Materials Characterization Engineer (RR-0/1)

Legato•Annapolis Junction, MD

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Materials Characterization Engineer will perform hands-on laboratory analysis and characterization of complex hardware using advanced microscopy, spectroscopy, and materials analysis techniques. This role is ideal for an analytical, technically curious engineer or scientist who enjoys working with sophisticated laboratory equipment, investigating unique technical problems, and independently determining the best approach for obtaining meaningful results. The Materials Characterization Engineer will work with a variety of imaging and characterization tools, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS/EDX), Focused Ion Beam (FIB), and optical microscopy. Because SEM is routinely used across the team, candidates should have hands-on experience with or a strong scientific understanding of SEM principles. Experience with every characterization technique is not required, but candidates should understand the underlying scientific principles and be willing to develop expertise with additional instrumentation. The Engineer will also process and analyze SEM imagery to evaluate hardware and determine functionality, select appropriate characterization methods and sample preparation techniques for unique projects, and make independent analytical determinations based on collected data. A key part of the position is taking ownership of laboratory equipment, troubleshooting instrumentation, optimizing operating parameters, researching technical issues, and coordinating with equipment manufacturers or service engineers when necessary.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Communications Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Systems, Mathematics, or a related discipline
Experience with or a strong theoretical understanding of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Knowledge of materials imaging and characterization techniques such as SIMS, EDS/EDX, FIB, and optical microscopy
Ability to analyze and process SEM data to evaluate hardware and determine functionality
Strong independent analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills
Ability and willingness to develop a deep technical understanding of laboratory instrumentation and troubleshoot equipment
Seven (7) years of experience analyzing complex hardware systems (for Experienced Level)
Five (5) years of relevant hardware engineering experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree (for Experienced Level)

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with concepts such as vacuum systems, ion beams, mass spectrometry, gas injection systems, and elemental analysis is beneficial
Coding or scripting experience is helpful but not required

Responsibilities

Perform hands-on laboratory analysis and characterization of complex hardware using advanced microscopy, spectroscopy, and materials analysis techniques.
Work with a variety of imaging and characterization tools, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS/EDX), Focused Ion Beam (FIB), and optical microscopy.
Process and analyze SEM imagery to evaluate hardware and determine functionality.
Select appropriate characterization methods and sample preparation techniques for unique projects.
Make independent analytical determinations based on collected data.
Take ownership of laboratory equipment, troubleshooting instrumentation, optimizing operating parameters, researching technical issues, and coordinating with equipment manufacturers or service engineers when necessary.