Director of Metallurgy & Alloy Development

The Director of Metallurgy & Alloy Development will work onsite at our flagship Aerospace and Orthopedics metals plant in Cannon-Muskegon (in West Michigan).

*Rich relocation support is available for non-local candidates. 

Director of Metallurgy and Alloy Development Position Summary:

The Director of Metallurgy and Alloy Development is responsible for development, implementation and management of technical strategy for the Cannon-Muskegon alloy product range. This includes development of melting and refining practices, controls, raw materials and aim chemistry for all superalloy products, and in conjunction with Manufacturing, stainless steel products and cobalt-based alloys. Develop new and improved Cannon-Muskegon proprietary superalloys and turbine engine applications for these alloys.  In conjunction with marketing, develop marketing and business strategies for the family of Cannon-Muskegon proprietary alloys on a worldwide basis, and in particular develop team efforts with the turbine engine companies to develop significant engine applications.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Shape the next generation of aerospace superalloys and help define the materials strategy that will power future turbine engine programs. 

• Manage the Cannon-Muskegon Technology Department including work assignment planning, time scale, budget, and personnel evaluations.
• Ensure Cannon-Muskegon vacuum induction melting and refining aim chemistry, raw materials, trace and tramp element and cleanliness for cast superalloys remain state of the art and that consistent heat quality, including blend heats, reflects this technology.
  • Oversight for MFG changes/governance on technical changes to process and impact to quality of alloy (refractory, melt practices, etc.)
  • Laboratory support for testing trends/analysis, confirmation of process control trends, troubleshooting unexpected test results
• Introduce new alloy products for both turbine engine company (OEM) and Cannon-Muskegon proprietary superalloys to successful production status at Cannon-Muskegon. Attain and maintain turbine engine company approval for these new products.
• Review all incoming vacuum superalloy customer specifications with either acceptance or negotiation of technical changes. Ensure any process changes at Cannon-Muskegon are introduced successfully.
• Ensure our major accreditations including: NADCAP (quality dept), Turbine engine company vendor agreements/fixed process outlines are maintained and updated, as needed
• Provide a world class technical service to both immediate casting house customers and ultimate customers. Customer support beyond making alloy – metallurgical support when slim at the customer
• Keep up-to-date with the latest technology development in Cannon-Muskegon’s major marketplaces through review of new pertinent patents/patent applications, technical papers, journals and conference proceedings.
• Enhance market intelligence and penetration for Cannon-Muskegon through multi-level contacts including design and project engineering, purchasing and senior management at major ultimate customers or potential ultimate customers.
• Participate in the preparation and presentation of significant technical papers, particularly joint papers with the turbine engine companies, at major turbine engineering/superalloy conferences, with the objective of growing and broadening Cannon-Muskegon’s worldwide market penetration.
• As required, in conjunction with Manufacturing, ensure our AOD refining and continuous casting practices are competitive.
• Up to date with latest laboratory technology – testing capabilities.
• Manage the Cannon-Muskegon R&D budget - financial and work time scale completions.
• Must be willing to work extra hours if/when needed, to ensure timely deliverables are met. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education or Experience:

Masters Degree in Metallurgy, Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Engineering with emphasis on Metallurgy.

10-15 years’ experience in the Aerospace/IGT materials field with preferred knowledge of cast superalloys, melting and refining of superalloys and stainless steels, and strong background in physical and microstructural metallurgy.

Other Qualifications:

• Excellent computer skills.
• Managerial skills
• Excellent written, oral communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain good interpersonal relationships with customers at all levels, peers in the technical community and co-workers.
• Excellent knowledge of cast superalloy and cast stainless steel metallurgy.
• Knowledge of investment casting processes
• International marketing experience and formal education - knowledge of Cannon-Muskegon s market place.
• Knowledge of airworthiness, and FDA requirements.
• Knowledge of the superalloy patent field and its associated technology/legal implications.
• Strategic thinking.
• Leadership skills.
• Business acumen.
• Entrepreneurial orientation.