Lab Materials Analyst I

CoorsTek•Golden, CO

17d

About The Position

It's exciting to work for a company that makes the world measurably better. We're committed to bringing safety, quality, and customer focus to the business of advanced ceramics manufacturing. Job Title Lab Materials Analyst I Executes routine mechanical, thermal, and electrical property testing to characterize advanced ceramics and related materials. Prepares samples, performs analyses per established methods, interprets results, and generates clear, accurate reports for internal stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy, Physics, Chemistry, or related technical field.
College-level laboratory coursework with hands-on materials testing experience; at least one internship or equivalent applied lab experience.
Ability to operate analytical instruments and associated software for mechanical, thermal, and electrical tests.
Competency with laboratory information systems, statistical tools, and manufacturer-specific instrument interfaces.
Strong technical communication skills; able to summarize findings clearly for cross-functional teams.
Organized and detail-oriented, with demonstrated ability to follow structured workflows.
Works effectively within a team environment and collaborates with technicians, analysts, and engineers.
Demonstrates ownership of data quality appropriate to an Analyst I role, consistent with career-pathing expectations.
Wears required PPE in designated lab areas.
May handle hazardous chemicals including acids, bases, solvents, and high-temperature materials.
May operate furnaces, kilns, or other high-temperature preparation equipment.

Nice To Haves

1–2 years experience in a materials testing or physical properties lab.
Experience with mechanical, thermal, or dielectric testing is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts testing within the Physical Properties Lab with emphasis on: Mechanical properties: flexural strength (3-pt, 4-pt), fracture toughness (CNB), elastic modulus, Density (Archimedes and Pycnometry), PSD, and specific gravity.
Thermal properties: thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), thermal conductivity/diffusivity, dilatometry, differential scanning calorimetry.
Electrical properties: dielectric breakdown, dielectric loss and constant, volume resistivity.
Prepares samples and executes tests using established methods, specifications, and quality requirements.
Interprets data using standard calculations, baseline statistical tools, and documented acceptance criteria.
Produces timely, accurate technical reports for engineering, R&D, quality, and production stakeholders.
Escalates method-accuracy concerns, equipment anomalies, or statistically abnormal results to senior analysts or supervisors.
Maintains data integrity by following documented workflows, calibration requirements, and sample-traceability procedures.
Performs routine equipment cleaning, basic troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance for instruments within scope.
Identifies and communicates equipment or method issues requiring SME or supervisor support.
Partners with technicians on sample preparation and instrument setup; provides clear expectations and feedback consistent with role-level behaviors.
Supports onboarding and skills development of laboratory technicians by providing hands-on training in routine test execution, proper sample preparation, safe equipment use, and data-collection fundamentals.
Contributes to continuous improvement by identifying process inefficiencies, recurring failure points, or safety risks.
Works in accordance with established safety procedures, PPE requirements, and chemical-handling protocols.
Recognizes potential safety issues and proposes practical, high-value corrective actions.