field, demonstrable hands-on experience in alloy design using thermodynamic modelling. Working in powder metallurgy and powder characterisation as well as experience in leading R&D projects and customer-facing technical work including root-cause analysis of complaints and application support. Additive manufacturing process development (BJT, LPBF, L-DED). Post-doctoral industry research and collaborations with research institutes, universities or funded research programmes is also desirable.
This role can be based at either of our production sites in Neath, South Wales or Sandviken, Sweden. Occasional international travel to the alternate site to which you are principally located (either Neath, UK or Sandviken, Sweden), customer sites, conferences, and partner organisations is required. Relocation packages are available if required.
Be unique, we like it that way! We want to attract, develop and maintain the best people from all walks of life, and so we embrace a diverse workforce. We believe that diversity of experience, perspective and background leads to a better environment for our employees, our business and our customers.
Important aspects of the role include:
- Alloy Design and Computational Materials Engineering
- Design, develop, and optimise alloys for powder metallurgy and AM
- Use the Thermo‑Calc suite, including DICTRA, for thermodynamic and kinetic modelling
- Translate modelling results into practical alloy chemistries suited to AM, sintering, and customer application needs
- AM & PM Process Development
- Support customers to develop and optimise process parameters for: Binder Jet Additive Manufacturing (BJT), Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), Laser Directed Energy Deposition (L‑DED)
- Create process maps and operating windows
- Conduct root‑cause analysis on build defects and define corrective actions
- Experimental Activities & Material Characterisation
- Plan and run experimental campaigns involving powder development, printing trials, sintering studies, heat treatments, and mechanical testing
- Use SEM/EDS/EBSD, XRD, thermal analysis, and powder characterisation tools to establish process–structure–property relationships
- Customer Support & Application Engineering
- Participate in customer meetings, presenting technical insights and recommendations
- Provide expert troubleshooting support and propose optimisation strategies for customer AM processes
- Prepare technical documentation, reports, and data packages for customer collaborations
- Quality Complaint Investigations
- Support investigations into customer quality issues by performing data review, material assessment, and root‑cause analysis
- Coordinate with Quality, Sales, and Production to ensure timely resolution and prevent recurrence
- Cross-Functional and Cross-Site Collaboration
- Work closely with the technology team, sales, and production facilities in Neath and Sandviken
- Support technology transfer, production trials, and industrialisation of new products or processes
- Strategic R&D Prioritisation
- Act as a stakeholder in prioritising R&D projects based on insights from customers, sales, and operations
- Contribute to multi‑year technology road mapping and product strategy discussions
- External Collaboration & Representation
- Represent Sandvik in collaborations with universities, research institutes, funding organisations, and strategic customers
- Strengthen Sandvik’s network within the metallurgy and AM research community
- Support/lead (where applicable) contributions to publications, conference participation, and IP development
- Cultural Fit & Working Style
- Embrace and enhance BU AM’s culture of creativity, agility, and resourcefulness
- Be comfortable solving complex problems with limited resources when needed
- Work in a hands‑on, practical, and driven manner
- Support an inclusive, curious, and collaborative team atmosphere
Senior R&D Metallurgist in Neath employer: Sandvik
At Sandvik, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the engineering sector, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our diverse workforce and opportunities for professional development, including relocation packages for those based in either Neath, South Wales or Sandviken, Sweden. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values creativity and resourcefulness while making a meaningful impact in the field of additive manufacturing.
