DescriptionSummary: Metal Lab Technician will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including sample preparation, equipment operation, data generation, and report writing. We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual with a strong interest in materials and science.Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Safely handle and store strong acids, bases, flammable solvents, and reactive chemicals used in etching, following all appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols.
Maintain accurate inventory of laboratory chemicals and consumables, conducting regular audits and ensuring timely replenishment.
Assist the Divisional Metallurgist in developing and executing investigation plans.
Support various departments in determining product quality, process progress, and solution strengths.
Generate clear and concise metallurgical reports for review and publication.
Organize and maintain all records and samples for easy retrieval.
Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment, disposing of unnecessary items according to established protocols.
Demonstrate proficiency and competency in operating all metallurgical laboratory equipment.
Prepare and characterize metal specimens for analysis, including cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing, etching, and photomicrography (as needed).
Perform hardness and micro-hardness testing on various materials, verifying results meet specifications.
Conduct examinations of heat-treated materials to assess microstructure and properties against established standards.
Develop and implement systems for storing and maintaining sample mounts and reports.
Review and verify the conformance of supplier and vendor certificates.
Follow standardized procedures and detailed instructions to conduct various chemical laboratory tests.
Maintain accurate records of production, quality, and time data, either electronically or on paper.
Adhere to all safety and housekeeping rules, policies, and procedures.
Contribute to and participate in special projects as directed by the plant Metallurgist.
Assist the plant Metallurgist in problem-solving activities.
Be willing to learn and operate sophisticated laboratory equipment for oxygen and spectrographic analysis.
Equipment and Machinery
Sample preparation: Abrasive saws, Bakelite mounting press, cold mounting resin, linisher, polishing equipment
Microscopy: Stereo & metallurgical microscopes, camera system
Mechanical testing: Rockwell & micro hardness testers (incl. portable & dynamic)
Chemical analysis: Bruker spectrograph, Leco analyzer, XRF gun
Non-destructive testing: Magnetic particle & dye penetrant inspection
General: Maintain equipment in clean & serviceable condition
Education/Experience/Qualifications
Education: High school diploma or equivalent, plus a technical or associate's degree in a relevant field such as metallurgy, chemistry, or materials science (preferred).
Experience: Prior experience in a laboratory setting is a plus.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Word.
Ability to learn and use software associated with laboratory equipment, including metallographic microscopes, automatic microhardness testers, and others.
Strong mathematical skills, including the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using various units of measurement, calculate rates, ratios, and percentages, and interpret basic graphs.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to follow instructions in written, oral, or visual formats.
Strong reading comprehension and the ability to interpret documents like safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Highly organized and detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and efficiency.
Ability to work safely in a laboratory environment with hazardous materials.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints is a plus.
Physical Demands:
The ability to stand, walk, reach, grasp, and talk or hear is essential.
Frequent bending, kneeling, and squatting may be required.
Lifting and/or moving objects weighing up to 25 pounds is occasionally required, with regular lifting and/or moving of items up to 10 pounds.
This role requires close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
The work environment involves exposure to moving mechanical parts, toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes, airborne particles, and loud noise levels.
