Lead Metallurgist - Materials Engineer & Project Manager
Company: Bleistahl North America LP
Location: Battle Creek
Posted on: February 13, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description Description: Position Summary We
are seeking an experienced Material Engineer / Metallurgist with
strong expertise in powder metallurgy, specifically alloy systems
for wear resistance and thermal conductivity, to lead the
development and industrialization of an in-house powder material
mixing operation. This role is critical to strengthening vertical
integration, improving cost competitiveness, ensuring material
quality, and supporting the long-term growth of our powder metal
valve seat business. The successful candidate will be responsible
for designing the material mixing work center, establishing robust
processes and quality controls, and building and leading a
technical team to support day-to-day operations and continuous
improvement. Key Responsibilities · Optimize, and industrialize
powder metal alloy systems for valve seat applications. ·
Collaborate with product engineering, manufacturing, and customers
to translate performance requirements into material specifications.
· Support material validation through lab testing, pilot trials,
and production ramp-up. · Define and implement the material mixing
strategy for in-house production, including: o Equipment selection
and layout (mixers, feeders, storage, handling) o Raw material
flow, traceability, and segregation o Batch vs. continuous mixing
concepts · Lead commissioning, process qualification, and
capability studies for the mixing work center. · Establish safe
handling procedures for metal powders in compliance with
environmental, health, and safety regulations · Develop and
implement process control plans, work instructions, and standard
operating procedures for powder mixing · Define incoming,
in-process, and final material quality controls, including: o
Particle size distribution o Apparent density, flowability, and
compressibility o Chemical composition and homogeneity · Support
audits (internal, customer, and third-party) related to material
processes. · Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for
material-related issues. Build, train, and mentor a materials and
mixing operations team, including technicians and junior engineers.
Define roles, responsibilities, and skill requirements for the
material mixing organization. · Foster a culture of quality,
safety, and continuous improvement within the team. · Identify
opportunities to reduce material cost, scrap, and variability
through process optimization and supplier collaboration. · Support
localization and vertical integration initiatives related to raw
materials and blends. · Stay current with industry trends and
emerging technologies in powder metallurgy Requirements: Desired
Qualifications · Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science,
Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree
preferred). · Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in powder
metallurgy, preferably in automotive or high-volume industrial
applications. · Proven experience in setting up or industrializing
material mixing processes (in-house or at supplier level). ·
Experience in building and leading technical or operations teams. ·
Hands-on understanding of sintering processes and their interaction
with powder characteristics. · Deep knowledge of powder
characteristics, blending methodologies, and process sensitivities.
· Familiarity with quality systems (IATF 16949 preferred) and
statistical process control. · Ability to interpret material test
data and translate it into actionable process improvements. ·
Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills. · Strong
leadership and communication skills, capable of working
cross-functionally. · Structured, hands-on mindset with the ability
to operate in a manufacturing environment. · Comfortable working in
a growing organization where processes are being built and
refined.
Keywords: Bleistahl North America LP, Southfield , Lead Metallurgist - Materials Engineer & Project Manager, Engineering , Battle Creek, Michigan
