Senior Research Engineer - Primary Steelmaking

Job purpose:

The incumbent serves as the main expert for SSAB in North America for the scientific understanding of the fundamentals underpinning primary steelmaking processes, specifically scrap melting in the electric arc furnace and secondary steel refining in the ladle. He or she must have a strong knowledge of physical, thermal, and chemical transformation processes during steel melting and refining processes with a deep understanding of the principles of reaction kinetics and thermodynamics and their use for process optimization. He or she will be involved in activities related to production trials and development of production practices. The incumbent will work in the SSAB state-of-the-art Research and Development Facility located in Muscatine, Iowa. The position reports to the Director, Research and Development and has a close working relationship with Primary Operations and Technical Services groups at both the Iowa and Alabama steel mills.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Develop scrap recipes based on different feedstocks for production trials with the purpose of optimizing the electric arc furnace scrap melting process.
• Develop an understanding of the relationship between scrap recipe, flux addition, and slag chemistry with the purpose of optimizing the process to consistently achieve optimal slag chemistry and foaming and for efficient dephosphorization during scrap melting in the electric arc furnace.
• Develop a flux practice for efficient desulphurization of steel and absorption of non-metallic inclusions from the steel during ladle refining process.
• Develop practices for optimization of different calcium-bearing alloys for efficient modifications of oxides and sulfides.
• Contribute to the development of numerical models specific to steelmaking processes at SSAB mills and work with Operations and others to advance implementation of numerical models to assist in control of key processes.
• Perform inclusion analyses using optical microscope and SEM/EDS to help develop optimal practices for ladle refining process.
• Perform raw material testing to ensure conformity of vendor materials to specifications.
• Write technical reports to document research work and findings of trials and investigations. 
• Read published papers and communicate with colleagues to keep current with developments within the steel industry and academia regarding primary steelmaking process for potential process optimization

Qualifications: Education and Experience:

Required Education:

• MSc. in Metallurgical Engineering or related discipline

Preferred Education:

• PhD., ScD. or similar doctoral degree in Metallurgical Engineering or related discipline
• Educational background in material science, and a strong knowledge of principles of reaction kinetics and thermodynamics during scrap melting in electric arc furnace and ladle refining process.

Required Experience:

• At least five years of experience in the steel industry, particularly in relation to scrap melting in the electric arc furnace and ladle refining technology.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in using lab equipment such as polishing machine, optical microscope and SEM/EDS desirable
• Strong knowledge of the impact of microstructure on product performance. Proficient in using the EBSD technique for obtaining crystallographic information from the microstructures of steel samples desired
• Experience in conducting laboratory tests to investigate the properties of steel and failure mechanisms preferred

Working conditions:

The employee will frequently be required to:

• This position operates in an office environment.  The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, network tools/equipment, phones, photocopiers and scanners. This role is partially sedentary (average of 6 hours per day), however, some standing and walking is required.
• The position requires working in the plant to perform trials and collect data, using laboratory equipment such as optical microscopes, SEM/EDS, polishing machines, band saws and surface grinder, and MAY involve using hardness testing, tensile testing, CVN testing, DWTT machine, band saws, thermal cutting, waterjet cutting, heat treating furnaces, and crane.
• The position requires preparing various acid solutions for etching steel specimens such as sulfuric acid, picric acid, oxalic, natal etc.

The employee will occasionally be required to:

• This position will frequently require work in the mill and in the field environment with some exposure to heat/cold, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, noise, and wearing safety equipment/clothing for protection from hazards
• Some handling of materials is required.  This would require the ability to walk, bend, kneel or stand, use of hands to finger, hold and handle, reach with hands and arms and to push/pull, lift or carry items up to 50 lbs.
• Drive or travel by airplane

The position requires the following vision and hearing capabilities:

• Talking person to person, on the phone, and/or in group settings
• Hearing in person, on the phone, and/or in group settings
• Vision at near, mid, and far range

Position Type – Work Hours – Travel Requirements:

• Position is full time, exempt
• Position works an eight (8) hour day shift, Monday through Friday
• Travel for this position is necessary and expected to comprise up to 20-25% of work hours – some international travel is possible