Metallurgical Lab Technician (metal testing)
Location: Monroe, NC (28110)
Job ID: #72838
Pay Range: $33 - $40
Education: Typically requires an AA/AS degree plus min. 2yrs of prior relevant experience
- or a University Degree in a related field
- or in absence of a degree, 4yrs of relevant experience
U.S. citizenship or U.S. persons permitted
THE COMPANY - Work with one of the Largest American Owned Aerospace & Defense Companies.
Seeking a Metallurgical Lab Technician for the Monroe, NC Additive Manufacturing facility.
In this hands-on, laboratory-focused role, you will perform metallurgical and material verification testing to ensure product and process conformity to defined specifications, customer standards, and controlled procedures.
You will execute specimen preparation, perform metallurgical evaluations, maintain test equipment, and ensure accurate, traceable digital data entry within the MES and QMS systems-directly supporting production readiness, quality compliance, and SPQDC performance.
The ideal candidate brings strong attention to detail, precision in laboratory practice, familiarity with metal testing methods, and the ability to follow established procedures while supporting continuous improvement of material verification workflows.
What You Will Do:
- Conduct metallurgical and material verification tests per defined specifications and procedures while managing routine instrument care
- Perform precise sample preparation, calibration, and elemental analysis of materials using atomic spectroscopy and gas combustion methodologies
- Prepare, section, mount, polish, and etch specimens for microstructural evaluation
- Evaluate microstructure, hardness, density, tensile, fatigue, and other required material properties using established test methods
- Execute special process validations following controlled work instructions and document results within MES
- Record, organize, and maintain traceable test data, ensuring accuracy and digital completeness
- Maintain calibration readiness and proper operation of metallurgical test and measurement equipment, including but not limited to performing maintenance on the equipment per established procedures at required time and use intervals
- Track and maintain consumable inventories, including chemicals needed for sample preparation and testing
- Coordinate with the Materials Scientist and Quality Engineer on testing requirements, data reviews, and investigations
- Identify, document, and communicate out-of-spec conditions or nonconformances for engineering and quality review
- Support PPAP, MSA, and FAI metallurgical testing requirements for new production builds
- Participate in 5S, safety, and continuous improvement activities within the metallurgical lab
- Support the Process Engineer and Material Scientist with material or failure analysis inputs as needed
- Engage with Operations for sampling support and coordination of material flow
- Support and promote compliance to all quality requirements within the QMS and industry regulations, such as AS9100, as pertaining to the role
- Must be willing and able to attend occasional Zoom meeting before or after hours to facilitate global collaboration
Qualifications You Must Have:
Education:
- Typically requires an AA/AS degree and minimum 2 years of prior relevant experience
- or a University Degree in a related field
- or in absence of a degree, 4 years of relevant experience
- U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. persons are authorized to access information under this program/contract
- 2+ years experience preparing metallurgical specimens (sectioning, mounting, polishing, etching) or operating related lab equipment
- 2+years experience in metallurgical or material testing, laboratory operations, or quality/inspection work in a metals environment
- Ability to operate precision instruments and measurement tools with strong manual dexterity
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and stand for extended periods during testing activities
- US Citizen and US Person candidates permitted
Qualifications We Prefer:
- Hands-on experience in atomic spectroscopy and gas combustion analysis, including
sample preparation techniques and instrument-specific software, with a strong chemistry background preferred related to ICP analysis
- Experience with additive manufacturing or metal powder-based production environments
- Familiarity with microstructural evaluation methods, hardness testing, density analysis, or special process validations
- Experience capturing digital test data, documenting results
- Working within MES/QMS systems
- Knowledge of metal powder handling, sampling, or testing
- Ability to understand and write standard work instructions, laboratory procedures, or test method documentation
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with an interest in continuous improvement of lab workflows
Benefits provided: 401K, medical, dental, and vision, sick time as applicable to state law.
Butler America Aerospace, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer. Butler evaluates applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The Butler America Aerospace, LLC. EEO Policy Statement and "Know Your Rights" Poster is available here: Applicant and Employee Notices.
Butler America Aerospace, LLC. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at accommodations@butler.com.