1

Metallurgy Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Process Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$150K - $350K/yr

Typically 5+ years as a Process/Project Engineer in industrial plant design, construction, or operations (chemicals, metallurgical, electrochemical, or related). * Demonstrated success scaling ...

$102K - $189K/yr

Material Process Engineer Job Code: 35996 Job Location: On-site at our Canoga Park, CA facility Job ... Develop, qualify, and optimize manufacturing processes for aerospace and defense metallic materials ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Metallurgy Process Engineer information

What does a Metallurgy Process Engineer do?

A Metallurgy Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and overseeing processes involved in the extraction, refining, and manufacturing of metals and alloys. They work to improve efficiency, quality, and safety in metallurgical operations, such as smelting, casting, and heat treatment. Metallurgy Process Engineers also troubleshoot production issues, ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations, and collaborate with other engineers to develop new materials or processes.

What is the difference between Metallurgy Process Engineer vs Materials Scientist?

AspectMetallurgy Process EngineerMaterials Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Physics
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, manufacturing plants, metal production facilitiesResearch labs, academic institutions, R&D departments
Industry UsageMetal production, mining, manufacturingResearch, development, academia

Metallurgy Process Engineers focus on optimizing metal production processes in industrial settings, while Materials Scientists primarily conduct research to develop new materials and improve existing ones. Both roles require a strong understanding of material properties but differ in their work environment and application focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Metallurgy Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Metallurgy Process Engineer, a strong background in materials science, metallurgy, and chemical engineering is essential, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with metallurgical analysis tools, process simulation software, and industry certifications like Six Sigma are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals excel in cross-functional teams and complex manufacturing environments. These competencies are crucial for optimizing metal production processes, ensuring product quality, and driving operational efficiency.

What are some typical challenges faced by Metallurgy Process Engineers in optimizing industrial processes?

Metallurgy Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing cost efficiency with maintaining material quality, adapting processes to new alloys or specifications, and troubleshooting unexpected production issues like contamination or equipment wear. They must continuously monitor process parameters, analyze data, and implement improvements while collaborating closely with production teams and quality control. Staying updated with the latest technological advancements and environmental regulations is also crucial to ensure processes remain competitive and compliant.
What are popular job titles related to Metallurgy Process Engineer jobs in California? For Metallurgy Process Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Metallurgy Process Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Metallurgy Process Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Metallurgy Process Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Metallurgy Process Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Metallurgy Process Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 89% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Materials & Process Engineer, Metallurgy

HADRIAN

Los Angeles, CA

$130K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Hadrian - Manufacturing the Future
Hadrian is building autonomous factories that help aerospace and defense companies manufacture rockets, satellites, jets, and ships up to 10x faster and up to 2x cheaper. By combining advanced software, robotics, and full-stack manufacturing, we are reinventing how America produces its most critical parts.
We're accelerating our mission with the launch of Factory 3 in Mesa, Arizona, a 290,000-square-foot facility creating 350 new jobs. We are expanding rapidly to support thousands of future hires, launching Hadrian Maritime to expand into naval production, and introducing a Factory-as-a-Service model that delivers complete systems instead of individual parts.
Hadrian is backed by leading investors including T. Rowe Price, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, and Andreessen Horowitz, our fast-growing team is united around reindustrializing American manufacturing for the 21st century and beyond.
The Role:
Hadrian is developing autonomous factories to support the defense industrial base. This role supports the metallurgical integrity and material process performance of components produced within Hadrian's manufacturing environment. The Materials & Process Engineer, Metallurgy will define, validate, and monitor metallurgical processes to ensure materials perform as intended across production and operational requirements. This position works closely with engineering, manufacturing, and supplier partners to ensure material specifications, processing methods, and quality standards are consistently achieved.
  • Develop, validate, and maintain metallurgical processes including heat treatment, material selection, and surface finishing for production components
  • Perform metallurgical evaluations such as microstructural analysis, hardness testing, and material characterization to verify process outcomes
  • Investigate material or process-related nonconformances and conduct root cause analysis to support corrective and preventive actions
  • Collaborate with manufacturing and quality teams to translate material requirements into stable and repeatable production processes
  • Support supplier material qualification, certification review, and monitoring of metallurgical process capability

What We're Looking For (job requirements):
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent practical experience
  • 4+ years of experience in metallurgical engineering, materials engineering, or manufacturing environments involving metal alloys
  • Working knowledge of heat treatment processes for steels, aluminum, titanium, or nickel-based alloys and associated microstructural behavior
  • Experience performing material testing, metallurgical analysis, or failure investigations in a production or laboratory setting
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and material requirements and apply them within a manufacturing environment

What Will Set You Apart (preferred qualifications):
  • Experience in aerospace, maritime, defense, automotive, or other high-reliability manufacturing industries
  • Hands-on experience with metallography, microscopy, hardness testing, and mechanical property evaluation
  • Familiarity with aerospace material standards, certification requirements, or quality systems such as NADCAP
  • Experience supporting supplier qualification, process development, or production scale-up in high-mix manufacturing environments

Compensation
For this role, the target salary range is $130,000-$200,000(actual range may vary based on experience).
This is the lowest to highest salary we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
Benefits for Full-time Employees
  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees
  • 401k
  • Relocation support may be provided for certain situations, based on business need.
  • Flexible vacation policy

ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .
Hadrian Is An Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the Company's policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Company does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race inclusive of traits historically associated with race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, such as braids, locks and twists), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin (including, in California, possession of a drivers license), ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, height or weight, medical condition, family care status, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, exercise of reproductive rights, any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws, or any combination of the above characteristics. When necessary, the Company also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled candidates and employees, including for candidates or employees who are disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.