The posting
Proven to Perform. From the edges of space to the bottoms of ocean, our materials are proven to perform -- and so is our team. We're hiring high performers as proven as our products. Join us.
R&D Engineer – Alloy & Process Innovation
Location: Monroe, NC | Full-Time | Exempt | Individual Contributor or Early Technical Leader
Department: Technology – Research & Development Reports To: Sr. Manager, R&D
Design the Future of Performance Materials – With ATI R&D
At ATI, we push the boundaries of what’s possible in metal performance. From jet engines that burn hotter to medical implants that heal faster, our materials serve mission-critical industries where failure is not an option.
As an R&D Engineer, you’ll sit at the intersection of metallurgy, manufacturing, and innovation—designing new alloys, refining advanced processes, and building the technical foundation for ATI’s next generation of products. Your curiosity will fuel performance breakthroughs. Your rigor will shape high-stakes applications in aerospace, defense, and energy. Your work will matter.
What You’ll Do
- Lead alloy and process development projects, focusing on Ni-, Ti-, Co-, or Fe-based systems.
- Develop and implement experimental plans for materials testing, process trials, or property optimization.
- Analyze microstructure, phase transformation, and mechanical behavior using SEM, EBSD, XRD, or thermal analysis techniques.
- Collaborate with Technology, Product Engineering, and Operations to scale lab-to-plant transitions and support new product introductions.
- Present findings in internal reviews, customer briefings, and industry conferences.
- Draft technical reports, white papers, and R&D proposals that demonstrate ATI’s metallurgical leadership.
- Contribute to patent filings, IP development, and competitive technical benchmarking.
Who You Are
- A self-driven problem solver with a passion for metallurgy, materials design, and manufacturing.
- Adept at hands-on experimentation, but capable of connecting theory to practice.
- Motivated to deliver science-based innovations that work in the real world, not just the lab.
Basic Qualifications
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or related discipline.
- 5+ years of industrial or academic research experience (co-op/internship/postdoc included).
- Demonstrated background in one or more of the following:
- Alloy development (Ni-based superalloys, Ti alloys, steels)
- Advanced remelting (VIM, VAR, ESR, PAM)
- Microstructural characterization and property analysis
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with thermodynamic modeling (Thermo-Calc, Pandat), finite element analysis, or process simulation tools.
- Knowledge of heat treatment effects, creep/fatigue behavior, or corrosion performance.
- Track record of publishing, presenting, or contributing to technical standards or patents.
- Familiarity with manufacturing scale-up, root cause investigations, or customer-driven development.
Why Join ATI R&D?
- Research with Impact: Your ideas won’t sit on a shelf—they’ll be forged, tested, and put into service on mission-critical platforms.
- State-of-the-Art Labs & Pilot Equipment: Work in an environment designed for discovery, failure, and iteration.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Partner with experts across technology, operations, and external customers.
- Growth & Autonomy: Shape your own development while contributing to company-shaping innovations.
- Competitive Compensation: Strong salary, bonus opportunities, and generous benefits.
Career Pathways
Successful R&D Engineers at ATI have advanced into:
- Senior and Principal R&D roles
- Product Engineering Leadership
- Technical Fellow/Subject Matter Expert tracks
- Innovation Program Management
Work Environment
- Primarily based in lab or technical office setting; occasional support at manufacturing sites.
- Travel: ~10–15%, including technical conferences and customer site visits.
We thrive when the expectations are great, and the barriers are high. We're solving the world's most difficult challenges through materials science. Our advanced, integrated process technologies and proven performers give us a tremendous competitive advantage. When customers systems need to fly higher, dig deeper, stand stronger, and last longer -- anywhere on, above or below the earth -- ATI is proven to perform.
*It is ATI's policy to not provide immigration sponsorship for any of the company's positions.
ATI and its subsidiary companies will provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected be federal or state law. The company will provide reasonable accommodations to allow an applicant to participate in the hiring process if so requested.
