Senior Metallurgist - specialism in Titanium

Senior Metallurgist - specialism in Titanium

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.

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