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Metallurgy Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Solderer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Key Duties and Responsibilities Soldering technicians are responsible for joining metal parts or electronic components by melting solder alloys to form strong metallurgical bonds. This includes ...

Perform structural analysis on composite and metallic materials in both static and dynamic domains. * Construct and validate finite element models using FEMAP/NxNastran and ABAQUS. * Apply hand ...

Perform structural analysis on composite and metallic materials in both static and dynamic domains. * Construct and validate finite element models using FEMAP/NxNastran and ABAQUS. * Apply hand ...

Weld Engineer 1

Decatur, AL

$32 - $44/hr

Job Overview & Responsibilities This position is for a Weld Engineer with responsibilities in metallic materials and processes. Assignments to include, but not limited to, the following: * Analyzes ...

... metallics, bonding/adhesives, or manufacturing process qualification Experience managing production line stand-ups, process development efforts, or manufacturing scale-up projects Experience with ...

Showing results 21-40

Metallurgy information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$30.9K

$88.1K

$136.4K

How much do metallurgy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for metallurgy in Decatur, AL is $88,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,700.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is metallurgy?

Metallurgy is the science and technology of metals, focusing on their properties, production, processing, and performance. It involves studying how metals are extracted from ores, refined, and transformed into useful products through various processes such as casting, forging, heat treatment, and alloying. Metallurgists work to improve the strength, durability, and functionality of metals for different industrial applications, including construction, automotive, aerospace, and electronics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a metallurgist?

To thrive as a Metallurgist, you need a solid background in materials science, chemistry, and engineering, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in metallurgy or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, metallographic equipment, and software like CAD or simulation programs is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help metallurgists collaborate and innovate within multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring quality control, advancing material performance, and supporting the safe and efficient development of metal products.

What are some common challenges faced by metallurgists when working on new material development projects?

Metallurgists often encounter challenges such as balancing material properties (like strength and ductility), meeting cost constraints, and ensuring manufacturability when developing new alloys or materials. Collaboration with engineers and production teams is crucial to address issues like scalability and quality control during the transition from laboratory to industrial production. Additionally, staying up-to-date with advancements in analytical techniques and environmental regulations is essential to ensure project success.

What is the difference between Metallurgy vs Materials Science?

AspectMetallurgyMaterials Science
FocusStudy of metals, their properties, processing, and performanceStudy of all materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, research facilitiesResearch labs, academic institutions, industry R&D
CertificationsOften requires metallurgy-specific certifications, engineering degreesRequires materials science or engineering degrees, certifications vary

Metallurgy primarily focuses on metals, their extraction, processing, and properties, while materials science covers a broader range of materials, including polymers and ceramics. Both roles often share similar work environments and educational backgrounds, but metallurgy is more specialized in metals, making it ideal for careers centered on metal development and manufacturing.

How much do metallurgists get paid?

Metallurgists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those in specialized fields can earn over $100,000 annually. Certifications and working in industrial or research environments can also influence compensation.

Is metallurgy a good career?

Metallurgy is a specialized field focused on the study and processing of metals, often requiring knowledge of materials science, chemistry, and engineering. Careers in metallurgy can offer stable employment in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and construction, with opportunities for advancement and certification. The job typically involves working in laboratories or industrial environments and may require safety training and technical skills.

What jobs use metallurgy?

Metallurgy is used in various jobs such as metallurgist, materials engineer, quality control inspector, and foundry worker. These roles involve analyzing, processing, and testing metals and alloys, often requiring knowledge of materials properties, laboratory skills, and safety protocols.

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Metallurgy jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Metallurgy job openings:

Infographic showing various Metallurgy job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,148 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer - 18302

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer. This position will be located in Huntsville, AL.

*Please be aware that this position is contingent upon capturing program award(s) and obtaining and maintaining associated business and/or customer funding .

What you'll get to do:

This position will be supporting the SLCM-N Program. This team member will serve as the interface between the Engineering, Production and Supply Chain teams and assist in forecasting supplier-driven delays and cost impacts. This role will support Supplier Management Teams, Production Operations, and Design Engineering to provide technical expertise and representation of supplier manufacturing capabilities. This role will require a strong background in specific commodities and their associated manufacturing processes. The ability to objectively represent the voice of the supplier and assess their ability to meet internal stakeholder needs is required. This Position will also support Program/Division level Strategic Sourcing efforts by maintaining the Approved supplier list (ASL), supporting commodity management, and performing supplier capacity and capability assessments. The ideal candidate will also have excellent written/verbal communication skills, procurement/contracting experience, the ability to develop supplier development plans, and be versed in multiple engineering disciplines.

Position Benefits

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including

Medical, Dental & Vision coverage

401k

Educational Assistance

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions

Paid Time Off

Health & Wellness Resources

Employee Discounts

This positions standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.

Basic Qualifications

8 years of relevant experience with Bachelors degree in a Science discipline; Masters degree with 6 years of relevant experience; PhD with 4 years of relevant experience.

Must be a US Citizen with an active DoD Secret Clearance, at time of application, current and within scope, with an investigation date within the last 6 years and ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business need.

Possess a strong background in one or more of the following commodities: metallic/composite structural assemblies, machined parts, non-metallics, metallic raw materials, electromechanical assemblies and PCBs, cables and harnesses, and construction for defense infrastructure.

Strong understanding of one or more of the following manufacturing processes utilized in the aerospace/defense industries: welding, casting, forging, cable and harness production, VLSI, machining, additive manufacturing, and construction.

Working Knowledge of Configuration and Change Management in contracts or engineering/design

Possess previous experience in an aerospace or military aviation Manufacturing Engineering role or similar role.

Preferred Qualifications

Active DoD Top Secret Clearance

Possess 8 years of previous experience in an aerospace or military aviation Manufacturing Engineering role or similar role.

Experience with cruise missiles or similar complex guided weapons systems, including production, integration, or deployment support.

Demonstrated knowledge of tooling, including tool selection, setup/qualification, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting in a production environment.

Experienced in interfacing directly with suppliers and collaborating with Supplier Management Teams

Possess working level knowledge of Global Supply Chain concepts and FAR/DFAR requirements.

Request for Change or Information (RCI) disposition experience

Supported an Aerospace/defense program

Experience supporting contractual data deliverables (CDRLs)

Experience creating manufacturing plans and process instructions

Experienced in technical leadership and mentoring

Experienced in summarizing and explaining technical documentation, specifications and industry requirements to ensure compliance.

Excellent organizational, time-management, and interpersonal communication skills

Experience in driving supplier quality requirements such as AS9100, AS9102, and AS9103 and dimensional inspections.

Experience working cross-functionally with multi-disciplinary teams.

Experience influencing change across team boundaries

Strong background in Lean Six Sigma with continuous improvement and RCCA experience

Primary Level Salary Range: $123,400.00 - $185,000.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939