Mentor, Ohio, 44060
Job description
Metallurgical Technician – Aerospace
Cleveland, OH
Competitive Pay Metallurgical Technician Position Summary
The Metallurgy Technician supports aerospace manufacturing and quality assurance through metallographic preparation, microscopic evaluation, and technical documentation of metallic materials. This role plays a critical part in failure analysis, production release, and engineering approvals for flight and safety-critical hardware, ensuring compliance with AS9100, customer, and regulatory requirements. Metallurgical Technician Key Responsibilities
- Prepare metallurgical specimens through sectioning, cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing, and chemical or electrolytic etching in accordance with aerospace standards and internal procedures.
- Perform optical microscopic examinations to evaluate microstructure, grain size, phases, inclusions, heat treatment condition, coating integrity, and manufacturing defects.
- Support failure analysis investigations for aerospace components, including fracture origin evaluation, material condition verification, and assessment of service- or process-induced anomalies.
- Document results, capture calibrated micrographs, and generate formal reports used for engineering disposition, production release, and customer approvals.
- Provide metallurgical data to support engineering sign-off, nonconformance review (MRB), deviations, waivers, and corrective actions.
- Participate in root cause analysis and continuous improvement activities related to casting, forging, machining, heat treatment, and surface processing.
- Ensure full sample traceability and strict adherence to AS9100 documentation, record retention, and configuration control requirements.
- Operate, maintain, and perform routine verification of metallographic preparation equipment and optical microscopes.
- Follow aerospace laboratory safety, chemical handling, and environmental compliance requirements.
- Collaborate closely with Metallurgical Engineers, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to meet production schedules and customer commitments.
Metallurgical Technician Required Qualifications
- Associate degree or technical certification in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related field.
- Hands-on experience with metallographic sample preparation and optical microscopy in a regulated environment.
- Working knowledge of aerospace metals, heat treatment processes, and common failure modes.
- Ability to produce precise, auditable documentation supporting engineering and production decisions.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to aerospace quality and safety standards.
- Experience in an AS9100, NADCAP, or FAA-regulated aerospace manufacturing environment, preferred
- Prefer familiarity with ASTM, AMS, and customer-specific aerospace material specifications.
- Previous exposure to hardness testing, microhardness, or additional materials characterization techniques preferred.
