Laboratory Technician

Pandrol USA LP•Napoleon, OH

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Technician will be responsible for carrying out metallurgy lab projects to support customer requests and manage lab studies for product development initiatives. This role also involves managing the receiving inspection process for raw materials and investigating customer returns, welds, and broken clips to ensure high-quality products that meet Company standards. The technician will maintain the laboratory's incoming samples database, perform visual inspections, and prepare samples for metallurgical evaluation. Accurate record-keeping and basic report writing are essential. The position requires hands-on work, including supporting regular welding trials and new product development. The technician will also be responsible for the routine cleaning and maintenance of laboratory equipment, organizing physical samples, and coordinating with global and third-party labs for testing and analysis. Calibration of gauges and equipment, as well as following established procedures for checking and testing materials, are key responsibilities. Mechanical testing, including Hardness, Fatigue, Tensile, and Magnetic Particle Inspection, will be performed. The role also includes ordering consumables, maintaining a safe work environment, and performing other assigned duties.

Requirements

Technical College or Associate degree. Field of study: Technical discipline or non-technical degree with 3-5 years of relevant QHSE/ Laboratory /manufacturing-based experience.
Must have basic knowledge of metallurgical sample preparation, testing procedures.
Must be able to use general and specialized equipment with moderate to minimal supervision to support mechanical and metallographic testing.
Have previous experience or knowledge about Hardness testing, Optical microscopy, Chemical analysis.
Must be detail oriented and be able to work under moderate supervision.
Have previous experience or knowledge working in a laboratory environment.
Ability to use general maintenance & fabrication tools like Band saw, Rotary saw, Angle grinder, Surface grinder etc.
Ability to use, operate, and maintain necessary tools, equipment, and instruments.
Ability to follow instructions and work independently or as part of a team.
Knowledge of root cause analysis methods and corrective and preventive action processes and tools.
Ability to work with employees at all levels of the organization.
Excellent interpersonal, communication and documentation skills.
Demonstrated ability to deliver results against organization goals.
Demonstrated ability to address and resolve complex technical issues.
Computer proficient; detailed and comprehensive report writing.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

Carry out metallurgy lab projects in a timely manner to support customer requests.
Manage lab studies to support ATW product development initiatives.
Manage receiving inspection process of raw materials like Steel, Castings etc.
Manage investigations for customer returns, welds, broken clips, etc.
Ensure that customers receive high-quality products that meet Company standards.
Maintain laboratory incoming samples database.
Perform preliminary visual inspection.
Prepare samples according to procedures appropriate for sample properties.
Section, mount and polish samples for metallurgical evaluation from customer rail weld failures, fatigue failures, broken clips, receiving inspection, etc.
Maintain accurate and detailed records of laboratory activities and findings and write basic reports.
Be hands on, and willing to learn and support regular Rail welding trials as well as new product development initiatives.
Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of laboratory equipment and determine when equipment requires unscheduled maintenance.
Organize and maintain the physical samples from completed projects.
Be able to work in cross-functional teams while maintaining good communication.
Coordinate with global Pandrol & 3rd party labs for any testing & analysis work.
Maintain calibration for gauges & equipment and coordinate yearly calibration schedules.
Follow established procedures and guidelines for checking, testing, and inspecting incoming raw materials, factored goods and rejects.
Perform mechanical testing of products (Hardness, Fatigue, Tensile, Magnetic Particle Inspection).
Order parts needed for lab equipment consumables as needed.
Maintain a safe and healthy work environment by following standards and procedures, and complying with legal regulations.
Perform all other duties or responsibilities, as assigned.