Materials & Failure Analysis Technician

Karman Industries • Los Angeles, CA

3d • $30 - $60

About The Position

The Materials & Failure Analysis Technician supports materials testing, characterization, metallography, and root-cause investigations involving metallic and polymeric materials. The role is responsible for specimen preparation, metallographic examination, laboratory testing, and documentation supporting product development, manufacturing, quality, and field investigations. The technician operates laboratory equipment and test systems, with training provided on specific equipment, and assists engineers with testing, inspections, data collection, and other laboratory evaluations. The role also supports laboratory upkeep, safety, equipment maintenance, calibration, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Experience working in a laboratory environment, including safe handling of chemicals, consumables, and laboratory equipment.
• Practical experience preparing metallic and polymeric specimens for metallographic examination through sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, and etching.
• Familiarity with ASTM metallography and hardness standards (E3, E407, E384, E18, E112), or similar laboratory quality practices.
• Experience using optical microscopes, digital imaging systems, image analysis software, hardness testers, and general laboratory equipment.
• Ability to accurately document observations, maintain test records, and generate technical reports.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to laboratory safety and quality practices.
• Ability to lift weights under 50 lbs and safely work around industrial laboratory infrastructure, including wet saws, mechanical test frames, ultrasonic cleaners, and chemical fume hoods.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent experience in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, or a related field.
• Three or more years of experience in metallography, materials characterization, laboratory testing, or failure analysis.
• Working knowledge of metallographic preparation techniques, chemical etchants, microscopy, and common materials characterization methods.
• Experience using hand tools, sample preparation equipment, and laboratory instrumentation.
• Experience supporting aerospace, energy, automotive, semiconductor, industrial equipment, or advanced manufacturing programs.

Responsibilities

• Operate laboratory equipment and test systems to support material characterization and failure analysis.
• Prepare metallographic specimens, including sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, and etching metallic and non-metallic materials.
• Support root-cause investigations and qualification involving metallic, polymeric, electrical, and electronic materials and components.
• Assist engineers with mechanical testing, materials characterization, dimensional inspections, photo-documentation, data collection, and other laboratory evaluations.
• Support incoming material inspections, supplier investigations, manufacturing non-conformance evaluations, and field failure investigations.
• Assist with maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of laboratory equipment, test methods, and infrastructure.
• Maintain laboratory organization, consumables, safety practices, standard operating procedures, and materials control systems.
• Accurately document observations, maintain test records, and generate technical reports.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed