Metallurgical Engineer

About Us

Founded on a commitment to relentless, continuous operational improvement and extraordinary customer service, Pursuit Aerospace prides itself on competitive cost structures, exceptional on-time delivery, and industry-leading quality. The Pursuit family of companies has cultivated long-term relationships with customers around the world through respect, teamwork, technology, and trust. We are driven to develop industry-leading process innovations and manufacturing techniques on behalf of our customers.

About The Opportunity

We’re looking for a Metallurgical Engineer to join our team at Pursuit – Larson Forgings in Chicago, IL. This site generates approximately $35 million in annual revenue and plays a critical role in delivering seamless, open-die ring-rolled forgings for aerospace applications. In this role, you’ll ensure metallurgical integrity throughout the forging and heat-treatment processes. You will play a hands-on role in order review, process development, materials testing, failure analysis, and root cause investigations, collaborating closely with engineering, quality, operations, and customers.

At Pursuit Aerospace, we value problem-solvers with a proactive mindset—those who thrive in fast-paced environments and are passionate about making things better. If you're a detail-oriented quality professional who takes pride in helping teams solve tough problems and get things right the first time, this could be the right next step for you.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret customer POs, specifications, drawings, process requirements, and quality clauses.
• Review shop orders/travelers for adherence to applicable customer requirements and ensure instructions meet internal standards.
• Develop, approve, and maintain metallurgical process instructions and fixed processes.
• Manage metallurgical test plans and coordinate subcontracted testing services.
• Prepare metallurgical documentation, material certifications, and support First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) and PPAPs.
• Review and disposition nonconforming material, develop rework instructions as necessary to bring material back into conformance.
• Oversee metallurgical aspects of manufacturing processes, including forging, heat treating, and metallurgical testing of aerospace components.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) through review of RFQs and participation in long-term improvement projects.
• Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace industry standards and customer-specific quality requirements, including AS9100, ISO 9001, AMS specifications, and NADCAP.
• Work with Plex, Larson’s ERP manufacturing software, to perform necessary daily duties.
• Develop and optimize forging and heat treatment procedures for various aerospace alloys.
• Collaborate with operations, quality, and suppliers to improve process capability and product conformance.
• Collaborate with Sales and Program Management to provide technical support.
• Oversee in-house microstructural evaluations, mechanical testing (hardness, tensile), and failure analysis.
• Lead root cause analysis for material-related non-conformances and implement corrective actions using structured tools (5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D).
• Support internal and external audits, including NADCAP, AS9100, and customer audits.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (Kaizen, waste reduction, process optimization) to enhance product quality and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and company standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in engineering or metallurgy within a metals manufacturing environment (forging, casting, heat treatment, machining—aerospace preferred). Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis without sponsorship now or in the future. The Company cannot offer employment to visa holders who require employer sponsorship in the future or cannot work now on a full-time basis.
• Must be able to perform work subject to ITAR/EAR regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of material properties, heat treatment processes, and mechanical testing.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and material specifications.
• Experience with metallurgical lab testing methods (microscopy, hardness testing, failure analysis).
• Knowledge of metallurgical process controls and material specifications.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (Plex experience a plus).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Clear and effective technical communication skills.
• Experience working with quality systems and standards (AS9100, Nadcap, or ISO 9001).
• Understanding of forging, ring rolling, and material flow characteristics.
• Experience performing root cause analysis and corrective action (8D, A3, DMAIC, or similar).
• Familiarity with nondestructive testing methods (UT, MT, RT, PT).
• Experience with aerospace customer specifications (GE, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, Safran, etc.) preferred.
• Exposure to APQP tools such as FMEA, control plans, and PPAP.
• CAD experience (AutoCAD or similar) a plus.

Working Conditions

• This role requires up to 5% travel, including visits to other company sites, suppliers, or industry events as needed.
• Working conditions typically include both office and shop floor environments.
• Personal protective equipment (e.g., safety glasses and safety shoes) is required on the shop floor.
• Lifting up to 20-30 lbs. may be occasionally required.
• Occasional weekend and evening work may be required to accommodate priorities, deadlines, and schedules.

Pay & Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefit package, including health and disability insurance, employer-funded retirement contribution, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. This position is eligible for relocation support.

Must be willing and able to work onsite full-time in Chicago, IL.