Metallurgical Laboratory Technician at Monroe, NC

Overview

Job Title:

Metallurgical Laboratory Technician

Location:

Monroe, NC 28110

Contract:

12 Months (W2)

Pay Rate: $35/hr to $36.85/hr

• Conduct metallurgical and material verification tests per defined specifications and procedures while managing routine instrument care.
• Perform precise sample preparation, calibration, and elemental analysis of materials using atomic spectroscopy and gas combustion methodologies.
• Prepare, section, mount, polish, and etch specimens for microstructural evaluation.
• Evaluate microstructure, hardness, density, tensile, fatigue, and other required material properties using established test methods.
• Execute special process validations following controlled work instructions and document results within MES.
• Record, organize, and maintain traceable test data, ensuring accuracy and digital completeness.
• Maintain calibration readiness and proper operation of metallurgical test and measurement equipment, including maintenance per established procedures at required intervals.
• Track and maintain consumable inventories, including chemicals needed for sample preparation and testing.
• Coordinate with the Materials Scientist and Quality Engineer on testing requirements, data reviews, and investigations.
• Identify, document, and communicate out-of-spec conditions or nonconformances for engineering and quality review.
• Support PPAP, MSA, and FAI metallurgical testing requirements for new production builds.
• Participate in 5S, safety, and continuous improvement activities within the metallurgical lab.
• Support the Process Engineer and Materials Scientist with material or failure analysis inputs as needed.
• Engage with Operations for sampling support and coordination of material flow.
• Support and promote compliance with all quality requirements within the QMS and industry regulations, such as AS9100, as pertaining to the role.
• Attend occasional Zoom meetings before or after 1st shift hours to facilitate global collaboration.

• AA/AS degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior relevant experience, or a University Degree in a related field, or in the absence of a degree, 4 years of relevant experience.
• 2+ years of experience preparing metallurgical specimens (sectioning, mounting, polishing, etching) or operating related laboratory equipment.
• 2+ years of experience in metallurgical or material testing, laboratory operations, or quality/inspection work in a metals environment.
• Ability to operate precision instruments and measurement tools with strong manual dexterity.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and stand for extended periods during testing activities.

• 2+ years of experience preparing metallurgical specimens (sectioning, mounting, polishing, etching).
• 2+ years of experience in metallurgical or material testing, laboratory operations, or quality/inspection work in a metals environment.
• Ability to operate precision instruments and measurement tools with strong manual dexterity (calipers, micrometer, height gauges, dial indicators, gauge blocks, scales, etc.).
• Associates Degree with two years of experience preferred; four years of experience with no degree; or a BS Degree in Metallurgical Engineering (preferred) or related field.

• Hands-on experience with atomic spectroscopy and gas combustion analysis, including sample preparation techniques and instrument-specific software; strong chemistry background, particularly ICP analysis.
• Experience with additive manufacturing or metal powder-based production environments.
• Familiarity with microstructural evaluation methods, hardness testing, density analysis, or special process validations.
• Experience capturing digital test data, documenting results, and working within MES/QMS systems.
• Knowledge of metal powder handling, sampling, or testing.
• Ability to understand and write standard work instructions, laboratory procedures, or test method documentation.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with an interest in continuous improvement of laboratory workflows.