Metallurgical Technician(Thursday-Sunday)

Beehive Industries•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

The Metallurgical Technician performs hands-on metallurgical laboratory activities supporting materials development, Additive Manufacturing (AM) process development, and production operations. The role prepares and evaluates metal specimens, performs routine metallographic and material characterization testing, operates laboratory equipment, and accurately documents test results. The technician works with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to provide reliable materials data, support process trials and investigations, and maintain safe, organized, and efficient laboratory operations. This is a Thursday-Sunday day shift position.

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.
Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn metallurgical laboratory processes.
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 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 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.
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

1–2 years of hands-on metallurgical laboratory experience in an industrial or testing environment.
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 appropriate team members.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment, including proper handling and storage of samples, equipment, materials, and chemicals.
Follow 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 by identifying opportunities to improve laboratory processes, equipment utilization, testing methods, and workflow.
Perform other duties as assigned.