Product Metallurgist

PTC is a leading manufacturer and marketer of welded and cold drawn mechanical steel tubing and tubular shapes, plated bar and tubing, and fabricated parts and precision components.

We at PTC value our employees’ health and wellness. We offer the following:

• FREE Healthcare
• HSA option
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Dependent & Spouse Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• Cancer & Critical accident coverage
• 401K plan with company match
• Referral Bonus
• Annual college scholarship available for children & grandchildren of PTC Alliance employees
• Tuition Reimbursement eligibility

Job Summary:

Highly motivated and detail-oriented position supporting production and customer service teams in the manufacturing of cold-drawn steel mechanical tubing. Bridges engineering, quality assurance, and customer support, ensuring technical standards are met and customer needs are fulfilled with precision and efficiency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The incumbent is expected to understand that all employees have a shared responsibility for the quality of products and related services provided to our customers. Duties and Responsibilities are to be carried out in accordance with the PTCA Quality Management System and its policies, procedures, and work instructions as applicable to the job or function being performed.

This role fills responsibilities including:

• Serve as a technical liaison between the production team, quality assurance, sales, and customers.
• Interpret and communicate product specifications, industry standards (ASTM, SAE, DIN, etc.), and customer requirements.
• Assist in troubleshooting product and process issues related to welding, cold drawing, heat treating, machining, and dimensional tolerances.
• Support customer inquiries related to material performance, tolerances, testing requirements, and certifications.
• Prepare and review product certifications, mechanical test reports, and dimensional data packages.
• Conduct root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality complaints or non-conforming product.
• Assist with new product development, including feasibility studies and trials.
• Collaborate with production and quality departments to improve manufacturing processes and product consistency.
• Maintain technical documentation and ensure accurate recordkeeping for customer orders and compliance.
• Stay current on industry standards, customer specifications, and emerging technologies relevant to steel tubing.
• Leads continuous improvement initiatives across all manufacturing facilities by implementing data-driven methodologies, standardizing best practices, and integrating Lean, Six Sigma, and advanced manufacturing technologies—including automation, data analytics, and digital transformation tools—to enhance process reliability, product quality, and operational efficiency.

Minimum Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• BS in Metallurgy, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or equivalent
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing or technical services role, preferably within the steel or metal forming industry.
• Strong understanding of steel grades, mechanical properties, and cold drawing processes.
• Familiarity with industry standards (ASTM A513/A519, SAE J524, EN 10305, etc.).
• Proficiency in reading technical drawings, blueprints, and specifications.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP systems – experience with Oracle ERP System (preferred)
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Number of Direct Reports: None

Skills and Abilities:

• Experience with metallurgical testing or lab equipment.
• Background in Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or other process improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of quality systems such as ISO 9001 or IATF 16949
• Experience with CQI-9 Heat Treat System Assessment and/or CQI-15 Welding
• Experience implementing data-driven process approach to manufacturing

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as tolerances, magnifications dimensional attributes (wall, OD, ID). Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and statistics.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations.

To be successful in this role, candidates must possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills to navigate complex technical challenges and make sound decisions. Key reasoning capabilities include:

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to systematically evaluate mechanical properties, dimensional issues, and process variables to identify root causes of product non-conformities or production inefficiencies.
• Technical Judgment: Must apply sound engineering judgment when interpreting product specifications, customer requirements, and industry standards, ensuring decisions are technically valid and aligned with both internal capabilities and external expectations.
• Problem Solving: Capable of breaking down multifaceted problems—such as variability in cold drawing results or metallurgical inconsistencies—into actionable components, using structured problem-solving techniques (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, FMEA).
• Attention to Detail: Able to detect subtle deviations in technical drawings, mechanical test results, or process parameters that may impact product performance or compliance.
• Data Interpretation: Proficient in interpreting mechanical and metallurgical test data, dimensional inspection results, and process logs to support technical evaluations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Communication of Reasoning: Must clearly and concisely communicate complex technical conclusions and recommendations, both verbally and in writing, to stakeholders with varying technical backgrounds (e.g., customers, production operators, sales personnel).
• Prioritization & Decision Making: Capable of balancing multiple demands—customer urgency, production feasibility, quality standards—while prioritizing tasks and making timely, fact-based decisions under pressure.

Other Skills and Abilities: Must be computer literate and able to work with programs such as Word, Excel, etc., and be able to learn and use HP programs such as E-Mail, established programs, etc.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, sit, reach with hands and arms, and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.