Research Engineer - Process Technologies and Digitalization

ArcelorMittal Global R&D – East Chicago Center is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Steelmaking Engineer to join our dynamic team. This role is central to advancing our steelmaking R&D capabilities, particularly in developing innovative processing practices and supporting the industrial production of the next generation of electrical steel and specialty steels.

The position will focus on the efficiency improvement of Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) and the enhancement of steel cleanliness, inclusion engineering, castability, and product quality. A major emphasis will be placed on secondary refining process development, leveraging both fundamental metallurgical principles and applied R&D tools. This is a strategic role within ArcelorMittal’s global R&D network, designed to support both NAFTA and global operations in producing cleaner, higher-performance steels—a critical requirement as new product development continues to push cleanliness standards to unprecedented levels.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, the ability to address complex process challenges, and a passion for implementing AI and digitalization tools to enhance process efficiency, safety, and sustainability across the entire steelmaking value chain. A deep understanding of steelmaking process metallurgy, including thermodynamics, steel/slag interactions, and the manufacturing of diverse steel grades, is essential to excel in this position.

This position reports to Global R&D – East Chicago and is based at our research laboratory in East Chicago, Indiana. It also requires periodic travel to ArcelorMittal plants in North America and globally.

Job Description:

The successful candidate will lead and contribute to projects focused on application of new technologies in the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) and secondary metallurgy process optimization, slag chemistry, inclusion engineering, and steel cleanliness improvement. The role involves conducting applied and fundamental research in the field of primary and secondary metallurgy to understand steel/slag interactions, inclusion formation, and their effects on product quality, as well as developing of emerging processes/product technologies relevant to primary/secondary processes for advanced steel grades, including electrical steels.

This position requires the ability to design and execute experiments, analyze steel and slag samples, and interpret results using data analytics and digitalization tools. The candidate will also participate in root cause analyses of process or quality issues and help develop practical solutions for industrial implementation. The ideal candidate should possess a strong theoretical background in steelmaking process (primary and secondary) metallurgy, hands-on experience with secondary refining and continuous casting, and the ability to collaborate effectively across ArcelorMittal R&D teams, production plants, and external partners. Strong communication, teamwork, and project management skills are essential. The candidate should lead the implementation, execution, and tracking of value creation for the projects. The job will be based in the East Chicago center of ArcelorMittal Global R&D supporting plants primarily in our North and South America operations. This position will require periodic travel to ArcelorMittal plants.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

The prospective candidate will apply first principles and problem-solving techniques to evaluate and develop solutions to maximize steel manufacturing efficiencies. Prospective candidates will:

• Process data using AI methods to design, characterize and/or optimize Primary and Secondary steelmaking practices in producing next generation of electrical steel and specialty steels.
• Work with plant personnel primarily in North and South America to develop new and continuously improve technology and practices of Electric Arc Furnace, ladle metallurgy, casting, particularly involving inclusions and clean steelmaking.
• Use characterization techniques to understand and determine the nature of inclusions and link with processing conditions to improve processing operations reliability and improve product properties.
• Lead the implementation and execution of R&D projects observing timelines, budget, value creations, and safety rules.
• Generate and present intermediate and final technical reports relating to research and projects.
• Organize training sessions on the theory of steelmaking to Plant Staff.

Experience Requirements:

Minimum/Basic Requirements:

• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics and kinetics of liquid steel processing. Excellent understanding of high temperature thermodynamic and kinetic phenomena in liquid and solid oxide systems. Good understanding of chemical reactions and solidification.
• Demonstrated use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning methods for data analysis.
• Strong background in phase diagrams of steel and slags.
• Working understanding of refining alloys.
• Proven experience in high temperature experimental techniques.
• Laboratory experience in design experiments.
• Proficient in thermochemical software and database packages ThermoCalc or Factsage.
• Good knowledge of Steelmaking processes including EAF, LMF, Vacuum Degassing and Continuous Casting.
• Proficient in SEM, TEM, XRD, preferably with automation of this equipment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to work safely in a lab research and manufacturing environment.
• Ability to design research experiments and present results in layman terminology
• An inherent passion for innovation and discovery, and willingness to develop new science.

Education Requirements:

Minimum/Basic Requirements:

• 2 years of industrial or academic experience after Master’s degree in Metallurgy, Material Science, Chemical Engineering

Preferred Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Engineering in Metallurgy, Material Science, Chemical Engineering with industrial experience.