Laboratory Technician - Materials Lab

Overview

Metcut Research is a full-service firm with significant, world-leading experience in testing materials. We have been providing excellence in materials testing since 1948. For over 75 years, our expertise has propelled innovation across aerospace, space, transportation, energy, and medical industries.

Our people are at the heart of our success and the foundation of our strategy for the future. We believe that long-term, sustained success only results from investment in people. Each member of our workforce is an important financial stakeholder in our business. We know that it is our people who differentiate us in our chosen field of materials evaluation.

The Metallographer is responsible for the preparation, examination, and evaluation of metallic and related material samples in support of materials characterization, testing, and failure investigations. This role requires hands-on experience in metallurgical sample preparation and materialography, along with the understanding of metallurgical principles and laboratory best practices.

The Metallographer will assist in and manage projects related to materials evaluation, mechanical and microstructural testing, chemical analysis, and failure analysis. This role works closely with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and laboratory personnel to ensure accurate data collection, sound analysis, and compliance with applicable standards.

• Prepare metallurgical specimens through sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, etching in accordance with established procedures and industry standards
• Conduct optical microscopy and microstructural evaluations of metals and alloys to assess grain structure, phases, defects, inclusions, and heat treatment conditions
• Perform and support mechanical and physical testing, including hardness testing
• Assist with chemical analysis and compositional verification using approved laboratory techniques and equipment
• Support and participate in failure analysis investigations by documenting fracture features, perform fractography, microstructural conditions, and contributing to root cause analyses
• Document test procedures, observations, and results in formal laboratory reports and technical summaries
• Maintain laboratory equipment, tools, and supplies, ensuring proper calibration, cleanliness, and safe operation
• Manage assigned materials evaluation projects from sample receipt through final reporting, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to requirements
• Follow laboratory safety protocols, chemical handling procedures, and quality management system requirements
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams to support continuous improvement and problem-solving efforts

This job description in no way implies that the duties listed here are the only ones the employee can be required to perform. The employee is expected to perform other tasks as dictated by their manager or supervisor.

• Associate’s degree or higher in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in metallurgical sample preparation and materialography
• Working knowledge of metallurgical principles, including microstructure, heat treatment, and alloy behavior
• Experience with optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy know-how (preferred)
• Ability to accurately interpret metallographic results and communicate findings
• Experience working in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, or industrial testing environments

We welcome enthusiastic, dedicated, and innovative individuals with a comprehensive benefits package including competitive pay, ESOP - Employee Stock Ownership Plan, medical, dental and vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life and accidental death insurance, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, 401K match plan, bonus plan and paid vacation. We also offer challenging work and the opportunity to be a valued member of our growing and profitable team!

We will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).