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Metallography Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lab Technician

Orange, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Lab Technician - Metallography & Mechanical Testing Location: Orange, California ABOUT FTAI AVIATION LTD. (NASDAQ: FTAI) FTAI owns and maintains commercial jet engines with a focus on CFM56 engines.

Foundry Quality Supervisor

Norwich, KS ยท On-site

$75 - $110/hr

... metallography, and sand testing. * Supervise and train lab personnel and foundry quality technicians. * Serve as technical backup for lab operations during personnel absences. Process Control ...

Materials Testing Technician

Pittsburgh, PA ยท On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Job Summary The Alloy Development Technician provides laboratory and pilot-scale support for ... Experience with materials testing, metallography, research laboratories, machine shop operations ...

Laboratory Tech 6 (Met Eval)

Monroe, NC

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

ATI is currently seeking a Lab Technician (6) for Metallography Evaluation in our Monroe, NC facility. This position is a crucial step as the technician will be evaluating samples throughout the day ...

Foundry Quality Supervisor

Cheney, KS ยท On-site

$65 - $95/hr

... metallography, and sand testing. * Supervise and train lab personnel and foundry quality technicians. * Serve as technical backup for lab operations during personnel absences. Process Control ...

Laboratory Tech 6 (Met Eval)

Monroe, NC ยท On-site

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

ATI is currently seeking a Lab Technician (6) for Metallography Evaluation in our Monroe, NC facility. This position is a crucial step as the technician will be evaluating samples throughout the day ...

Laboratory Tech 6 (Met Eval)

Monroe, NC ยท On-site

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

ATI is currently seeking a Lab Technician (6) for Metallography Evaluation in our Monroe, NC facility. This position is a crucial step as the technician will be evaluating samples throughout the day ...

Field Service Technician

Mauldin, SC ยท On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Predominantly local customer travel Are you an experienced Field Service Technician or Field ... PLC/HMI, metallography, hardness testing or materials-testing experience would be advantageous but ...

Laboratory Tech 6 (Met Prep)

Monroe, NC ยท On-site

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

ATI is currently seeking a Lab Technician (Metallographic Prep) for our lab department in our ... METALLOGRAPHY METALLOGRAPHY PREPARATION (INCLUDING MOUNTING, POLISHING, AND ETCHING SAMPLES); USE ...

Laboratory Tech 6 (Met Prep)

Monroe, NC ยท On-site

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

ATI is currently seeking a Lab Technician (Metallographic Prep) for our lab department in our ... METALLOGRAPHY METALLOGRAPHY PREPARATION (INCLUDING MOUNTING, POLISHING, AND ETCHING SAMPLES); USE ...

Laboratory Tech 6 (Met Prep)

Monroe, NC ยท On-site

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

ATI is currently seeking a Lab Technician (Metallographic Prep) for our lab department in our ... METALLOGRAPHY METALLOGRAPHY PREPARATION (INCLUDING MOUNTING, POLISHING, AND ETCHING SAMPLES); USE ...

* Job Summary The Alloy Development Technician provides laboratory and pilot-scale support for ... Experience with materials testing, metallography, research laboratories, machine shop operations ...

Showing results 41-60

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a metallography technician?

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.

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 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.

More about Metallography Technician jobs

What cities are hiring for Metallography Technician jobs?

Cities with the most Metallography Technician job openings:

What states have the most Metallography Technician jobs?

States with the most job openings for Metallography Technician jobs include:

Infographic showing various Metallography Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Lab Technician

FTAI Aviation LLC

Orange, CA โ€ข On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Lab Technician – Metallography & Mechanical Testing

Location: Orange, California


ABOUT FTAI AVIATION LTD. (NASDAQ: FTAI)

 

FTAI owns and maintains commercial jet engines with a focus on CFM56 engines. FTAI’s propriety portfolio of products, including the Module Factory and a joint venture to manufacture engine PMA, enables it to provide cost savings and flexibility to our airline, lessor, and maintenance, repair, and operations customer base. Additionally, FTAI owns and leases jet aircraft which often facilitates the acquisition of engines at attractive prices. FTAI invests in aviation assets and aerospace products that generate strong and stable cash flows with the potential for earnings growth and asset appreciation.


FTAI operates globally and has offices in New York, Miami, Montréal, Singapore. Dubai, United Kingdom and Ireland.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Lab Technician role will perform metallographic, tensile, and hardness testing on thermal spray coatings — including tungsten carbide, aluminum bronze, and chrome carbide — to verify coating quality against internal and customer specifications. This is a hands-on, full-time bench role in the materials lab.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Prepare metallographic samples end to end: sectioning, mounting, grinding, and polishing to a scratch-free finish suitable for microscopic evaluation.
  • Examine coating microstructure under optical microscope and evaluate porosity, oxide content, unmelted particles, coating thickness, bond line integrity, and interface condition.
  • Capture, measure, and document microstructural images; compare results against acceptance criteria and reference standards.
  • Conduct hardness testing using Rockwell and Vickers (including microhardness) equipment; verify calibration and set up appropriate loads and indenters for coating and substrate materials.
  • Set up and run tensile tests, including bond strength/adhesion testing of sprayed coatings; install specimens, apply correct fixtures and rates, and record load, elongation, and failure mode.
  • Operate, clean, and maintain lab equipment: saws, mounting presses, automated and manual polishers, microscopes, hardness testers, and tensile frames.
  • Record test data accurately, generate test reports, and flag nonconforming or out-of-trend results to the supervisor promptly.
  • Maintain calibration records, consumable inventory, and lab housekeeping; follow all safety and chemical-handling requirements.
  • Support root cause investigations and process development trials with additional sample prep and testing as requested.

 

Qualifications:

  • 4–5 years of hands-on materials or metallurgical lab experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret metallurgical structures under a microscope and distinguish coating defects from preparation artifacts.
  • Proven hands-on operation of polishing equipment, Rockwell and Vickers hardness testers, and tensile testing machines.
  • Solid measurement and math skills; comfortable with calipers, micrometers, and image-analysis measurement tools.
  • Careful, detail-driven documentation habits and the ability to work independently on a full test queue.
  • Ability to follow written procedures and work instructions precisely.

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with thermal spray coatings (HVOF, plasma, combustion) and carbide or bronze coating systems.
  • Associate degree or technical certificate in materials science, metallurgy, or a related field.
  • Familiarity with image analysis software and lab data systems.
  • Experience working in a lab governed by a formal quality management system.

 

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

  • Full-time, on-site lab work with extended periods of standing, bench work, and microscope use.
  • Frequent fine motor and repetitive hand work during sample preparation.
  • Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
  • Exposure to abrasives, polishing compounds, acids/etchants, and machine noise; required PPE must be worn at all times.