Metallurgical Laboratory Technician

Butler America Aerospace L.L.C.; Monroe (NC); On-site; USD 45,460 - 55,104; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K

Medical

Dental

Vision

Sick leave

Job summary

Butler America Aerospace, LLC in Monroe, NC is seeking a Metallurgical Lab Technician to perform metal testing and specimen preparation in an additive manufacturing environment.

You will verify material properties, maintain test equipment, and ensure accurate digital data entry within MES/QMS systems, supporting production readiness and quality objectives.

Qualifications

• AA/AS degree plus 2+ years relevant experience, or university degree in related field.
• U.S. citizenship or U.S. person required.
• Experience preparing metallurgical specimens (sectioning, mounting, polishing, etching).
• 2+ years in metallurgical/material testing in metals environments.
• Operate precision instruments; lift up to 30 lbs; stand for long periods.

Responsibilities

• Conduct metallurgical tests per defined specifications and procedures.
• Prepare section, mount, polish, and etch specimens for microstructural evaluation.
• Evaluate microstructure, hardness, density, tensile, fatigue, and other properties.
• Maintain calibration readiness and proper operation of lab equipment.
• Record, organize, and maintain traceable test data in MES/QMS.
• Coordinate with Materials Scientist and Quality Engineer on testing requirements.

Skills

Metallurgical testing

Specimen preparation

Data entry

Calibration

Lab equipment operation

Education

AA/AS degree or higher

University degree in related field

Tools

Atomic spectroscopy

Gas combustion analysis

MES

QMS

Job description

Metallurgical Lab Technician (metal testing)

Location: Monroe, NC (28110)

Pay Range: $33 - $40

Education

Typically requires an AA/AS degree plus a minimum of 2 years of prior relevant experience, or a University Degree in a related field, or in the absence of a degree, 4 years of relevant experience.

U.S. citizenship or U.S. persons permitted.

Overview

Work with one of the largest American owned aerospace & defense companies. Seeking a Metallurgical Lab Technician for the Monroe, NC additive manufacturing facility.

In this hands‑on, laboratory‑focused role, you will perform metallurgical and material verification testing to ensure product and process conformity to defined specifications, customer standards, and controlled procedures.

You will execute specimen preparation, perform metallurgical evaluations, maintain test equipment, and ensure accurate, traceable digital data entry within the MES and QMS systems, directly supporting production readiness, quality compliance, and SPQDC performance.

The ideal candidate brings strong attention to detail, precision in laboratory practice, familiarity with metal testing methods, and the ability to follow established procedures while supporting continuous improvement of material verification workflows.

What You Will Do

• 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 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.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Education: an AA/AS degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior relevant experience, or a university degree in a related field, or, in the absence of a degree, 4 years of relevant experience.
• U.S. citizenship is required; only U.S. persons are authorized.
• 2+ years experience preparing metallurgical specimens (sectioning, mounting, polishing, etching) or operating related lab equipment.
• 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.
• U.S. Citizen and U.S. Person candidate permitted.

Qualifications We Prefer

• 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 and documenting results.
• 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.

Benefits Provided

401K, medical, dental, and vision, sick time as applicable to state law.

EEO Statement

Butler America Aerospace, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Butler evaluates applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The Butler America Aerospace, LLC EEO Policy Statement and "Know Your Rights" Poster is available here: Applicant and Employee Notices.

Butler America Aerospace, LLC is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at [e-mail].