Job Snapshot
Company: Decatur Foundry, Inc.
Location: Decatur, Illinois
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: $80,000–$100,000 per year
Industry: Manufacturing / Foundry / Metallurgy
Experience: Bachelor’s degree with foundry or metallurgy experience preferred
Work Schedule: Day shift, night shift, Monday–Friday, weekends as needed
Status: Hiring Now
Job Overview
A long-established manufacturing company in Decatur, Illinois is seeking a skilled Metallurgical Engineer to join its engineering and production team. This position offers an opportunity to work in a foundry environment where you’ll help improve the quality, performance, and reliability of gray and ductile iron castings.
The role combines technical expertise with leadership responsibilities. You’ll collaborate with production, quality assurance, sales, and engineering teams to solve manufacturing challenges, improve metal processes, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
If you enjoy materials science, process optimization, and hands-on problem solving, this position offers an opportunity to build a rewarding career in advanced manufacturing.
Company Overview
Decatur Foundry, Inc. is a family-owned manufacturing company with more than eight decades of experience producing gray and ductile iron castings. The company specializes in prototype, short-run, and low-volume castings for a wide range of industrial applications.
Its culture emphasizes teamwork, professionalism, integrity, and continuous improvement while investing in employee development and product quality.
Why This Job Stands Out
This opportunity offers several attractive benefits for engineering professionals:
- Competitive annual salary of $80,000–$100,000
- Leadership responsibilities within a collaborative engineering team
- Opportunity to improve manufacturing processes
- Exposure to advanced metallurgy and foundry technologies
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education
- Comprehensive health and retirement benefits
- Stable employment with an established manufacturing company
Key Responsibilities
As a Metallurgical Engineer, your daily responsibilities may include:
- Supporting metal melting operations and production activities
- Performing metallurgical testing and analyzing material properties
- Preparing casting certifications for customers
- Operating laboratory testing equipment, including spectrometers
- Investigating casting defects and identifying root causes
- Developing cost-saving manufacturing improvements
- Working with cross-functional teams to improve production quality
- Supporting inspection standards and employee training
- Assisting with new equipment installation and process implementation
- Developing furnace charge calculations based on chemical analysis
- Leading continuous improvement projects across foundry operations
- Supervising team members and supporting production goals
Required Qualifications
Applicants should generally have:
- Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering
- Previous experience in metal manufacturing or foundry operations (preferred)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Knowledge of metallurgy principles and manufacturing processes
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a production environment
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications
Experience with solidification modeling is considered an advantage.
Salary and Benefits
Annual Salary: $80,000–$100,000
Employees may also receive benefits including:
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Employer matching contributions
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee assistance program
Benefit availability may vary based on company policies.
Work Environment
This role is based in a manufacturing foundry where engineers work closely with production teams to maintain high-quality standards. The position combines office-based engineering analysis with time spent on the production floor observing manufacturing processes and solving technical challenges.
Depending on production requirements, employees may work day or night shifts and occasional weekends.
Career Growth Opportunities
Working as a Metallurgical Engineer can open doors to several advanced career paths, including:
- Senior Metallurgical Engineer
- Materials Engineering Manager
- Manufacturing Engineering Manager
- Quality Engineering Manager
- Plant Metallurgist
- Process Improvement Engineer
- Operations Manager
Professionals who gain expertise in casting technologies and materials science are often in demand across multiple manufacturing sectors.
Living and Working in Decatur, Illinois
Decatur is known for its strong manufacturing heritage and offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared with many larger U.S. cities. Engineers working in the region benefit from a stable industrial base, shorter commuting times, and access to parks, local restaurants, and community events.
For professionals seeking long-term careers in manufacturing, Decatur provides opportunities within several industrial employers.
Application Tips
To improve your chances of success:
- Highlight metallurgy, materials science, or foundry experience.
- Include projects involving casting, process improvement, or failure analysis.
- Showcase leadership or supervisory experience if applicable.
- Mention laboratory testing, quality assurance, or production optimization skills.
- Tailor your resume to emphasize engineering achievements and measurable results.
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a full-time position?
Yes. This is a full-time engineering role.
What salary does the position offer?
The advertised annual salary ranges from $80,000 to $100,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
Is visa sponsorship available?
No. The employer states that applicants must already be authorized to work in the United States.
What degree is required?
A bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering is preferred.
Is previous foundry experience required?
Previous experience in metal manufacturing or foundry operations is preferred, although qualifications and overall experience will also be considered.
Call to Action
If you have a background in metallurgy or materials engineering and are looking for a rewarding manufacturing career, this opportunity could be an excellent fit. Review the employer’s requirements carefully, prepare a tailored resume, and submit your application promptly if your qualifications align with the role.
