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Metallographer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Metallurgical Engineeris responsible fordeveloping materials application,forgedproductand manufacturing related technologies using fundamentals of engineering foundations and material science. A ...

STAFF METALLURGIST

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$75 - $95/hr

SUMMARY The Staff Metallurgist is responsible for applying hydrometallurgical expertise to the characterization of heap leach pads and the design and execution of solution injection programs on ...

New

Metallurgist

Lancaster, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Metallurgist The metallurgist will be proficient in laboratory testing, including sample preparation and competent test execution. The role requires expertise in general lab procedures and specific ...

New

Metallurgical Quality Supervisor 5 days ago Requisition ID: 2960 Salary Range: $105,000.00 To $125,000.00 Annually Position Summary The Metallurgical Quality Supervisor serves as PMP's technical lead ...

New

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field * 5+ years of progressive quality and metallurgical leadership experience * Proven experience leading Quality ...

Showing results 21-40

Metallographer information

See California salary details

$43.6K

$59.7K

$86.7K

How much do metallographer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for metallographer in California is $59,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,940.00 and $60,712.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a metallographer?

Metallographers are specialists who study and analyze the microstructure and properties of metals and alloys using techniques such as microscopy and chemical analysis. Their work is crucial in fields like materials science, manufacturing, and quality control, as it helps determine a metal's suitability for specific applications. Metallographers prepare samples, examine them for defects or structural characteristics, and interpret their findings to guide product development or troubleshoot failures. This role often involves collaboration with engineers and researchers to improve materials and processes.

What does a metallographer do?

A metallographer conducts laboratory tests on samples of metals and alloys to provide data for improved production methods. As a metallographer, you use photomicrographs and microscopic and macroscopic drawings to examine the crystal structure, porosity, and homogeneity of various metals and alloys. Your duties include preparing reports about the characteristics of metals and metallic alloys and making recommendations for their use in production and manufacturing. Other responsibilities include overseeing and collaborating with laboratory staff to conduct tests and analyze findings.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a metallographer?

To thrive as a Metallographer, you need a background in materials science, metallurgy, or related fields, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as microscopes, spectrometers, and metallographic preparation tools, as well as knowledge of analysis software, is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for accurately interpreting material structures, ensuring quality control, and conveying findings to engineering teams.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a metallographer?

A Metallographer's daily tasks typically involve preparing and examining metal samples using techniques such as sectioning, mounting, polishing, and etching. They use microscopes to analyze microstructures, detect defects, and document their findings. This work is crucial for assessing the quality and properties of metals, ensuring that materials meet industry standards and client requirements. Metallographers often collaborate with engineers and quality assurance teams to provide insights that help improve manufacturing processes and product reliability.

What is the difference between Metallographer vs Materials Technician?

AspectMetallographerMaterials Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in materials science, metallurgy, or related field; certifications like ASM Metallography Certification are common.Often requires a degree or diploma in materials science, engineering, or related fields; may hold certifications in materials testing or inspection.
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, manufacturing plants, performing microscopic analysis and sample preparation.Manufacturing sites, laboratories, quality control departments, conducting testing, inspection, and data collection.
Industry UsageUsed in metallurgy, aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing industries for material analysis.Commonly employed in manufacturing, quality assurance, and materials testing sectors across various industries.

While both roles involve working with materials and testing, metallographers focus on microscopic analysis and sample preparation of metals, whereas materials technicians perform broader testing and inspection tasks. Both roles require knowledge of materials science and often overlap in laboratory settings, but their specific duties and focus areas differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Metallographer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Metallographer jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Metallographer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Metallographer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Metallographer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Metallographer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Metallographer jobs in CA?

For Metallographer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Metallographer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $59,733 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Engineer II, Technology (Metallurgy)

ATI

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

$6.9K - $11K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Proven to Perform.
From the edges of space to the bottoms of ocean, our materials are proven to perform -- and so is our team. We're hiring high performers as proven as our products. Join us.

Summary:

ATI is currently looking for a Metallurgical Engineer (Engineer II) at our Irvine, CA location. The Metallurgical Engineeris responsible fordeveloping materials application,forgedproductand manufacturing related technologies using fundamentals of engineering foundations and material science. A successful Metallurgical Engineer will review customer inquiries to assess ATI's ability to achieve customer requirements. The Metallurgical Engineer will collaborate on cross-functional teams including sales, manufacturing, and quality assurance to trouble shoot and resolve issues when they arise.

Essential Functions:

  • Assistin providing technical input and metallurgical guidance with proper evaluation by applying fundamentals of materials science and engineering to the Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing staff for process design and production execution.
  • Under guidance of the Sr Manager, plan and work on technology assessment and or development programs withan objectiveto improve productivity and quality, increase forged product performance, and develop products for increased market share.
  • Collaborate with customers, suppliers andorinternal Sales/ Marketing and Engineering teams to develop or qualify a new material to support market growth potential, forgedcomponentfor increased market share, and predictive modeling capability as a value-add proposition to the customers to improve product performance.
  • Help plan and execute production-type special projects under contract with commercial or governmental customers.
  • Participate, coordinate and guide project deliverables across forged products business locations and various ATI locations through periodic reports and informal meetings.
  • Report and present the progress of key projects to the senior leadership from Engineering, Marketing/ Sales, Manufacturing, while assuring efforts aretimelyand within approved budget.
  • Assist Sales, Engineering, and Manufacturing as requested in all areas requiring metallurgicalexpertiseincluding visits to customers, preparing proposals, and participation in meetingsregardingspecific parts or processes.

Basic Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree in Metallurgical Engineeringor Materials Science

Additional Skills

  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Strong computer competency, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Highly motivated, organized with the ability to work as part of a team

Total Rewards

ATI has a Total Rewards package to attract andretaintop talent. As part of our Total Rewards package, we offera competitivebase pay with variableadditionalcompensation opportunities. This includes:

  • A top 401K plan, including company match
  • Health insurance (medical, dental, vision), life insurance, short and long-term disability, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Programs
  • 15- 20 days of paid vacation time based on work experience, along with 11 paid holidays
  • Performance bonus
  • Optional employee paid programs such as Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, and Pet Insurance

Our Total Rewards program and options available to an employee may vary depending on multiple factors, including location and hire date.Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Salary: $6,902 - $11,036/monthly

Wethrive when the expectations are great, and the barriers are high. We're solving the world's most difficult challenges through materials science.Our advanced, integrated process technologies and proven performers give us a tremendous competitive advantage. When customers systems need to fly higher, dig deeper, stand stronger, and last longer -- anywhere on, above or below the earth -- ATI is proven to perform.


*It is ATI's policy to not provide immigration sponsorship for any of the company's positions.
ATI and its subsidiary companies will provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected be federal or state law. The company will provide reasonable accommodations to allow an applicant to participate in the hiring process if so requested.