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The Associate Metallurgist Test Technician supports metallurgical testing and analysis activities critical to aerospace material qualification and process control. Working under the guidance of a Metallurgist, this role ensures that metallic materials, heat treatments, coatings, and weldments meet aerospace standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements.

Compensation: $23.00 - $28.77/hour DOE (Depending on Experience)

• Prepare and evaluate metallic samples for microstructural, mechanical, and chemical testing.
• Perform metallurgical tests including hardness, tensile, impact, grain size, microstructure, and conductivity.
• Conduct metallographic sample preparation (cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing, etching).
• Operate laboratory equipment such as microscopes (optical and digital), hardness testers, tensile test frames, and spectrometers.
• Support failure analysis investigations and assist engineers in determining root cause and corrective actions.
• Verify conformance of heat-treated and processed materials to aerospace standards (ASTM, or customer specifications).
• Maintain accurate test data, calibration logs, and lab documentation for traceability and audits.
• Assist in internal and external audits (e.g., NADCAP, customer, AS9100).
• Ensure all laboratory operations follow safety, environmental, and quality procedures.

• HS Diploma or GED required.
• 1–3 years of experience in an aerospace materials or metallurgical laboratory preferred.
• Familiarity with aerospace specifications such as ASTM, and Nadcap requirements.
• Working knowledge of aluminum, titanium, nickel, and steel alloys used in aerospace applications.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and data recording software.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety.

Work Environment:

• Laboratory or industrial setting with exposure to chemicals, noise, and machinery.
• Use company provided personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, and lab coats.
• May involve standing for extended periods and handling heavy materials.
• May involve lifting moderate loads (up to 50 lbs.)

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.