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Metallography Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Relativity Space

Metallography Technician II

Long Beach, CA

$19 - $25.50/hr

About the Team: The Materials and NDE (Non-Destructive Evaluation) team plays a central role in enabling Terran R to fly, re-fly, and scale: developing, characterizing, and inspecting materials and ...

Relativity Space

Metallography Technician II

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$25.80 - $38.70/hr

At Relativity Space, we're building rockets to serve today's needs and tomorrow's breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch ...

Actalent

Metallurgical Lab Technician

Monroe, NC

$27 - $30/hr

Candidates from backgrounds such as Metallurgical Lab Technician, Materials Testing Technician, Quality Lab Technician, Materials Science Technician, Metallography Technician, Aerospace Materials ...

Actalent

Metallurgical Lab Technician

Monroe, NC

$27 - $30/hr

Candidates from backgrounds such as Metallurgical Lab Technician, Materials Testing Technician, Quality Lab Technician, Materials Science Technician, Metallography Technician, Aerospace Materials ...

VulcanForms

Metallographic Lab Technician

Devens, MA · On-site

$26 - $38/hr

You will perform all critical processes of metallography and provide documented results to multiple ... The Metallographic Technician role is an exciting and challenging hands-on position. It requires ...

Genex Systems

Expert Technician

Mclean, VA

$38K - $52K/yr

... metallography specimen preparation. Qualifications: * Must have a Bachelor of Science degree with two years of engineering technician experience or completion of at least four years of technical ...

Genex Systems

Expert Technician

Mclean, VA · On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

... metallography specimen preparation. Qualifications: * Must have a Bachelor of Science degree with two years of engineering technician experience or completion of at least four years of technical ...

Genex Systems

Expert Technician

Mclean, VA · On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

... metallography specimen preparation. Qualifications: * Must have a Bachelor of Science degree with two years of engineering technician experience or completion of at least four years of technical ...

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Metallography Technician information

What does a Metallography Technician do?

A Metallography Technician prepares and examines samples of metals and alloys to study their microstructure using microscopes and other analysis tools. Their work helps determine material properties, identify defects, and ensure quality in manufacturing processes. They often work in laboratories, supporting engineers and metallurgists by preparing specimens, conducting tests, and documenting results. This role is crucial for quality control, failure analysis, and research in various industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing.

What does a metallurgist technician do?

A metallography technician prepares and examines metal samples to analyze their microstructure, composition, and properties using tools like microscopes and polishing equipment. They often work in laboratories, following safety protocols and quality standards, and may assist in failure analysis or material testing to support manufacturing and research processes.

What is the difference between Metallography Technician vs Metallurgical Technician?

AspectMetallography TechnicianMetallurgical Technician
CertificationsOften requires metallurgy or materials science certificationsSimilar certifications, sometimes more advanced or specialized
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, preparing and analyzing metal samplesLaboratories, manufacturing plants, or quality control environments
Job FocusPreparing metallographic samples, microscopy, and analysisTesting, analyzing, and improving metallurgical processes
Industry UsageCommon in materials testing labs and manufacturingUsed in metallurgy, aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing sectors

Both roles involve working with metals and require knowledge of materials science. However, Metallography Technicians primarily focus on sample preparation and microscopic analysis, while Metallurgical Technicians often engage in broader metallurgical testing and process improvement. The roles are complementary within the metallurgy industry, with overlapping skills and certifications.

What does a metallurgical lab technician do?

A metallurgical lab technician conducts tests and analyses on metals and alloys to determine their composition, structure, and properties. They prepare samples, operate specialized equipment like microscopes and spectrometers, and document findings to support quality control and material development processes.

What are some common challenges faced by Metallography Technicians during sample preparation, and how can they be addressed?

Metallography Technicians often encounter challenges such as avoiding sample contamination, achieving a high-quality polish, and preventing deformation during cutting and mounting. These issues can impact the accuracy of microscopic examination and analysis. To overcome these challenges, technicians follow strict protocols, use clean equipment, and select appropriate abrasives and polishing compounds. Consistent attention to detail and ongoing training are essential for mastering advanced preparation techniques and ensuring reliable results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Metallography Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Metallography Technician, you need a solid understanding of metallurgical principles, sample preparation techniques, and microscopy, generally supported by a degree or certification in materials science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as optical and electron microscopes, polishing machines, and image analysis software is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for accurate analysis and reporting. These abilities ensure reliable examination of material structures, which is vital for quality control, research, and failure analysis in manufacturing and engineering industries.

Do Metallurgists make good money?

Metallography technicians and metallurgists typically earn competitive salaries, with pay varying based on experience, education, and industry. Skilled professionals with certifications and expertise in microscopy, material analysis, and laboratory techniques tend to have higher earning potential. Overall, metallurgy-related roles are considered well-paying within engineering and manufacturing fields.

What is the highest paid lab technician?

Among lab technicians, metallography technicians can earn higher salaries with specialized skills and certifications, often reaching top pay levels in the industry. Senior or lead metallography technicians with extensive experience and advanced knowledge of microscopy and sample preparation can earn higher wages, especially in industries like aerospace or automotive research. Overall, salaries vary based on location, experience, and industry demand, with some senior roles exceeding $70,000 annually.
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Metallography Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Metallography Technician job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 94% As Needed, 2% Full Time, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.
Metallography Technician II

Metallography Technician II

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA

$19 - $25.50/hr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Relativity Space rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 71 rated aerospace companies

Job description

About the Team: 

The Materials and NDE (Non-Destructive Evaluation) team plays a central role in enabling Terran R to fly, re-fly, and scale: developing, characterizing, and inspecting materials and processes across all parts of the vehicle. From welding and additive manufacturing to advanced composites, the team works at the intersection of innovation and execution, balancing performance and reliability with cost, quality, and schedule. As we move toward first flight and beyond, the challenges become more exciting, offering opportunities to shape how we design and develop for re-use. With ownership across products, systems, and disciplines, engineers gain broad exposure and drive key decisions across design, manufacturing, and operations.

About the Role:

  • Cut, mount, grind, polish, and etch metallic samples 
  • Operate optical microscopes and image analysis software 
  • Perform grain size, inclusion, case depth, coating thickness, and microstructure evaluations 
  • Conduct micro hardness testing  
  • Interpret metallographic results according to ASTM or customer specifications 
  • Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure calibration 
  • Document results and write accurate inspection reports 

About You:

  • Experience with metallographic/materialographic sample preparation, including sectioning, hot/cold mounting, manual/automated grinding & polishing, optical microscopy, and chemical/electrolytic etching 
  • Experience with hardness testing, including Rockwell hardness testing & microhardness (Knoop & Vickers) testing 
  • Experience handling corrosives (acids/bases) and conducting hazardous waste best practices 
  • Familiarity with aerospace alloy systems, including aluminum, nickel, titanium, copper, steel, etc. 
  • Well-organized and detail-oriented, able to juggle multiple projects at once in a fast-paced environment 
  • Effective & strong communicator and collaborator

Nice to haves, but not required:

  • Experience with optical profilometry and/or density via Archimedes' principle 
  • Experience with mechanical testing, thermal testing, chemical testing, and/or powder analysis 
  • Familiarity with additive manufacturing technologies, specifically metal AM technologies including DED, L-PBF, WAAM, etc. 
  • Familiarity with common metals processing techniques, including forming, casting, welding, heat treating, coating, etc. 

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