Metallurgical Technician

NSL ANALYTICAL SERVICES•Cleveland, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Metallurgical Technician is responsible for preparing and interpreting metallurgical samples. This role involves comprehensive sample preparation techniques for various materials including metals, ceramics, circuit boards, coatings, and composites, utilizing both manual and automatic methods. Key duties include performing basic failure analysis, interpreting ferrous and nonferrous microstructures using reflected light microscopy and image analysis software, and conducting a range of hardness tests such as standard and superficial Rockwell, Knoop, and Vickers. The technician must be familiar with customer specifications from entities like Pratt & Whitney, Boeing, and GE. Additionally, the position requires familiarity with the fundamentals of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) for potential backup operation. Responsibilities also extend to entering test results into the Lab Information Management System (LIMS) database, contributing to operational improvements, assisting with customer service, pricing jobs, recommending appropriate testing techniques, and troubleshooting analytical methods. Adherence to laboratory safety standards is paramount. The role may also involve performing other duties or working overtime as required.

Requirements

An associate’s degree in chemistry, materials science, metallurgy or other related technical field (this requirement may be waived in lieu of impressive recent past job experience).
At least 2-5 years experience working full-time in a metallurgical laboratory.
Commercial testing laboratory experience.
Technical report writing experience.
Experience working closely with customers to complete evaluation.
Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of chemistry and metallurgy.
Ability to follow established (ASTM and internal) methods and procedures.
Familiarity with ASTM E3, E8, E18, E112, E 384, E 407, ISO 17025.
Willingness to learn new tasks and software.
Strong attention to detail with the ability to organize and multi-task.
Aerospace & military specification knowledge.
Ability to establish dynamic work relation with customers.
Ability to work with a passion to satisfy customers.
Enjoys investigating the technical aspects of metals, polymers and ceramics.
Be honest and fair with customers and coworkers.
Work independently as well as be a member of a cohesive team.
Positive attitude.
Accept feedback and make adjustments when necessary.
Prioritize and meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Experience working to Pratt & Whitney specifications.
Other aerospace or military specification work experience.

Responsibilities

Metallurgical sample preparation including sample cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing and etching.
Familiarity with the latest sample preparation techniques for all types of materials, such as, metals, ceramics, circuit boards, coatings and composites, including manual and automatic techniques.
Perform basic failure analysis.
Interpretation of ferrous and nonferrous microstructures (Identify pearlite, ferrite, martensite, inclusion type, etc.) using manual techniques and image analysis software, primarily with a reflected light microscope.
Perform a variety of Hardness testing including standard and superficial Rockwell and microhardness (Knoop and Vickers).
Familiarity with customer specification requirements such as Pratt & Whitney, Boeing, GE, etc.
SEM operation – candidate must be familiar with the fundamentals of scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) capability, and be trained to operate SEM as back-up operator for possibly 1-2 days per week.
Enter test results into the Lab Information Management System (LIMS) database.
Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to maintain quality assurance of results and seamless customer service.
Assist with customer service (bringing in new customers and delivering world class service to existing customers).
Pricing completed jobs.
Recommend proper testing techniques for customer’s inquiries.
Basic problem solving or troubleshooting of analytical techniques or methods.
Adhere to laboratory safety standards.
Perform other duties or work overtime as required.