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Metallography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Texarkana Aluminum

Senior Metallurgist

Texarkana, TX

$77K - $94K/yr

Training in aluminum metallography Experience * > 5 years in Aluminum flat rolled manufacturing process * *1 > 10 years in Aluminum flat rolled manufacturing process * Statistical process control

Ai Signal Research Inc

Engineer II

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$73K - $99K/yr

Responsibilities will include collecting various evidence of material properties by performing various material characterization tasks including metallography evaluations to determine micro structure ...

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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How much do metallography jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 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.

Is a Metallurgist a good career?

A metallurgist is a skilled professional who studies and analyzes metals and alloys, often working in manufacturing, research, or quality control environments. The career offers opportunities in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and materials development, with roles typically requiring a degree in metallurgical engineering or materials science. Job prospects are generally stable, with potential for advancement and specialization.

How much do Metallurgists get paid?

Metallurgists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or advanced certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in industries like aerospace, automotive, or research labs.

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.

Do Metallurgists make good money?

Metallographers, a specialized role within metallurgy, typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, but experienced professionals with certifications and advanced skills can earn higher wages, especially in manufacturing, research, or quality control environments.

What careers can you pursue in metallurgy?

Metallography is a specialized field within metallurgy that involves analyzing and studying the microstructure of metals and alloys. Careers in metallurgy include roles such as metallurgical engineer, materials scientist, quality control technician, and research and development specialist, often requiring knowledge of materials testing, microscopy, and industry standards. These professionals work in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and research laboratories, utilizing tools like microscopes and spectrometers to ensure material performance and safety.

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

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 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.
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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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,261 per year, or $23.2 per hour.
Principal Quality Engineer Technician

Principal Quality Engineer Technician

CryoLife

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Company Overview:
Headquartered in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, Artivion, Inc. specializes in developing innovative medical devices aimed at addressing challenging cardiac and vascular conditions. Our Austin facility houses a diverse team dedicated to producing the On-X Mechanical Heart Valves. With over 1,600 employees globally and manufacturing sites in Atlanta, Austin, and Hechingen, Germany, Artivion serves healthcare professionals in over 100 countries. For more details, visit our website at www.artivion.com.
Position Overview:
The Principal Quality Engineering Technician serves as the site technical lead for inspection, test, and laboratory equipment used to verify product quality in a regulated medical device manufacturing environment. This position provides advanced hands-on support for Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), X-ray inspection systems, dye penetrant testing equipment, metallography preparation/analysis equipment, and related QC equipment and software.
The role is responsible for developing and maintaining inspection programs, troubleshooting and sustaining QC equipment, supporting equipment qualification and calibration activities, and ensuring inspection methods are compliant, repeatable, and aligned with engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, internal procedures, and applicable regulatory standards.
Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the site subject matter expert (SME) for CMM inspection systems, including programming, troubleshooting, method optimization, routine maintenance coordination, fixture support, and program control.
  • Develop, validate, revise, and maintain CMM programs using ZEISS CALYPSO or equivalent software to support production inspection, first article inspection, process validation, capability studies, investigations, and engineering development activities.
  • Program, configure, troubleshoot, and support X-ray inspection equipment and related software for product inspection, defect evaluation, measurement, and documentation activities.
  • Interpret complex engineering drawings, specifications, and models using GD&T principles to establish appropriate inspection strategies, datum structures, tolerancing approaches, and measurement methods.
  • Support QC equipment used for CMM, X-ray, dye penetrant testing, metallography, optical/vision inspection, dimensional inspection, and other laboratory or production inspection processes.
  • Perform or coordinate routine equipment checks, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, service calls, and vendor support for QC inspection and test equipment.
  • Support equipment qualification, installation, operational, and performance qualification activities, including authoring or executing protocols, documenting deviations, and analyzing results.
  • Develop, revise, and maintain inspection methods, work instructions, equipment operating procedures, test protocols, forms, and other quality documentation associated with QC equipment and inspection processes.
  • Perform measurement system analysis activities, including Gage R&R, method comparisons, repeatability/reproducibility assessments, bias studies, and capability evaluations as needed.
  • Investigate nonconformances; identify technical root causes; and partner with cross-functional teams to implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
  • Provide technical support for internal and external audits, regulatory inspections, and customer or supplier inquiries related to QC equipment, inspection methods, and quality records.
  • Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Metrology/Calibration, and external equipment manufacturers or service providers to sustain and improve inspection processes, equipment uptime, and key performance indicators.
  • Identify and implement improvements to inspection programs, fixtures, equipment setup, data collection, reporting, and workflow to improve accuracy, throughput, compliance, and reduction of inspection-related waste.
  • Train and mentor inspectors, technicians, and cross-functional personnel on QC equipment operation, CMM and X-ray inspection practices, and GD&T interpretation.
  • Support calibration planning, equipment status review, out-of-tolerance assessments, and impact evaluations for QC inspection and laboratory equipment.
  • Maintain inspection program revision control, electronic data integrity, equipment files, software backups, and related documentation in accordance with QMS requirements.
  • Provide escalation support for complex technical quality issues on the manufacturing floor and in QC laboratory areas.

