Remote Senior Metallurgist / Welding Inspector — AI Research & Domain Evaluation

We are seeking a detail-oriented Remote Senior Metallurgist / Welding Inspector — AI Research & Domain Evaluation ($80 - $130/hour, 100% remote) to join ZR Talent Group. Contributors in this role draw upon real-world mastery of Metallographic Microstructure Evaluation, Heat Treatment Acceptance (AMS 2750, ASTM E112), Weld Macro Etch & CWI Acceptance to evaluate AI-generated deliverables, construct detailed grading rubrics, and guide post-training model alignment.

Prior experience building machine learning systems is not required—our research partners value authentic practitioner judgment, domain rigor, and clear analytical writing.

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables

• Evaluate and interpret metallographic microstructures to determine material acceptability and conformance to standards.
• Conduct heat treatment process analysis and acceptance reviews in accordance with AMS 2750, ASTM E112, and related US specifications.
• Assess weld quality through macro etch evaluation and apply CWI acceptance criteria to real-world case studies.
• Perform coating inspection tasks aligned with NACE/AMPP and SSPC protocols, ensuring surface integrity and protection requirements are met.
• Review and disposition additive manufacturing (LPBF) defects based on detailed build and cross-sectional data.
• Supply detailed, transparent, well-documented written and verbal feedback on accept/reject decisions, supporting data-driven insights for AI model training.
• Reference and apply NADCAP, AWS, ASTM, and AMS standards to a variety of metal samples, weldments, coatings, and AM builds.

Required Qualifications & Technical Criteria

• Demonstrated professional or advanced academic background in Metallographic Microstructure Evaluation, Heat Treatment Acceptance (AMS 2750, ASTM E112), Weld Macro Etch & CWI Acceptance.
• Strong analytical writing and critical evaluation skills in English.
• Self-directed work ethic suited for an asynchronous, 100% remote research environment.

Preferred Experience & Bonus Attributes

• At least 8 years of hands-on experience making high-stakes accept/reject calls on micrographs, weld macros, fracture surfaces, coatings, or LPBF additive builds.
• Advanced knowledge of US and international standards including ASTM, AMS, AWS, NADCAP, NACE/AMPP, and SSPC.
• Current or prior AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credentials, or equivalent metallurgical certification.
• Proven experience in metallographic analysis, heat treatment evaluation, weld inspection, and industrial coating assessment.
• Working knowledge of additive manufacturing processes, especially laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and associated defect mechanisms.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to explain technical reasoning clearly.
• Demonstrated background in remote or digital project collaboration, with strong self-direction and accountability for deliverables.

Compensation, Remote Eligibility & Schedule

• Compensation Band: $80 - $130/hour
• Work Model: 100% Remote / Work From Home with flexible asynchronous scheduling
• Eligible Remote Locations: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa
• Current Openings: 20 active specialist positions
• Hiring Organization: ZR Talent Group
• Core Skills & Technologies: Metallographic Microstructure Evaluation, Heat Treatment Acceptance (AMS 2750, ASTM E112), Weld Macro Etch & CWI Acceptance, Coating Inspection (NACE/AMPP, SSPC), Additive Manufacturing (LPBF) Defect Disposition