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Metallurgy Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Weld Engineer 1

Decatur, AL · On-site

$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 ...

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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.

Senior Specialist, Manufacturing Engineer- Composites

L3 Harris

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$90K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


L3Harris rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

L3Harris

Based on 230 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,935 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.
L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.
Job Title: Sr Specialist, Manufacturing Engineer
Job Code: 40443
Job Location: Huntsville, AL-AMF South
Job Schedule : 4/10: Employees work 10 hour days, 4 days a week
Job Description:
We are seeking a Senior Specialist, Manufacturing Engineer to work at our new state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Facility (AMF-South) in Huntsville, AL, which will be our inert manufacturing facility for fabrication and assembly of composite rocket motor hardware.
The Senior Specialist, Manufacturing Engineer is a senior professional with strong knowledge of job area and broad knowledge of project management. Manages complex projects or processes with general oversight. Communicates within and outside of own function to gain cooperation on operational processes, practices, and procedures. Makes moderate to substantial improvements to systems and processes. Contributes to achievement of departmental goals and operating plans with direct impact on the departmental results.
This is a dynamic team that requires motivated, self-starting individuals with hands-on experience. Manufacturing Engineers lead process management activities and create associated documentation for their assigned processes. They must be able to follow company procedures and requirements for the manufacture of advanced, man-rated, and high value aerospace hardware.
Essential Functions:
  • Manages large, complex, and high-visibility manufacturing projects with minimal oversight, often involving cross-functional teams and tight customer or program constraints.
  • Leads process development, optimization, and troubleshooting for advanced fabrication methods, composite layup, curing, machining, and assembly.
  • Drives significant improvements in manufacturing systems, workflows, and technologies; may also contribute to the creation of new tools, fixtures, methods, or production concepts.
  • Communicates effectively across engineering, operations, suppliers, customers, and leadership, influencing others to adopt new approaches and process changes.
  • Performs complex root cause analysis, develops corrective/preventive actions, and implements robust long-term solutions involving multiple functional areas.
  • Develops and executes operational plans for the manufacturing engineering function with short-term measurable impact on program and business performance.
  • Provides guidance, coaching, and technical leadership to engineers and technicians across the company, supporting skill development within the manufacturing engineering discipline.
  • Ensures compliance with industry standards, customer requirements, and internal quality systems; contributes to audit readiness and manufacturing risk reduction.
  • Travel: 5% travel may be required to support suppliers or other manufacturing sites, however, in times of high demand, more travel may be necessary.
  • Occasional off-shift work required to support manufacturing schedules.
  • Ability to obtain US Secret Security Clearence.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree with 6 years Manufacturing Engineering experience, Graduate Degree with 4 years Manufacturing Engineering experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior Manufacturing Engineering experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:
  • Surface preparation for bonding rubber, insulation, metallic, and composite substrates.
  • Experience in composite tape wrapping, including process development and machine programming.
  • Hand layup and cure of insulation and composite materials.
  • Experience writing specifications and supporting procurement for new manufacturing equipment.
  • Experience with composite rocket motor nozzle fabrication.
  • Structural bonding of metallic and composite substrates.
  • Programming, operation, and qualification of composite cure ovens and/or autoclaves.
  • Precision assembly of aerospace hardware.
  • Strong GD&T background supporting part validation and tooling/fixture development.
  • CAD modeling experience.
  • Experience with tape wrap lathes, robotic systems, presses, ovens, winders, CNC machines, cutting tables, and/or autoclaves.
  • Strong cross-functional communication skills.
  • Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
  • Adaptable to a changing work environment.

#LI-HW1
L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.
Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.
L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish . For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish .

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