Beehive Industries is dedicated to Powering American Defense by revolutionizing the design, development, and delivery of jet propulsion systems to support the warfighter. Through the integration of additive manufacturing, the company aims to meet the growing and urgent needs for unmanned aerial defense by dramatically improving a jet engine’s speed to market, fuel efficiency, and cost.  

Founded in 2020, the company is headquartered in Centennial, Colorado, with additional facilities in Knoxville, Tennessee, Loveland Ohio, and Mount Vernon, Ohio. Beehive is committed to grow and advance the defense industrial base while manufacturing exclusively in the USA. This role will be located at our Knoxville, Tennessee facility.

Role Overview  

The Metallurgical Technician performs hands-on metallurgical laboratory activities to support materials development, Additive Manufacturing (AM) process development, and production operations. This role is responsible for preparing and evaluating metal specimens, performing routine metallographic and material characterization testing, operating laboratory equipment, and accurately documenting test results. The position works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to provide reliable materials data, support process trials and investigations, and help maintain safe, organized, and efficient laboratory operations. 

What You’ll Do... 

• Perform routine imaging, measurements, and material testing in accordance with established laboratory procedures and test methods. 

• Prepare samples and perform routine metallographic evaluations to support materials development and Additive Manufacturing activities. 

• Operate laboratory equipment and maintain required equipment, calibration, testing, and sample records. 

• Support powder characterization, tensile testing, heat-treatment trials, and other material testing activities as needed. 

• Support Additive Manufacturing development activities by preparing samples, executing assigned test procedures, and accurately documenting results. 

• Log incoming laboratory work, maintain accurate job status, and help manage laboratory priorities and schedules to support timely completion of testing. 

• Review test results for accuracy and consistency, and identify and escalate unusual results, material conditions, or equipment issues to the appropriate team members. 

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment, including proper handling and storage of samples, equipment, materials, and chemicals. 

• Follow all laboratory safety procedures, PPE requirements, work instructions, and established quality processes. 

• Assist with other Quality and laboratory activities, including inspections, documentation, testing, and investigations, as laboratory workload allows. 

• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to improve laboratory processes, equipment utilization, testing methods, and workflow. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

You have... 

Education 

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience 

Experience 

• 1–2 years of hands-on metallurgical laboratory experience in an industrial or testing environment preferred 

• Experience working in a manufacturing, quality, laboratory, or technical environment  

• Ability to follow written procedures, safely operate equipment, and accurately document results  

• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn metallurgical laboratory processes Basic familiarity with characterization equipment such as optical microscopes, SEM, and chemical analysis tools 

Skills & Competencies 

• Basic understanding of materials science, metallurgy, and metallographic principles. 

• Working knowledge of basic metallographic sample preparation techniques and practices. 

• Familiarity with optical microscopy and the ability to identify basic material characteristics, defects, and abnormalities. 

• Familiarity with common material testing methods, including tensile testing, hardness testing, and microscopy. 

• Basic understanding of metal additive manufacturing processes and material characteristics. 

• Basic familiarity with metal powders and powder handling practices. 

• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to safely operate and perform routine troubleshooting of laboratory equipment. 

• Ability to accurately follow detailed procedures, work instructions, and standardized test methods. 

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate and repeatable test results. 

• Ability to accurately collect, document, organize, and communicate technical data and test results. 

• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple laboratory activities and priorities. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word. 

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. 

• Effective verbal and written communication skills. 

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and other cross-functional teams. 

• Demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety, quality, cleanliness, and continuous improvement. 

• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance 

Nice to have... 

• Experience working in additive manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments. 

• Experience with advanced metrology and measurement systems, including Keyence, GOM scanners, or similar technologies. 

• Experience with advanced material characterization techniques or equipment, such as SEM or other microscopy systems. 

• Experience with metal powder characterization, including particle size, morphology, flowability, or density measurements. 

• Experience supporting heat-treatment processes and evaluating their impact on material properties or microstructure. 

• Experience with ERP, QMS, LIMS, or other systems used for laboratory tracking, nonconformance reporting, document control, calibration management, or test data. 

• Experience supporting root cause investigations, material evaluations, nonconformance investigations, or corrective actions. 

 If this sounds like you, please submit an application with your resume. This could be the opportunity you are looking for to expand your skills, contribute to a winning team, and work with talented people who love what they do and take pride in our mission. 

Beehive Industries offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes group Medical, Dental, Life, and Short and Long-Term disability coverage from day one. We also offer a generous 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a Company match. Every role at Beehive Industries is bonus eligible and will also receive equity in the company.

Beehive Industries is committed to full compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.