ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Metallography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Inversion

Senior Propulsion R&D Technician

Vista, CA · On-site

$47 - $61/hr

Perform metallography including preparation (grind, polish, etch, mount), inspection (microscope, XRF/SEM/CT analysis), and testing (tensile, hardness) with applicable devices * Execute experiments ...

Nucor

Entry-Level Lab Technician

Apple Grove, WV · On-site

Metallography / etch lab (basic prep and handling) Testing & Data Integrity * Accurately record sample information and results in lab systems * Follow established ASTM, ISO, and internal procedures ...

Genex Systems

Metals Research Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

... metallography, fractography, and common metallic property characterization tests (which may include ASTM E8, ASTM E9, ASTM E18, ASTM E23, ASTM E399, ASTM E1820, ASTM E1921, and ASTM F606). Excellent ...

Eastman

Materials Engineer

Kingsport, TN · On-site

... metallography/microstructure analyses, equipment inspections, and materials of construction designs among other materials-related project work. • Support work related to Risk Based Inspection (RBI ...

Genex Systems

Metals Research Engineer

Mclean, VA

... metallography, fractography, and common metallic property characterization tests (which may include ASTM E8, ASTM E9, ASTM E18, ASTM E23, ASTM E399, ASTM E1820, ASTM E1921, and ASTM F606). Excellent ...

Eastman

Materials Engineer

Kingsport, TN · On-site

... metallography/microstructure analyses, equipment inspections, and materials of construction designs among other materials-related project work. • Support work related to Risk Based Inspection (RBI ...

Farrar Corporation

Foundry Quality Supervisor

Norwich, KS · On-site

$75 - $110/hr

Direct and oversee all foundry laboratory activities, including spectrographic analysis, tensile testing, hardness testing, metallography, and sand testing. * Supervise and train lab personnel and ...

Eastman

Materials Engineer

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$85 - $125/hr

Provide subject matter expertise to support plant operations by conducting corrosion studies, root-cause failure analysis, metallography/microstructure analyses, equipment inspections, and materials ...

Farrar Corporation

Foundry Quality Supervisor

Cheney, KS · On-site

$65 - $95/hr

Direct and oversee all foundry laboratory activities, including spectrographic analysis, tensile testing, hardness testing, metallography, and sand testing. * Supervise and train lab personnel and ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsManufacturing JobsMachining JobsMetal Fabricator JobsMetallography Jobs

Metallography information

See salary details

$13

$23

$32

How much do metallography jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for metallography in the United States is $23.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is metallography?

Metallography is the study of the physical structure and components of metals, typically using microscopy. It involves preparing samples of metals or alloys, observing their microstructure with specialized equipment, and analyzing features such as grain size, phase distribution, and defects. Metallography is essential for understanding the properties and performance of metals in various applications, from manufacturing to failure analysis. Professionals in this field help ensure material quality and contribute to research and development in materials science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a metallographer?

To thrive as a Metallographer, you need a solid background in materials science, metallurgical analysis, and sample preparation, often supported by a degree in materials science or engineering. Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as optical and electron microscopes, hardness testers, and image analysis software is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong documentation skills are essential soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure accurate material evaluation and reporting, which are critical for quality control and research in manufacturing and engineering industries.

What are some common challenges metallographers face when preparing samples for microscopic analysis?

One of the primary challenges in metallography is ensuring that samples are properly prepared without introducing artifacts, such as scratches or deformation, which can obscure the true microstructure. This requires careful sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, and etching, all tailored to the material being studied. Additionally, working with a variety of metals and alloys often means adapting preparation techniques and troubleshooting unexpected issues, making attention to detail and problem-solving skills essential. Collaboration with materials engineers and quality control teams is also common to interpret results accurately and meet project goals.

What is the difference between Metallography vs Material Testing Technician?

AspectMetallographyMaterial Testing Technician
CertificationsTypically requires metallography or materials science certificationsOften requires NDT or materials testing certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, manufacturing plantsTesting labs, quality control departments, industrial sites
Industry UsageUsed in metallurgy, aerospace, automotive, manufacturingUsed across manufacturing, construction, aerospace, and quality assurance

While both roles involve working with materials, Metallography focuses on preparing and analyzing metal microstructures, whereas Material Testing Technicians perform various tests to assess material properties. Both roles are essential in quality control and materials research, often overlapping in industry settings.

What careers can you pursue in metallography?

Careers in metallography include roles such as metallographer, materials analyst, and quality control technician, focusing on analyzing metal microstructures and properties. These positions often require knowledge of microscopy, sample preparation, and materials science, with opportunities in manufacturing, research laboratories, and quality assurance environments.
More about Metallography jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Metallography jobs?

The most popular types of Metallography jobs are:

What states have the most Metallography jobs?

States with the most job openings for Metallography jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Metallography jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Metallography jobs are:

Metallography jobs near you
Infographic showing various Metallography job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,261 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Senior Propulsion R&D Technician

Inversion

Vista, CA • On-site

$47 - $61/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth
Who We Are:
Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space.
Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform - one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach.
Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds.
Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in space-based defense and logistics.
Position Overview:
The Propulsion and Energetics team create the hardware that facilitates high maneuverability on-orbit and in the upper atmosphere. As a Senior Propulsion R&D Technician, you will be responsible for enabling rapid production and testing of propulsion hardware by ensuring high quality at every step of the development process.
You will collaborate with propulsion engineers to design and execute the procedures for metrology, metallography, inspection, assembly, integration, and testing necessary to demonstrate a design or technology is capable of our goals. This role is multidisciplinary and necessitates troubleshooting and autonomous operations with different kinds of systems. The ideal candidate is a quick learner, hands-on, flexible, has a good attitude, works well in a fast-paced environment, and is skilled with test equipment, instrumentation, and mechanical systems.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with propulsion engineers to aid the development of new hardware
  • Build and test propulsion hardware such as components, actuators, and engines
  • Perform pneumatic and hydraulic pressure testing of various propulsion components
  • Perform metallography including preparation (grind, polish, etch, mount), inspection (microscope, XRF/SEM/CT analysis), and testing (tensile, hardness) with applicable devices
  • Execute experiments, analyze data, and develop processes for optimizing additive manufacturing
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization in the shop

Required Qualifications:
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.
  • High school diploma or equivalent certificate
  • Typically 5+ years of experience working on aerospace or propulsion systems, or pressurized devices
  • Typically 2+ years of experience working on additively manufactured hardware development
  • Experience working in an R&D environment
  • Positive attitude, eagerness to learn and grow, and team-oriented attitude

Desired Qualifications:
  • Typically 9+ years of professional experience working on additive manufacturing hardware development
  • Experience with additive manufacturing and/or metallography
  • Experience with test coupons preparation including cutting, mounting, polishing, etching
  • Experience with Optical Microscopy and/or XRF/SEM/CT analysis
  • Demonstrated experience working with engineers to improve designs or processes
  • Prior experience working in startups and/or small independent teams

Additional Requirements:
  • Must be open to work either designated shift, overtime, and weekends
  • Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods - 8 hours minimum
  • Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces

Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.
The California hourly rate this role is currently $47.00 - $61.00. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.
ITAR Compliance:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.
Inversion collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a US Job Applicant see the CCPA Privacy Policy Noticefor further details.

Apply