Entry-level Metallurgical Engineering Associate

Bring your enthusiasm for metallurgical failure analysis and curiosity for solving problems to the Janney Technical Center (JTC) of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE), headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois.

WJE's Metallurgy & Applied Mechanics practice is seeking an entry-level Metallurgical Engineering Associate to join our team in solving complex challenges across the civil, structural, and process industries.

At WJE, you will build on your foundational understanding of metallurgical principles and learn a practical, problem-solving approach to determine root causes of problems, characterize materials, and evaluate performance for a variety of metallurgical, materials, corrosion, and mechanical applications. If you are a critical thinker, curious about how things work, and not afraid to get your hands dirty, we want you on our team! 

Watch this video to take a virtual tour of the JTC.

Typical Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the day-to-day success of multiple concurrent projects and complete assignments with limited oversight, under the guidance of experienced materials scientists
• Perform hands-on metallurgical analysis and physical testing, including metallographic sample preparation, micro and macro hardness testing, materials characterization, and operation of laboratory equipment (e.g., optical microscope, SEM, EDS, XRF, XRD)
• Accurately record and organize data for analysis, while exercising good judgment in assessing the reasonableness of test results
• Assume responsibility for key aspects of laboratory safety, maintenance, and quality assurance, including setting up, operating, and maintaining laboratory instruments; cleaning work station; and restocking laboratory supplies
• Perform onsite inspections/investigations, including documenting distress, conducting diagnostic field testing, collecting data and samples, and troubleshooting issues in the field
• Contribute to research and review of industry codes, design guidelines, recommended practices, and historical research to develop practical solutions
• Assist with preparation of conceptual, preliminary, and final client deliverables, including written reports, calculation packages, repair recommendations, and materials specifications
• Interface with project teams, clients, contractors, and other engineering disciplines

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or better in metallurgy/Metallurgical Engineering, materials science and engineering, welding/materials joining engineering, or related field
• One to three years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience, including metallographic sample preparation, hardness testing, optical microscopy, etc.  
• Strong analytical skills, mechanical aptitude, and enthusiasm for understanding how things work
• Effective technical, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to transition between multiple priorities and adapt to changing demands, while maintaining a high standard of excellence, integrity, and attention-to-detail in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated interest in metallurgy, fractography, fracture modes, analysis of mechanical parts/components/systems, forensic failure investigations, and materials characterization

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must have the dexterity to be able to operate office, laboratory and field equipment such as computer, printer, copier, telephone, voice mail system, along with metallurgical and mechanical equipment, such as cut-off saws, grinders, microscopes, hardness testers, etc. Requirements may also include:

• Ability to attend meetings at various office, field, and industrial sites
• Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to perform work in the temperature extremes presented by work in the outdoors
• Ability to read equipment and construction drawings, diagrams, printed materials, and computer screens
• Ability to record data clearly and write passages for reports, letters, etc.
• Ability to travel
• Ability to safely work at heights
• Ability to safely use and/or operate ladders, scaffolds, lifts, and other access equipment (with training)
• Ability to understand and appreciate safety training specific to numerous workplace, construction, and industrial site hazards
• Ability to safely work in a variety of occupationally hazardous locations
• Medically fit to utilize respiratory protection devices and other forms of Personal Protective Equipment
• Ability to drive and safely operate a motor vehicle
• Ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and authorization to work and travel throughout the United States without restrictions

Why Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates:

Founded in 1956, WJE is an interdisciplinary firm of over 600 engineers, architects, and materials scientists committed to helping clients solve, repair, and avoid challenging problems in the built world. WJE Associates have the opportunity to learn from and grow alongside industry-leading experts (locally and company-wide) in a challenging yet collaborative environment, supported by our collective technical knowledge and state-of-the-art laboratory and testing capabilities.

WJE is an employee-owned company that employs a diverse group of C2E2 people—people with outstanding Character, unwavering Commitment to our core and culture, strong Expertise, and genuine Enthusiasm for their work. Our extraordinary people enjoy a fulfilling and flexible work environment: one that is inclusive and genuinely values and fairly treats every employee; one that is based on trust and personal responsibility; one that encourages open communication, continued learning, innovative thinking, excellence, and teamwork; and one that provides each employee a combined opportunity for personal, professional, and financial growth that is unsurpassed in our business. Learn more at www.wje.com/about

Annual starting base salary (gross): $63,300 to $101,300. Actual salaries will vary and will be based on several factors including consideration for a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role. Base salary is one component of our total compensation package for employees. WJE offers an industry-leading total rewards package that enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits including robust and affordable health plans, generous 401(k) matching and bonus programs, time off to care for yourself and others, and investments in employees’ professional development, to name a few. More information on WJE’s total rewards package can be found at www.wje.com/careers/employment-benefits.

WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants to apply including individuals with disabilities, minorities, women, and protected veterans (VEVRAA federal contractor).

WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.