Metallurgy or Materials Science Co-op (2027) in Spring Grove, Illinois at Scot Forge Company

Apply Metallurgical Theory in the Real World. Gain Hands-On Manufacturing Experience.

Scot Forge is seeking students to join our Metallurgy or Materials Science Co-op Program at our Clinton, Wisconsin or Spring Grove, Illinois locations.

We are currently recruiting for 2027 co-op opportunities and offer flexible start and end dates to align with academic schedules. Students should be available for a minimum commitment of six months.

This program provides meaningful, hands-on experience in metallurgical engineering and materials science while exposing students to the processes and technologies used to manufacture critical forged components for industries including aerospace, defense, energy, mining, and transportation.

Why Join Scot Forge?

• Paid co-op experience
• Professional development and mentorship
• Real-world engineering projects from day one
• Exposure to advanced metallurgy and forging processes
• Collaborative learning environment with experienced metallurgists
• Potential full-time career opportunities after graduation

About Scot Forge

Scot Forge is a 130+ year-old, employee-owned manufacturer of custom open die and rolled ring forgings. Our products support critical industries including energy, transportation, manufacturing, mining, infrastructure, aerospace, and national defense.

From components used in mining equipment and energy infrastructure to mission-critical aerospace and defense applications, Scot Forge produces forged solutions for some of the world's most demanding environments.

What You'll Learn

Students receive hands-on training and exposure in areas such as:

• Steelmaking and metallurgy fundamentals
• Heat treatment processes
• Metallography and microstructure evaluation
• Failure analysis and root cause investigations
• Open die forging operations
• Mechanical testing methods
• Metallographic interpretation and reporting

What You'll Do

As a Metallurgy Co-op, you will:

• Work alongside Scot Forge metallurgists and cross-functional teams
• Participate in metallurgical and manufacturing improvement projects
• Conduct literature reviews and technical research
• Assist with failure investigations and root cause analysis
• Support metallographic sample preparation and evaluation
• Observe and analyze forging and heat-treatment processes
• Collect and analyze production and testing data
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to the metallurgy team
• Assist with material testing and research and development initiatives

What You’ll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Completion of at least two years in a Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or related undergraduate program
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Interest in metallurgy, materials processing, and manufacturing

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate students are encouraged to apply
• Previous manufacturing, laboratory, research, or engineering experience
• Experience analyzing technical data and developing written reports

Characteristics for Success

Successful candidates typically demonstrate:

• Initiative and curiosity
• Strong attention to detail
• Organization and self-motivation
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Passion for metallurgy, materials science, and manufacturing processes

Work Environment

• Combination of laboratory, office, and manufacturing environments
• Frequent iteraction with metallurgists, engineers, and production personnel
• Hands-on exposure to forging, heat treat, testing, and manufacturing operations
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in manufacturing areas

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Compensation

The estimated pay range for this position is the lowest and highest range we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We ultimately may pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. The actual base pay offered to a candidate will depend on various factors including but not limited to relevant skills, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, seniority, geographic location and prevailing minimum wage, performance, shift, travel requirements, and business or organizational needs.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for eligible employees including Medical, Vision, Dental, Hearing, Life (Basic & AD&D), Disability (STD & LTD), 401K Plan with match, Profit Sharing, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Tax Savings (FSA & HSA), Vacation Time, Paid Time Off, and Paid Holidays.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, or any other form of compensation for any particular employee remains in the Company’s sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Scot Forge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and inclusion and welcome all qualified candidates to apply.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.