Metallurgical Technician

Beehive Industries • Knoxville, TN

1d

About The Position

The Metallurgical Technician performs hands-on metallurgical laboratory activities to support materials development, Additive Manufacturing (AM) process development, and production operations. This role is responsible for preparing and evaluating metal specimens, performing routine metallographic and material characterization testing, operating laboratory equipment, and accurately documenting test results. The position works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to provide reliable materials data, support process trials and investigations, and help maintain safe, organized, and efficient laboratory operations.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience
• 1–2 years of hands-on metallurgical laboratory experience in an industrial or testing environment preferred
• Experience working in a manufacturing, quality, laboratory, or technical environment
• Ability to follow written procedures, safely operate equipment, and accurately document results
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn metallurgical laboratory processes
• Basic familiarity with characterization equipment such as optical microscopes, SEM, and chemical analysis tools
• Basic understanding of materials science, metallurgy, and metallographic principles.
• Working knowledge of basic metallographic sample preparation techniques and practices.
• Familiarity with optical microscopy and the 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 perform routine troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
• Ability to accurately follow detailed procedures, work instructions, and standardized test methods.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate and repeatable test results.
• Ability to accurately collect, document, organize, and communicate technical data and test results.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple laboratory 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 while collaborating effectively with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and other cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety, quality, cleanliness, and continuous improvement.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Nice To Haves

• Experience working 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 their impact 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 established laboratory procedures and test methods.
• Prepare samples and perform routine metallographic evaluations to support materials development and Additive Manufacturing activities.
• Operate laboratory equipment and maintain required equipment, calibration, testing, and sample records.
• Support powder characterization, tensile testing, heat-treatment trials, and other material testing activities as needed.
• Support Additive Manufacturing development activities by preparing samples, executing assigned test procedures, and accurately documenting results.
• Log incoming laboratory work, maintain accurate job status, and help manage laboratory priorities and schedules to support timely completion of testing.
• Review test results for accuracy and consistency, and identify and escalate unusual results, material conditions, or equipment issues to the appropriate team members.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment, including proper handling and storage of samples, equipment, materials, and chemicals.
• Follow all laboratory safety procedures, PPE requirements, work instructions, and established quality processes.
• Assist with other Quality and laboratory activities, including inspections, documentation, testing, and investigations, as laboratory workload allows.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to improve laboratory processes, equipment utilization, testing methods, and workflow.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• group Medical, Dental, Life, and Short and Long-Term disability coverage from day one
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a Company match
• bonus eligible
• equity in the company

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED