OPT Metallurgist Jobs
Metallurgist jobs on OPT are available across aerospace, defense, automotive, and materials research sectors. Most roles require a degree in metallurgical, materials, or chemical engineering, making them strong STEM OPT fits. STEM-designated programs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of U.S. work authorization.
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Metal Technologies is a premier metal casting company that uses modern technology and a highly productive workforce to produce the best quality product. Since 1997, we have been a privately held, family-owned company. Metal Technologies produces high quality gray iron, ductile iron, austempered ductile and value-added machining for a variety of industries. Each foundry has unique processes and capabilities that complement specific product families and specifications. As a growing company, Metal Technologies offers a wide range of challenging and exciting career opportunities. If you are looking for a progressive company that promotes and rewards individual achievement, consider applying for a position with us.
MTI is committed to building and maintaining a culture of excellence through an adherence to our values:
- Faith. We honor God in everything we do.
- Family. We are family.
- Spirit. We can do this.
- Grit. We enjoy getting our hands dirty.
- Vision. We create opportunity.
- Rigor. We focus on process.
We offer a diverse and inclusive variety of benefits. At MTI we believe that taking care of our employees means to ensure that they can live healthy balanced lives which results in better work performance.
General Summary:
Will manage and oversee the sand and metallurgical labs which will include establishing procedures, maintaining calibration of equipment, and training personnel.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
- Performs microstructure analysis on regular basis for data collection, problem resolution, and for determining allowable ranges.
- Provides technical support in determining chemistry ranges, inoculation procedures, temperatures, etc.
- Work closely with manufacturing and engineering regarding defect analysis and process improvements.
- Work with vendors in selecting proper materials and exploring alternative methods and procedures.
- Will be required to maintain records to meet ISO/ IATF16949 requirements.
- Be involved with the procurement and purchasing of raw materials used in the foundry operation.
- Coordinate customer material certification and verification reporting and sign off on all required documentation.
- Provide input for calibration and assess performance of all measuring devices for chemistry and temperature.
- Review and revise lab procedures if necessary (e.g. frequency of testing, initiation of action plans to replace or upgrade the Spectrometer, Carbon / Sulfur Analyzer, and other metallurgical equipment).
- Supervise the current sample preparation and cataloging procedure for microanalysis. Implement any needed changes as they become apparent. Maintain records and sample archives.
- Participate in advanced quality planning.
- Work with all departments to improve quality, reduce costs and help develop new markets.
Knowledge, Skill, and Ability Requirements:
- Knowledge of chemical analysis methods.
- Knowledge and ability to utilize a PC and related software.
Working Conditions
The Metallurgist will reside in the office and on the production floor. Must be able to adhere to conditions of the plant.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time and on their feet 50% on the production floor.
- Must be able to move about inside the office and in the plant.
- This position will operate a computer and other machinery in the plant.
- Must be able to frequently communicate with employees and other individuals in person and telephone.
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Engineering degree, preferably in the materials sciences.
- At least two years metallurgical experience in said areas.
- Exposure to/understanding of ISO/ IATF16949 requirements.
Who We Are:
Metal Technologies is a premier metal casting company that uses modern technology and a highly productive workforce to produce the best quality product. Since 1997, we have been a privately held, family-owned company. Metal Technologies produces high quality gray iron, ductile iron, austempered ductile and value-added machining for a variety of industries. Each foundry has unique processes and capabilities that complement specific product families and specifications. As a growing company, Metal Technologies offers a wide range of challenging and exciting career opportunities. If you are looking for a progressive company that promotes and rewards individual achievement, consider applying for a position with us.
MTI is committed to building and maintaining a culture of excellence through an adherence to our values:
- Faith. We honor God in everything we do.
- Family. We are family.
- Spirit. We can do this.
- Grit. We enjoy getting our hands dirty.
- Vision. We create opportunity.
- Rigor. We focus on process.
We offer a diverse and inclusive variety of benefits. At MTI we believe that taking care of our employees means to ensure that they can live healthy balanced lives which results in better work performance.
General Summary:
Will manage and oversee the sand and metallurgical labs which will include establishing procedures, maintaining calibration of equipment, and training personnel.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
- Performs microstructure analysis on regular basis for data collection, problem resolution, and for determining allowable ranges.
- Provides technical support in determining chemistry ranges, inoculation procedures, temperatures, etc.
- Work closely with manufacturing and engineering regarding defect analysis and process improvements.
- Work with vendors in selecting proper materials and exploring alternative methods and procedures.
