Research & Development Co-Op (Spring 2027) at SSAB in Montpelier, IA

Our Co-Op program is open to students pursuing undergraduate degrees in metallurgical engineering, materials science, and engineering. Students pursuing degrees in mechanical engineering and chemical engineering may be considered. The Co-Op program for the Spring term starts at the beginning of January and ends in May.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: • Work with research engineers and analysts to develop new products and processes, and improve steel-making practices • May participate in mill trials for process and product developments • Perform metallographic investigations involving sample preparation, mechanical testing, and microstructure analysis using band saws, CNC machines, abrasive saws, surface grinder, polishing machines, mounting presses, chemical etching procedures, hardness equipment, light optical microscopes (LOM) scanning electron microscopes (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). • May participate in mechanical testing of steel using other equipment, such as CVN impact tester and drop weight tear testing equipment (DWTT). • Perform heat treatment experiments for product developments using furnaces in the heat treatment laboratory. • Participate in developing welding practices and investing weldability of steels using welding equipment in the welding laboratory

QUALIFICATIONS – Education, Experience and Competencies Required: • Complete freshman year at a university • Pursuing an undergraduate degree in metallurgy, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering • Proficient in using Word documents, Excel, and PowerPoint • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • A team player and able to multitask • Demonstrated professionalism and strong work ethic • Possess attention to detail and organizational skills • Regular and reliable attendance Preferred: • Computer skills and ability to write code • Strong analytical skills • Previous internship/co-op experience

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS 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 with laboratory equipment such as optical microscopes, SEM/EDS/EBSD, welding, bend testing, polishing machines, hardness testing, tensile testing, CVN testing, DWTT machine, band saws, thermal cutting, waterjet cutting, surface grinder, heat treating furnaces, and crane. • The position requires preparing various acid solutions for etching steel specimens such as sulfuric acid, picric acid, oxalic, nital etc.

The employee will occasionally be required to: • This position will periodically 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 hourly and works regular day shift Monday through Friday – additional hours as needed • Occasional travels to career fairs and other SSAB locations

OTHER DUTIES Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice