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Met Lab Jobs in Wichita, KS (NOW HIRING)

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Met Lab information

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How much do met lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for met lab in Wichita, KS is $22.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $24.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a met lab?

Met Lab jobs refer to roles within metallurgical laboratories, where professionals analyze and test metals and alloys to determine their properties, composition, and quality. These positions often include metallurgists, lab technicians, and materials scientists who perform experiments, run tests, and interpret results for industrial applications. Met Lab professionals play a key role in quality control, materials development, and failure analysis across industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and construction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a metallurgical laboratory technician?

To succeed as a Metallurgical Laboratory Technician, you need a strong background in materials science, laboratory testing methods, and a relevant technical diploma or degree. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as spectrometers, hardness testers, and metallographic microscopes, as well as proficiency in data analysis software, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate test results, maintaining laboratory safety, and supporting quality control in manufacturing or research environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a met lab, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a Met Lab (Metallurgical Laboratory) often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise testing standards, managing a high volume of sample analyses, and troubleshooting unexpected material properties. Staying updated with industry standards and regular calibration of equipment are crucial for accuracy. Team collaboration is essential, as metallurgists, lab technicians, and quality engineers must frequently communicate to interpret results and solve complex problems. Continuous learning and adherence to safety protocols also support efficiency and professional growth in this environment.

What is the difference between Met Lab vs Materials Testing Technician?

AspectMet LabMaterials Testing Technician
CertificationsOften requires certifications like NDT or specific industry trainingTypically requires certifications such as NDT or ASTM standards
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, quality control labsTesting facilities, manufacturing sites, quality assurance labs
Industry UsageUsed across aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and constructionCommon in construction, manufacturing, and quality assurance sectors

Both Met Lab and Materials Testing Technician roles involve testing and quality assurance in industrial settings. While they share similar certifications and work environments, Met Lab often refers to the laboratory-based testing process, whereas Materials Testing Technicians may perform on-site or in-lab testing. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in materials testing and quality control fields.

What are popular job titles related to Met Lab jobs in Wichita, KS?

For Met Lab jobs in Wichita, KS, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Met Lab job openings in Wichita, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,981 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Associate Advance Product Development and Research Engineer

Spirit AeroSystems

Wichita, KS • On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 hours ago


Spirit AeroSystems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Overview
This role is at Boeing Wichita, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, supporting both Boeing Wichita's Commercial and Defense Business Units. Boeing Wichita Commercial designs and builds commercial aerostructures, including for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, one of Boeing's three business units and the premier manufacturer of commercial jetliners for decades. Boeing Wichita Commercial's core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components, with a focus on innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions. Boeing Wichita Defense supports a wide variety of defense focused projects for numerous defense customers, with an emphasis on aerostructures.
The Advanced Metals Research & Technology team is looking for an Automation and Manufacturing Research Engineer with machining, manufacturing, and automation experience to support multiple commercial and defense research projects. In this role you will work with engineering teams, materials & process teams, and program teams, to collaboratively guide technical solutions from the lab to the factory floor.
Responsibilities
Position Responsibilities:
  • Apply knowledge of aerospace mechanical/structural component fabrication and assembly processes and technologies to support metallic fabrication research and development strategies and plans.
  • Design, develop, verify, apply, and implement experimental technologies and improvements to established fabrication technologies.
  • Direct evaluations of automated processes in support of current and proposed manufacturing system technologies
  • Support multi-functional teams in the above effort, coordinate the identification and capture of cost and time savings, and assist in strategic technology planning.
  • Research, design, develop and analyze materials, tools, products, and their related fabrication and assembly processes to develop and optimize for use in engineering design of and/or application in aero systems structures, systems and subsystems.
  • Develop, analyze, and apply material properties and design allowables, processing methods, and quality engineering specifications and standards to metallic fabrication projects.

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):
  • Bachelor's degree from an ABET accredited program in Engineering
  • 2 to 4 years of related experience with automation and fabrication technology
  • Familiarity with discrete and continuous model simulations for production systems
  • 2 to 4 years of related experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Experience with CATIA or other equivalent CAD programs
  • Engineering and technical drawing interpretation knowledge
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Experience utilizing various Microsoft Office Suite applications, such as Office 365 and Microsoft Project, Power Point, Excel, Word, Teams and Visio

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
  • Ability to obtain a US Security Clearance
  • Knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes, procedures and specifications
  • Experience in cross-functional project management
  • Experience with hard metal machining, high temperature alloys
  • Experience applying automated systems to manufacturing processes
  • Understanding of metallurgical terminology and concepts
  • Ability to quickly get familiarized with factory manufacturing processes
  • Experience with Catia V5 highly preferred
  • Experience working with a multi-functional team on technical manufacturing projects
  • Experience working in a research and development environment
  • Knowledge of automation and modeling programs, such as Visual Components
  • Ability to take initiative and seek creative metallic fabrication solutions

Union:
This is a union-represented position.
Drug Free Workplace:
We are a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
Pay & Benefits:
We strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
We also provide eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Summary Pay Range: $75,550 - $115,850
Kansas Tax Credit: Join Spirit AeroSystems' Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years. Click here for more information on the tax credit.

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