Metallurgist Jobs for OPT Students
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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Get Access To All JobsDate: Mar 18, 2026
Location: Tucson, AZ, US, 85718
Company: South32 Group Operations Pty. Ltd.
Discover a Brighter Future
At South32, we’re meeting the challenge of enabling a sustainable future through our focus on responsibly producing commodities critical for a low-carbon world.
As a collaborative, caring and inclusive company, there’s no better place to make a genuine difference. Together we’re making a positive, global impact that has the potential to change lives.
Whatever career path you choose, we’ll support you every step of the way to learn, grow and succeed. So join us, step towards a brighter future and leave your legacy.
ABOUT Hermosa
Hermosa, located approximately 75 miles south-east of Tucson, Arizona, is the only advanced mining project in the United States as of 2023 that could produce two federally designated critical minerals—manganese and zinc—as well as silver and lead. The project has the potential to help power the nation’s clean energy future, strengthen the domestic supply chain of critical minerals, grow the local economy, and improve lives in Santa Cruz County and the surrounding community for generations to come.
WHAT SOUTH32 OFFERS
- Annual short-term incentive bonus that recognizes both your individual performance and the overall success of the business.
- When you choose to contribute more into your retirement savings, South32 will match it up to a certain percentage.
- South32 provides you with 4 weeks paid time off.
- 12 weeks full-paid parental leave for primary carers and 2 weeks full-paid parental leave for secondary carers.
ABOUT THE ROLE
South32 seeks to hire a Metallurgist to support the design, construction, commissioning, and operation of the Hermosa Taylor Project. Under the supervision of the Metallurgy Superintendent, the metallurgist will scope, manage, and perform metallurgical testwork, provide input into design of the processing plant and supporting infrastructure, and review deliverables from engineering firms. As the project moves into the execution phase, the metallurgist will help develop training programs for new operators, SOPs for the processing plant and laboratories, participate in processing plant commissioning, and support processing operations. This role is primarily based at the Hermosa site near Patagonia.
Other key responsibilities include, but aren’t limited to:
- Support geometallurgy including scoping, managing, performing and analyzing metallurgical testwork
- Review the design of the Hermosa Taylor Processing Plant and supporting infrastructure
- Evaluate new and emerging processing technologies
- Participate in HAZOPS and engineering model reviews
- Participate in plant commissioning
- Develop SOPs for processing facilities and laboratories
- Train new operators, technicians, and metallurgists
- Assist in operations readiness planning
- Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) for process performance
- Analyze metallurgical data and prepare technical reports
- Promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement
- Plan, manage, and drive small- to medium-scale metallurgical and process improvement projects, including defining scope, objectives, schedules, and deliverables, and coordinating with cross-functional teams as required.
- Participation in South32 health and safety programs
ABOUT YOU
You will have experience and demonstrate capability in the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or equivalent
- 3+ years’ experience as a Metallurgical or Process Engineer in a mineral processing plant
- Proven experience and knowledge of comminution, flotation, and solid-liquid separation
- Experience with modelling and simulation software such as METSIM, JKSinMet, or SysCAD considered a plus
- Detailed oriented
- Demonstrated commitment to safety and environmental stewardship
- High standards of professional and ethical conduct
- Exceptional organizational and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team
- Exposure to metallurgical and analytical labs and knowledge of common testing procedures
- Exposure to engineering design, deliverables, and best practices
- Experience with process controls is considered a plus
- Knowledge of mine safety practices, demonstrated ability to maintain safety awareness, and visible field safety leadership
- Ability to read technical drawings such as Process Flow Diagrams and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams is preferred
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products – Word/Excel/Outlook/etc.
South32 is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate. We provide a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible for all and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
South32 está comprometido a cimentar y mantener una plantilla de trabajadores diversa e inclusiva que refleje las comunidades en las cuales trabajamos. Proporcionamos una proceso de contratación que es justo, equitativo y accesible para todos y alentamos la aplicación de candidatos de todas las procedencias.
