Material Characterization Technician

University of Dayton • Eglin AFB, FL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) is hiring a Material Characterization Technician to support the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Munitions Directorate, Ordnance Division, Energetic Materials Branch (Characterization Section) at Eglin AFB, Florida. The technician will support energetic materials characterization and small-scale safety testing by preparing material test samples, setting up and running repeat experiments, compiling and analyzing data, and performing related laboratory support functions. Experience with general wet chemical and engineering laboratory techniques is preferred.

The role includes preparing samples and conducting repetitive tests under standard operating procedures to characterize energetic-material safety thresholds. The technician will follow chemical hygiene guidelines, maintain accurate records and materials inventories, communicate results and observations to research engineers and program managers, comply with applicable explosive-safety standards, and perform scheduled laboratory equipment maintenance.

Requirements

• High school degree or equivalent and three years of related work experience.
• Ability to organize work and maintain good records.
• Ability to work as part of a team of scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• Experience performing repetitive tasks and maintaining a clean work environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication in a scientific or technical setting.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET-level security clearance.
• Must be a U.S. citizen due to requirements of U.S. federal government research contracts.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Experience working in a DoD laboratory environment.
• Experience with sample preparation and data analysis using basic chemical and engineering laboratory instrumentation and techniques, such as impact, friction, and electrostatic discharge sensitivity testing.
• Experience with Inverse Gas Chromatography instrumentation.
• Experience with Thermal Gravimetric Analysis.
• Experience with Particle Size instrumentation.
• Active SECRET security clearance or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples and conduct repetitive energetic-material safety tests in accordance with standard operating procedures, with attention to safety and detail.
• Follow guidelines for chemical storage, handling, disposal, and inventory in hazardous chemical operations.
• Accurately collect, record, track, and archive operational data and logs.
• Communicate results, observations, and opportunities for improvement to research engineers and program managers.
• Comply with applicable DoW, USAF, and AFRL safety standards, SOPs, and explosive-safety guidelines.
• Maintain inventory control, documentation, and safe storage protocols for energetic materials.
• Perform scheduled maintenance on laboratory equipment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED