STEM OPT Metallurgist Jobs
Metallurgist roles in materials testing, alloy development, and failure analysis qualify for STEM OPT's 24-month extension, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your degree in metallurgical, materials, or chemical engineering must align with an approved STEM CIP code.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Chromalloy is a global engineering & solutions company. We are a leading provider of aftermarket parts, repairs, and solutions that safely & reliably extend the life of aircraft engines and gas turbines. We develop, manufacture and repair critical turbine components for a range of engine platforms. Our solutions support the engines running the aerospace, energy and defense industries around the world.
Why work at Chromalloy?
Chromalloy employees are proud, passionate problem-solvers who strive to live our values every day. A career with Chromalloy is an opportunity to learn from top industry experts, work with important technologies, and unlock a passion for innovation. Join our team of experts, innovators and problem-solvers delivering world-class solutions for our customers. As a global company, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel represented, heard, and able to bring their best selves to work every day. Be part of something bigger with Chromalloy!
Our Total Rewards Program is designed to support you today and in the future.
- Comprehensive and flexible benefit options starting on day one, including medical, dental, vision, EAP, wellness incentives, and 401(k) with employer matching.
- Development & progression opportunities for every employee – regular performance conversations, training and development curriculum, and engineering fellowship programs.
- Paid time off, including vacation, sick time, paid holidays, and parental leave—all eligible on your first day of employment!
- Competitive pay, including eligibility for quarterly and annual bonuses, depending on role and site.
Eligibility for individual benefit plans may vary based on employment status.
Position Summary
Chromalloy is seeking a highly skilled, motivated, and experienced individual for the position of Metallurgist. This position will play a vital role in the metallographic laboratory in managing equipment and procedures related to microscopes, including scanning electron microscopes and associated technologies. The Metallurgist will also provide expertise in sample preparation, sample evaluation and material characterization of advanced turbine coatings, while ensuring compliance to safety, regulatory, and other governing procedures.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate equipment such as optical microscopes, scanning electron microscopes, digital microscopes, and other related technology or software.
- Enhance training protocols for Metallographic Technicians, while providing guidance that ensures efficient and accurate operation of laboratory equipment and sample preparation techniques.
- Oversee sample evaluation for production requirements and product/process development in line with customer and regulatory requirements.
- Guide material analysis and characterization of advanced turbine coatings, generating high-resolution images and conducting elemental analysis to support RCCA, CI, and other strategic initiatives.
- Interface with internal and external customers regarding quality issues.
- Ensure compliance with laboratory safety regulations and maintain a clean and organized work environment.
- Stay abreast of the latest advancements in microscopy techniques, instrumentation, and industry best practices, and apply them to improve laboratory capabilities.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- B.S. in Material Science, Metallurgy, Chemistry, or Engineering
- Minimum 3 years of direct experience in Microscopy, including SEM, with maintenance, alignment, and calibration
- Firm understanding of the principles of scanning electron microscopy, including demonstrated skill and experience in equipment operation and maintenance
- Proficiency with image analysis software, image processing tools, statistical process tools
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- M.S. in Material Science, Metallurgy, Chemistry or Engineering
- Familiarity with superalloys and advanced coatings for aerospace applications
- Strong knowledge of sample preparation techniques related to evaluation of advanced coatings for aerospace applications
- Previous experience in working with and guiding laboratory technicians
The salary range for this position reflects a broad spectrum of experience levels. Individual compensation within the range is determined by multiple factors, including relevant experience, education, certifications, job related skills, internal equity, and market conditions. We evaluate each candidate individually to ensure fair and competitive pay decisions.
Due to government regulation only US persons (U.S. citizen, U.S. naturalized citizen, U.S. permanent resident, holder of U.S. approved political asylee or refugee status) may be considered for this role.
Chromalloy participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Any offer of employment will also be conditioned upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen in accordance with company policy and applicable federal and state regulations.
Chromalloy is an equal opportunity employer - vets/disabled.
In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please contact: https://www.chromalloy.com/contact-us/
INTRODUCTION
Chromalloy is a global engineering & solutions company. We are a leading provider of aftermarket parts, repairs, and solutions that safely & reliably extend the life of aircraft engines and gas turbines. We develop, manufacture and repair critical turbine components for a range of engine platforms. Our solutions support the engines running the aerospace, energy and defense industries around the world.
Why work at Chromalloy?
Chromalloy employees are proud, passionate problem-solvers who strive to live our values every day. A career with Chromalloy is an opportunity to learn from top industry experts, work with important technologies, and unlock a passion for innovation. Join our team of experts, innovators and problem-solvers delivering world-class solutions for our customers. As a global company, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel represented, heard, and able to bring their best selves to work every day. Be part of something bigger with Chromalloy!
Our Total Rewards Program is designed to support you today and in the future.
- Comprehensive and flexible benefit options starting on day one, including medical, dental, vision, EAP, wellness incentives, and 401(k) with employer matching.
- Development & progression opportunities for every employee – regular performance conversations, training and development curriculum, and engineering fellowship programs.
- Paid time off, including vacation, sick time, paid holidays, and parental leave—all eligible on your first day of employment!
- Competitive pay, including eligibility for quarterly and annual bonuses, depending on role and site.
Eligibility for individual benefit plans may vary based on employment status.
Position Summary
Chromalloy is seeking a highly skilled, motivated, and experienced individual for the position of Metallurgist. This position will play a vital role in the metallographic laboratory in managing equipment and procedures related to microscopes, including scanning electron microscopes and associated technologies. The Metallurgist will also provide expertise in sample preparation, sample evaluation and material characterization of advanced turbine coatings, while ensuring compliance to safety, regulatory, and other governing procedures.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate equipment such as optical microscopes, scanning electron microscopes, digital microscopes, and other related technology or software.
- Enhance training protocols for Metallographic Technicians, while providing guidance that ensures efficient and accurate operation of laboratory equipment and sample preparation techniques.
- Oversee sample evaluation for production requirements and product/process development in line with customer and regulatory requirements.
- Guide material analysis and characterization of advanced turbine coatings, generating high-resolution images and conducting elemental analysis to support RCCA, CI, and other strategic initiatives.
- Interface with internal and external customers regarding quality issues.
- Ensure compliance with laboratory safety regulations and maintain a clean and organized work environment.
- Stay abreast of the latest advancements in microscopy techniques, instrumentation, and industry best practices, and apply them to improve laboratory capabilities.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- B.S. in Material Science, Metallurgy, Chemistry, or Engineering
- Minimum 3 years of direct experience in Microscopy, including SEM, with maintenance, alignment, and calibration
- Firm understanding of the principles of scanning electron microscopy, including demonstrated skill and experience in equipment operation and maintenance
- Proficiency with image analysis software, image processing tools, statistical process tools
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- M.S. in Material Science, Metallurgy, Chemistry or Engineering
- Familiarity with superalloys and advanced coatings for aerospace applications
- Strong knowledge of sample preparation techniques related to evaluation of advanced coatings for aerospace applications
- Previous experience in working with and guiding laboratory technicians
The salary range for this position reflects a broad spectrum of experience levels. Individual compensation within the range is determined by multiple factors, including relevant experience, education, certifications, job related skills, internal equity, and market conditions. We evaluate each candidate individually to ensure fair and competitive pay decisions.
Due to government regulation only US persons (U.S. citizen, U.S. naturalized citizen, U.S. permanent resident, holder of U.S. approved political asylee or refugee status) may be considered for this role.
Chromalloy participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Any offer of employment will also be conditioned upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen in accordance with company policy and applicable federal and state regulations.
Chromalloy is an equal opportunity employer - vets/disabled.
In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please contact: https://www.chromalloy.com/contact-us/
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Metallurgist
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's CIP code appears on the official STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by USCIS. Metallurgical engineering (14.2101) and materials science (14.1801) both qualify, but your transcript must match the listed field exactly.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Before signing an offer, search the E-Verify employer database to confirm active enrollment. Metallurgy roles are concentrated in defense contractors and mining firms, many of which are enrolled, but smaller materials labs often are not.
Target employers with active LCA filings for materials roles
Use Migrate Mate to filter employers by DOL Labor Condition Application filing history for metallurgist and materials engineer roles, so you're applying only to companies that have already sponsored STEM workers in comparable positions.
Build your I-983 training plan around specific metallurgical tasks
Your I-983 must map training objectives to concrete role activities like phase diagram analysis, SEM-EDS characterization, or weld qualification testing. Generic descriptions of 'materials work' will not satisfy DSO review or an ICE audit.
Look up prevailing wage before negotiating your offer
Use the OFLC Wage Search to find the Level I through Level IV prevailing wage for your SOC code (17-2131, Materials Engineers) in the employer's metro area. Your offered salary must meet or exceed the certified LCA wage for your STEM OPT to remain valid.
Plan your H-1B transition timeline around OPT end dates
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition before your OPT expires, cap-gap protection extends your authorization through September 30. Coordinate your 36-month OPT end date with your employer's HR team early so the petition is submitted in the March registration window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a materials science or metallurgical engineering degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, provided your degree's CIP code appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Metallurgical engineering (CIP 14.2101), materials science and engineering (CIP 14.1801), and related fields like ceramic sciences (CIP 14.0401) all qualify. Your DSO verifies the match in SEVIS before recommending the extension, so confirm the CIP code on your transcript before starting the application.
What E-Verify requirement applies to employers hiring STEM OPT metallurgists?
Any employer hiring you on STEM OPT must be actively enrolled in E-Verify and must remain enrolled for the full duration of your extension. This applies even if the company already employs U.S. workers without E-Verify in other departments. You can verify an employer's enrollment status through the E-Verify employer search tool before accepting an offer.
What should the I-983 training plan include for a metallurgist role?
Your I-983 must describe how the position provides practical training directly related to your STEM degree. For metallurgist roles, that means specifying tasks like corrosion analysis, mechanical testing, microstructure characterization, or failure investigation, along with learning objectives tied to each. Both you and your employer supervisor must sign the form, and your DSO must receive a copy before the extension is approved.
How does cap-gap protection work if my STEM OPT expires before October 1?
If your employer files a timely H-1B cap-subject petition before your STEM OPT authorization expires, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization and status through September 30 of that year. You can continue working as a metallurgist without interruption during that period. USCIS issues an updated I-20 reflecting the cap-gap extension, which serves as your work authorization documentation alongside your EAD.
Where can I find metallurgist jobs with employers verified for STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate filters job listings by employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment and DOL LCA filing history for materials and metallurgical engineering roles, so you're not wasting applications on companies that can't legally employ STEM OPT students. You can search by role type, location, and industry sector to target defense, aerospace, mining, or manufacturing employers that regularly hire in this field.