Research Engineer

Role Purpose

Drive the optimization of metallurgical processes across the aluminium extrusion value chain.

Ensure consistent product quality and strengthen operational excellence through expertise in alloys, heat treatment, and process performance. Collaborate with research, operations, commercial teams, customers, institutes, and universities to solve technical challenges and develop advanced aluminium extrusion solutions.

What you will be doing

Provide metallurgical expertise for aluminium extrusion operations, including casting, homogenization, extrusion, quenching, stretching, and aging

Develop, evaluate, and qualify new alloys, process technologies, and extrusion products

Develop and optimize alloy performance for mechanical and functional properties, extrusion productivity, and sustainability

Collaborate with production teams to establish process standards and best practices

Support customer projects with technical expertise and metallurgical guidance

Support root cause analysis and problem-solving for quality issues related to alloy selection, mechanical properties, and geometrical stability

Conduct metallurgical investigations, laboratory testing, and failure analyses

Prepare technical reports, specifications, and customer documentation

Ensure work is performed in compliance with the Hydro Quality system, HSE regulations, policies, and standardized operating procedures

Perform other tasks assigned by the responsible manager that support the operation of the unit and comply with applicable laws and company rules

Comply with area-specific customer requirements

What will make you successful?

PhD or Master’s degree in Physical Metallurgy, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline

Strong knowledge of aluminium alloys

Knowledge of heat treatment, precipitation hardening, recrystallization, grain structure control, and mechanical property development

Familiarity with metallography, microscopy, hardness testing, tensile testing, quality systems, ISO standards, and customer qualification requirements is preferred

Experience in aluminium extrusion, aluminium processing, or a metallurgical manufacturing environment

Practical experience with metallurgical testing and analysis techniques

Experience with automotive, building systems, industrial, electrical, or renewable energy applications is preferred

Knowledge of adjacent fields such as corrosion, extrusion simulation, or process modelling is an advantage

Familiarity with data analytics tools, including Power BI and Python, is an asset

Fluent English and Swedish both written and spoken

Curious, data-driven, and motivated to solve complex technical challenges

Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

Ability to combine deep metallurgical knowledge with practical manufacturing understanding

Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills

Able to work effectively with research, operational, commercial, customer, and academic partners

Focused on measurable improvements in product performance, quality, operational efficiency, and customer success

What we offer you

A high-impact role in advanced manufacturing projects

Opportunities to work with cutting-edge technologies

International collaboration and exposure across sites

A dynamic and hands-on technical environment

Autonomy and responsibility in driving process improvements

Travel opportunities and involvement in on-site operations

A strong culture of quality, safety, and continuous learning