Materials Characterization Technician II, Metallography
About the role
The Materials and NDE (Non-Destructive Evaluation) team plays a central role in enabling Terran R to fly, re-fly, and scale: developing, characterizing, and inspecting materials and processes across all parts of the vehicle. From welding and additive manufacturing to advanced composites, the team works at the intersection of innovation and execution, balancing performance and reliability with cost, quality, and schedule. As we move toward first flight and beyond, the challenges become more exciting, offering opportunities to shape how we design and develop for re-use. With ownership across products, systems, and disciplines, engineers gain broad exposure and drive key decisions across design, manufacturing, and operations.
Responsibilities
- Cut, mount, grind, polish, and etch metallic samples
- Operate optical microscopes and image analysis software
- Perform grain size, inclusion, case depth, coating thickness, and microstructure evaluations
- Conduct micro hardness testing
- Interpret metallographic results according to ASTM or customer specifications
- Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure calibration
- Document results and write accurate inspection reports
Requirements
- Experience with metallographic/materialographic sample preparation, including sectioning, hot/cold mounting, manual/automated grinding & polishing, optical microscopy, and chemical/electrolytic etching
- Experience with hardness testing, including Rockwell hardness testing & microhardness (Knoop & Vickers) testing
- Experience handling corrosives (acids/bases) and conducting hazardous waste best practices
- Familiarity with aerospace alloy systems, including aluminum, nickel, titanium, copper, steel, etc.
- Well-organized and detail-oriented, able to juggle multiple projects at once in a fast-paced environment
- Effective & strong communicator and collaborator
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- Experience: 3+ years of relevant experience in metallography and non-destructive evaluation
Skills
- Proficiency in metallographic sample preparation techniques
- Knowledge of hardness testing methods
- Ability to handle and dispose of corrosives safely
- Understanding of aerospace alloy systems
- Strong organizational and communication skills
Benefits
Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
Pay
Hiring Range: $25.80 - $38.70 USD
Schedule
Not specified
Benefits
Competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more!
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.