Qualifications:
  • Associate's degree in engineering technology, Metrology, Quality, Manufacturing, Materials Science, or related technical field preferred. Equivalent combination of education, training, and directly relevant experience may be considered.
  • Typically 8+ years of experience in Quality, Metrology, Inspection, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical roles, preferably in a regulated medical device, aerospace, automotive, pharmaceutical, or other highly regulated manufacturing environment.
  • Advanced CMM programming experience required; hands-on experience with ZEISS CALYPSO strongly preferred.
  • Experience supporting CMM equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, service coordination, probe qualification, fixture verification, and inspection program management required.
  • Experience programming, operating, or supporting industrial X-ray inspection equipment and software strongly preferred.
  • Strong working knowledge of GD&T and dimensional inspection methods required; ability to interpret complex drawings, specifications, models, datums, and tolerance schemes.
  • Experience with dye penetrant testing, metallography sample preparation/evaluation, microscopy, hardness testing, optical/vision systems, or other QC laboratory equipment preferred.
  • Knowledge of equipment qualification, process validation, inspection method validation, calibration, Gage R&R, MSA, capability analysis, and statistical problem-solving tools preferred.
  • Working knowledge of FDA Quality System Regulation, ISO 13485, cGMP/GDP expectations, document control, data integrity, and medical device QMS requirements preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical troubleshooting, mentor others, communicate across functions, and drive sustainable improvements without direct supervision.
  • Proficiency with quality records, technical report writing, inspection data analysis, Microsoft Office applications, and electronic quality or document management systems.
  • Preferred certifications or training include ASQ CQT/CQE/CCT or equivalent quality/metrology certification; formal training in ZEISS CALYPSO, GD&T, X-ray inspection, dye penetrant testing, metallography, or applicable nondestructive testing methods.

Benefits & Perks:
We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance:
  • Generous Time Off: Enjoy 5 weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO), accrued throughout the year, plus 10 paid company holidays
  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with life insurance and supplemental benefits
  • Retirement Planning: 401(k) with up to a 4% company match (Traditional and Roth options available)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Purchase Artivion stock at a discounted rate and share in our company's success
  • Work-Life Balance: Benefit from a consistent and predictable work schedule
  • Education Support: Tuition reimbursement to support your continued growth and development
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access confidential resources for personal, financial, and emotional well-being
  • Legal Benefits (LegalShield): Includes legal consultation, document review, will preparation, and 24/7 emergency access
  • Financial Wellness: Access tools and resources through the Truist Momentum program
  • Employee Discounts: Enjoy savings through Working Advantage, offering discounts on travel, entertainment, and more
  • Efficient Hiring Process: We value your time and offer a streamlined interview process with timely feedback and decisions

Please Note: This is an onsite position reporting to our manufacturing facility in Austin, TX.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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