Lab Technician

HKA Enterprises; Monroe (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

HKA Enterprises is seeking a skilled metallurgical technician in Monroe, North Carolina. This role requires conducting material verification tests, preparing metallurgical specimens, and ensuring compliance with quality standards like AS9100.

Ideal candidates should have 2+ years of relevant experience and hands-on skills in atomic spectroscopy and material testing methodologies. The position promotes quality assurance within a dynamic lab environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in metallurgical or material testing.
• Strong manual dexterity for operating instruments.
• Experience with microstructural evaluation and hardness testing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct metallurgical and material verification tests.
• Prepare, section, mount, polish, and etch specimens.
• Maintain calibration readiness of test equipment.

Skills

Hands-on experience in atomic spectroscopy

Knowledge of metal powder handling

Ability to operate precision instruments

Job description

Responsibilities

• 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 meetings before or after hours to facilitate global collaboration
• 2+ years experience preparing metallurgical specimens (sectioning, mounting, polishing, etching) or operating related lab equipment

Qualifications

• 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
• 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, and 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