Metallurgical Technician

Beehive Industries•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

The Metallurgical Technician performs hands-on metallurgical laboratory work supporting materials development, Additive Manufacturing (AM) process development, and production operations. The role prepares and evaluates metal specimens, conducts routine metallographic and material characterization testing, operates laboratory equipment, and documents results. The technician collaborates with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and other teams to provide materials data, support process trials and investigations, and help maintain safe, organized, and efficient laboratory operations. The position also supports powder characterization, tensile testing, heat-treatment trials, inspections, documentation, investigations, and other laboratory activities as needed. The technician logs laboratory work, tracks job status, reviews results for accuracy, and escalates unusual findings or equipment issues. The role follows laboratory safety and quality procedures and contributes to continuous improvement. Beehive Industries offers group medical, dental, life, and short- and long-term disability coverage from day one, a 401(k) plan with company match, bonus eligibility, and company equity. The company is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive work environment.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.
Experience working in a manufacturing, quality, laboratory, or technical environment.
Ability to follow written procedures, safely operate equipment, and accurately document results.
Basic understanding of materials science, metallurgy, and metallographic principles.
Working knowledge of basic metallographic sample preparation techniques and practices.
Familiarity with optical microscopy and ability to identify basic material characteristics, defects, and abnormalities.
Familiarity with common material testing methods, including tensile testing, hardness testing, and microscopy.
Basic understanding of metal additive manufacturing processes and material characteristics.
Basic familiarity with metal powders and powder handling practices.
Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to safely operate and routinely troubleshoot laboratory equipment.
Ability to follow detailed procedures, work instructions, and standardized test methods accurately.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate, repeatable test results.
Ability to collect, document, organize, and communicate technical data and test results accurately.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple activities and priorities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and other cross-functional teams.
Commitment to laboratory safety, quality, cleanliness, and continuous improvement.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required because only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

One to two years of hands-on metallurgical laboratory experience in an industrial or testing environment.
Experience in additive manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
Experience with advanced metrology and measurement systems, including Keyence, GOM scanners, or similar technologies.
Experience with advanced material characterization techniques or equipment, such as SEM or other microscopy systems.
Experience with metal powder characterization, including particle size, morphology, flowability, or density measurements.
Experience supporting heat-treatment processes and evaluating impacts on material properties or microstructure.
Experience with ERP, QMS, LIMS, or other systems used for laboratory tracking, nonconformance reporting, document control, calibration management, or test data.
Experience supporting root cause investigations, material evaluations, nonconformance investigations, or corrective actions.

Responsibilities

Perform routine imaging, measurements, and material testing in accordance with laboratory procedures and test methods.
Prepare samples and conduct routine metallographic evaluations for materials development and Additive Manufacturing activities.
Operate laboratory equipment and maintain equipment, calibration, testing, and sample records.
Support powder characterization, tensile testing, heat-treatment trials, and other material testing activities as needed.
Prepare samples, execute assigned test procedures, and document results for Additive Manufacturing development activities.
Log incoming laboratory work, maintain job status, and help manage laboratory priorities and schedules.
Review test results for accuracy and consistency; identify and escalate unusual results, material conditions, or equipment issues.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory, including proper handling and storage of samples, equipment, materials, and chemicals.
Follow laboratory safety procedures, PPE requirements, work instructions, and quality processes.
Assist with Quality and laboratory activities, including inspections, documentation, testing, and investigations, as workload allows.
Identify opportunities to improve laboratory processes, equipment utilization, testing methods, and workflow.
Perform other duties as assigned.