- Will be required to maintain records to meet ISO/ IATF16949 requirements.
- Be involved with the procurement and purchasing of raw materials used in the foundry operation.
- Coordinate customer material certification and verification reporting and sign off on all required documentation.
- Provide input for calibration and assess performance of all measuring devices for chemistry and temperature.
- Review and revise lab procedures if necessary (e.g. frequency of testing, initiation of action plans to replace or upgrade the Spectrometer, Carbon / Sulfur Analyzer, and other metallurgical equipment).
- Supervise the current sample preparation and cataloging procedure for microanalysis. Implement any needed changes as they become apparent. Maintain records and sample archives.
- Participate in advanced quality planning.
- Work with all departments to improve quality, reduce costs and help develop new markets.
Knowledge, Skill, and Ability Requirements:
- Knowledge of chemical analysis methods.
- Knowledge and ability to utilize a PC and related software.
Working Conditions
The Metallurgist will reside in the office and on the production floor. Must be able to adhere to conditions of the plant.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time and on their feet 50% on the production floor.
- Must be able to move about inside the office and in the plant.
- This position will operate a computer and other machinery in the plant.
- Must be able to frequently communicate with employees and other individuals in person and telephone.
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Engineering degree, preferably in the materials sciences.
- At least two years metallurgical experience in said areas.
- Exposure to/understanding of ISO/ IATF16949 requirements.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Metallurgist
Verify your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Metallurgy and materials engineering programs are almost always STEM-designated, but confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying. A confirmed STEM designation unlocks the 24-month extension and significantly expands your timeline with any employer.
Target industries with consistent materials engineering demand
Aerospace, defense, automotive, and semiconductor manufacturing hire metallurgists regularly and are familiar with OPT work authorization. These sectors also have long project cycles, which makes them more willing to invest in sponsoring employees toward H-1B visa status after OPT ends.
Lead with your materials characterization skills
Employers hiring metallurgists want specific technical competencies: SEM, XRD, failure analysis, and alloy development. Front-loading these skills in your resume and cover letter signals immediate value and reduces hesitation around the short-term nature of initial OPT authorization.
Address OPT timing early in the process
Be transparent about your OPT start date and expiration timeline during early conversations. Employers in regulated industries like defense and aerospace plan hiring carefully. Giving them accurate dates upfront avoids last-minute surprises and builds credibility throughout the interview process.
Look for employers with active H-1B filing histories
Companies that have sponsored H-1B visas for engineers in the past are far more likely to do so again. Search DOL OFLC disclosure data to identify employers who have filed LCAs for metallurgist or materials engineer roles before applying.
Pursue professional credentials that strengthen your application
Certifications in materials testing standards, welding engineering, or nondestructive evaluation add credibility that helps offset employer concerns about visa timelines. Professional memberships in TMS or ASM International also signal long-term commitment to the field.
Metallurgist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do metallurgist jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Metallurgical engineering, materials science, and related programs are STEM-designated under DHS guidelines, so graduates are eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension after the standard 12-month OPT period. That gives you up to three years of work authorization total. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO to be certain before applying.
Which industries hire metallurgists on OPT most often?
Aerospace and defense contractors, automotive manufacturers, semiconductor fabricators, and national research laboratories are the most consistent employers of metallurgists on OPT. These industries deal with advanced alloys, failure analysis, and materials qualification work that requires specialized degrees, making them well-suited to the specialty occupation standard used in H-1B sponsorship. You can browse current openings on Migrate Mate.
Can I work as a metallurgist on OPT if my degree is in chemical or mechanical engineering?
It depends on the role and employer. Many metallurgist positions accept degrees in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or physics if your coursework included materials science or metallurgy. The key is demonstrating that your degree is directly related to the job duties. Roles at research labs and aerospace firms tend to be stricter about degree alignment than general manufacturing positions.
How should I explain OPT work authorization to a metallurgist employer unfamiliar with it?
Keep it straightforward: explain that OPT is a work authorization period tied to your F-1 student visa, that it allows full-time employment in your field without employer sponsorship during the OPT period, and that STEM graduates can extend it for an additional 24 months. Offering a one-page summary of key dates and the E-Verify requirement for STEM extensions helps employers who have not hired international students before.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I switch employers as a metallurgist?
Standard OPT allows you to change employers as long as each position is directly related to your degree field. You must report the change to your DSO within 10 days. Under STEM OPT, the process is more formal: you need a new training plan signed by your employer and updated documentation submitted to your DSO before you begin working for the new company.