Metallography Lab Technician (Onsite)

Collins Aerospace; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Three weeks of vacation for newly hire

401(k) with employer matching and a LT

Tuition reimbursement

Student Loan Repayment Program

Life and disability insurance

Wellness programs and health resources

Parenting and family support benefits

Employee assistance program

Holiday and paid time off

Career development resources

Job summary

Collins Aerospace, based in West Des Moines, IA, is seeking a Metallography Lab Technician to support materials evaluation for engine nozzle components. You will prepare and analyze metallurgical samples, work with engineering teams, and generate clear MPCL reports to ensure component quality and process control.

The role emphasizes sample preparation, microscopy, and coordination with engineers, with an onsite work arrangement and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or AA/AS and 4 years of relevant experience required.
• Experience with welding/brazing and metallographic properties preferred.
• Experience with microscopes, metallographs, hardness testers, and Pax-it/Keyence software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, characterize, and document materials and microstructures from processes such as welding, brazing, and EDM.
• Prepare samples and perform microstructural analysis; document findings in MPCL reports.
• Assist engineers with specimen prep/testing and coordinate test sample logistics.

Skills

Metallography

Microscopy

Sample preparation

Education

HS Diploma or AA/AS

Tools

Pax-it

Keyence control

Microscopes

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-11-02

Country: United States of America

Location: US-IA-WEST DES MOINES-2200 ~ 2200 Delavan Dr ~ DELAVAN

Position Role Type: Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: This job requires a U.S. Person. A U.S. Person is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status in the U.S. are considered U.S. persons. For a complete definition of “U.S. Person” go here: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-120/subpart-C/section-120.62

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Collins Aerospace is seeking a Metallography Lab Technician to support critical materials evaluation for our engine nozzle components. In this role, you’ll partner closely with engineering teams to prepare and analyze, and metallurgical samples that help validate materials, processes, and overall product quality. From sectioning and mounting samples to performing microscopic analysis and producing clear, data-driven reports, you’ll play an essential part in ensuring our components meet the highest standards.

This is an onsite role in West Des Moines, IA.

What You Will Do

• Support engineers by evaluating, characterizing, and documenting materials, microstructures, and conditions resulting from a broad range of processes, particularly welding, brazing, and EDM.
• Have or develop a proficiency in the use of sample preparation equipment such as sectioning saws, wire EDM machines, metallographic mounting presses, and grinding & polishing units.
• Prepare and handle chemical reagents required to prepare metallurgical samples for microstructural analysis.
• Have or develop a proficiency in the use of microscopes, metallographs, hardness testers, and imagine analysis (Pax-it and Keyence control) software.
• Prepare samples and perform microstructural analysis. Capture, analyze, and organize data into tables and figures. Document experimental findings in material & process control laboratory (MPCL) reports.
• Assist engineers in specimen preparation and testing, as appropriate (e.g. process development, failure analysis, material defects investigation, etc.). Coordinate test sample/part logistics.
• Develop preparation techniques needed to evaluate new materials and processes.
• Provide metallographic consultation and interpretation for internal and external customers.
• Ensure all testing is performed in accordance with specifications, laboratory procedures, and work instructions.
• Troubleshooting laboratory equipment as needed.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires HS Diploma or AA/AS degree (or other 2-year post high school training) with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience performing or inspecting welding or brazing and an understanding of metallographic properties.
• Materials Analysis experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with microscopes, metallographs, hardness testers, and/or imagine analysis (Pax-it and Keyence control) software.
• Associate's Degree or certificate in welding or similar technical field

What We Offer Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance,critical illnessinsurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
• Adoption Assistance
• Autism Benefit
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
• And more!

The salary range for this role is 43,400 USD - 82,600 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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