Nearest Major Market: Tucson
Date: Mar 18, 2026
Location: Tucson, AZ, US, 85718
Company: South32 Group Operations Pty. Ltd.
Discover a Brighter Future
At South32, we’re meeting the challenge of enabling a sustainable future through our focus on responsibly producing commodities critical for a low-carbon world.
As a collaborative, caring and inclusive company, there’s no better place to make a genuine difference. Together we’re making a positive, global impact that has the potential to change lives.
Whatever career path you choose, we’ll support you every step of the way to learn, grow and succeed. So join us, step towards a brighter future and leave your legacy.
ABOUT Hermosa
Hermosa, located approximately 75 miles south-east of Tucson, Arizona, is the only advanced mining project in the United States as of 2023 that could produce two federally designated critical minerals—manganese and zinc—as well as silver and lead. The project has the potential to help power the nation’s clean energy future, strengthen the domestic supply chain of critical minerals, grow the local economy, and improve lives in Santa Cruz County and the surrounding community for generations to come.
WHAT SOUTH32 OFFERS
- Annual short-term incentive bonus that recognizes both your individual performance and the overall success of the business.
- When you choose to contribute more into your retirement savings, South32 will match it up to a certain percentage.
- South32 provides you with 4 weeks paid time off.
- 12 weeks full-paid parental leave for primary carers and 2 weeks full-paid parental leave for secondary carers.
ABOUT THE ROLE
South32 seeks to hire a Metallurgist to support the design, construction, commissioning, and operation of the Hermosa Taylor Project. Under the supervision of the Metallurgy Superintendent, the metallurgist will scope, manage, and perform metallurgical testwork, provide input into design of the processing plant and supporting infrastructure, and review deliverables from engineering firms. As the project moves into the execution phase, the metallurgist will help develop training programs for new operators, SOPs for the processing plant and laboratories, participate in processing plant commissioning, and support processing operations. This role is primarily based at the Hermosa site near Patagonia.
Other key responsibilities include, but aren’t limited to:
- Support geometallurgy including scoping, managing, performing and analyzing metallurgical testwork
- Review the design of the Hermosa Taylor Processing Plant and supporting infrastructure
- Evaluate new and emerging processing technologies
- Participate in HAZOPS and engineering model reviews
- Participate in plant commissioning
- Develop SOPs for processing facilities and laboratories
- Train new operators, technicians, and metallurgists
- Assist in operations readiness planning
- Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) for process performance
- Analyze metallurgical data and prepare technical reports
- Promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement
- Plan, manage, and drive small- to medium-scale metallurgical and process improvement projects, including defining scope, objectives, schedules, and deliverables, and coordinating with cross-functional teams as required.
- Participation in South32 health and safety programs
ABOUT YOU
You will have experience and demonstrate capability in the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or equivalent
- 3+ years’ experience as a Metallurgical or Process Engineer in a mineral processing plant
- Proven experience and knowledge of comminution, flotation, and solid-liquid separation
- Experience with modelling and simulation software such as METSIM, JKSinMet, or SysCAD considered a plus
- Detailed oriented
- Demonstrated commitment to safety and environmental stewardship
- High standards of professional and ethical conduct
- Exceptional organizational and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team
- Exposure to metallurgical and analytical labs and knowledge of common testing procedures
- Exposure to engineering design, deliverables, and best practices
- Experience with process controls is considered a plus
- Knowledge of mine safety practices, demonstrated ability to maintain safety awareness, and visible field safety leadership
- Ability to read technical drawings such as Process Flow Diagrams and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams is preferred
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products – Word/Excel/Outlook/etc.
South32 is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate. We provide a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible for all and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
South32 está comprometido a cimentar y mantener una plantilla de trabajadores diversa e inclusiva que refleje las comunidades en las cuales trabajamos. Proporcionamos una proceso de contratación que es justo, equitativo y accesible para todos y alentamos la aplicación de candidatos de todas las procedencias.
Nearest Major Market: Tucson
How to Get Visa 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 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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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