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Physical Metallurgy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Physical Metallurgist Vulcan Elements is manufacturing American rare-earth permanent magnets for a secure, resilient future. With a focus on national security and economic resiliency, we serve ...

Experience with Statistical Methods, Engineering Calculations, Physical Metallurgy, Mechanical Metallurgy, Phase Diagrams, Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Metals Solidification Theory, Thermodynamics ...

Experience with Statistical Methods, Engineering Calculations, Physical Metallurgy, Mechanical Metallurgy, Phase Diagrams, Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Metals Solidification Theory, Thermodynamics ...

About the Position The incumbent's primary focus area is physical metallurgy and must have a strong knowledge of thermomechanical behavior of steel. He/she must have or be capable of developing ...

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Physical Metallurgy information

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How much do physical metallurgy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for physical metallurgy in the United States is $40.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.05 and $50.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is physical metallurgy?

A Physical Metallurgy job involves studying and applying the principles of metal behavior, processing, and properties to develop and improve materials for various industries. Professionals in this field analyze phase transformations, mechanical properties, and thermal treatments to enhance metal performance. They work in sectors like aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and research, ensuring materials meet specific mechanical and structural requirements. Duties may include failure analysis, alloy development, and quality control in metal production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in physical metallurgy?

To thrive as a Physical Metallurgist, you need a solid background in materials science, metallurgy, and analytical techniques, often supported by a relevant degree such as a BSc or MSc in Metallurgy or Materials Engineering. Experience with tools such as electron microscopes, X-ray diffraction, and metallographic preparation, as well as knowledge of industry-specific software and standards, is highly valued. Strong problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are important soft skills for this role. These combined skills are essential for analyzing and developing metal products that meet rigorous performance and quality requirements in various industrial applications.

What does a physical metallurgist do?

Physical Metallurgists typically spend their days conducting experiments to assess the properties of metals and alloys, analyzing samples using techniques like microscopy or spectroscopy, and interpreting test results to improve material performance. They often collaborate closely with production engineers, quality control teams, and research scientists to solve technical challenges and optimize manufacturing processes. Documentation of findings, preparing reports, and sometimes presenting results to stakeholders also form an important part of the role. This diverse set of responsibilities provides exposure to both hands-on laboratory work and collaborative problem-solving, making the position both dynamic and intellectually rewarding.

More about Physical Metallurgy jobs
What states have the most Physical Metallurgy jobs? States with the most job openings for Physical Metallurgy jobs include:
Infographic showing various Physical Metallurgy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,528 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Physical Metallurgy of Non-ferrous Alloys

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16612 

Overview:  

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct advanced materials research focused on the development of non-ferrous (Aluminum, Nickel, Refractory) alloys. The position will allow significant interactions with researchers of varying backgrounds and other opportunities for professional development.

This position lives in the Alloy Behavior and Design Group in the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The selected candidate will work with multiple other groups within MSTD on the physical metallurgy of non-ferrous alloys for various applications including aerospace, automotive, and thermal management applications. Projects will include application of physical metallurgy principles to contribute to development of alloys with desirable advances in mechanical properties, thermal/electrical properties, and processability. A background in casting, additive manufacturing, solid-state processing, mechanical testing (creep, fatigue, tensile properties), microstructural analysis, thermal/electrical properties will be desirable. The position will involve significant interaction with a large team within Oak Ridge National Laboratory, as well as external industry partners.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Understand the processing-microstructure-property relationships in non-ferrous alloy systems.
  • Perform the necessary chemistry and processing modifications to meet target alloy properties.
  • Apply advanced characterization and modeling techniques and make fundamental contributions to the field.
  • Interact with other researchers, technicians, and students to shape and drive the research agenda.
  • Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals on time.
  • Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
  • Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
  • Develop strong, productive working relationships across partnering research groups within ORNL.
  • Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

  • A PhD in materials science and engineering or a related discipline completed within the last five years.
  • A strong background in physical metallurgy.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Background in physical metallurgy of non-ferrous alloys, casting or additive manufacturing of alloys, solid-state materials processing, mechanical testing, mechanical behavior of alloys, and  in electrical/thermal properties of alloys.
  • An excellent record of productive and creative research as proven by publications in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:

Postdocs: Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Letters of Recommendation: Please submit three letters of reference when applying for this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

  • Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
  • View Profile
  • Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

 

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.  Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation.  This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year.  This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.  Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.


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