Specialist - Material Characterization

GE Vernova•Elgin Township, IL

8d•$80,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

Activities aimed at characterizing, analyzing, and understanding material structure, composition, and performance through metallographic techniques and microscopy methodologies. Work in this role focuses on preparing, examining, documenting, and interpreting material characteristics to support research, development, manufacturing, quality, and failure analysis efforts. Impacts quality of own work and the work of others on the team. Executes specialized operational and technical tasks with a high degree of independence. Responsible for maintaining laboratory standards, coordinating laboratory operations, ensuring equipment readiness, and delivering accurate characterization results to internal and external stakeholders. This position is a hands-on laboratory specialist role focused on metallographic and microscopy sample preparation, laboratory coordination, and characterization support. The successful candidate will serve as a key technical resource supporting a broad range of materials characterization activities across research, development, manufacturing, quality, and failure analysis programs while maintaining safe and efficient laboratory operations. The role requires extensive practical experience in metallography and microscopy sample preparation and is ideal for a seasoned laboratory professional with deep expertise in materials characterization methods and laboratory operations.

Requirements

Associate's Degree (AA/AS) or higher in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Engineering Technology, Materials Characterization, Physical Sciences, or a related technical discipline from an accredited college or university.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in metallography, materials characterization, microscopy, or related laboratory operations.
Demonstrated expertise in metallographic sample preparation, including cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing, electropolishing, and etching techniques.
Hands-on experience preparing samples for SEM, EDS, and EBSD characterization, including advanced polishing and electropolishing techniques required for EBSD-quality specimen preparation.
Experience using optical microscopy for microstructural evaluation and documentation.
Experience coordinating or managing operations within a metallography or materials characterization laboratory.
Experience operating metallographic sample preparation equipment and maintaining laboratory readiness.
Working knowledge of laboratory safety practices, quality systems, and materials characterization procedures.
Ability to generate technical reports and communicate characterization findings effectively.
Demonstrated ability to work independently while supporting multiple customers and projects simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience characterizing metallic materials, coatings, ceramics, polymers and other engineering materials.
Experience supporting failure analysis investigations and fractography evaluations.
Familiarity with the principles of EBSD and specimen preparation requirements for successful EBSD analysis.
Strong understanding of microstructure-property-processing relationships.
Experience supporting research and development, manufacturing, quality assurance, or failure analysis programs.
Familiarity with ASTM, ISO, and other metallographic characterization standards.
Experience with image analysis software and digital microscopy systems.
Strong organizational, planning, and laboratory coordination skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to document, plan, organize, and execute laboratory activities.
Effective collaboration skills and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to laboratory excellence.

Responsibilities

Perform metallographic sample preparation and characterization support for metallic materials, coatings, ceramics, polymers, and other engineering materials.
Conduct sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, electropolishing, and etching of materials using established laboratory procedures and best practices.
Prepare specimens for characterization using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), including advanced polishing and electropolishing techniques required for EBSD-quality specimen preparation.
Acquire, analyze, document, and communicate microstructural characterization results obtained through optical microscopy and SEM imaging.
Coordinate metallography laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, calibration activities, consumables inventory management, safety compliance, and process documentation.
Troubleshoot characterization and sample preparation challenges and develop improved preparation methodologies for difficult-to-prepare materials.
Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and project teams to determine appropriate characterization approaches and sample preparation techniques.
Ensure adherence to laboratory safety procedures, quality requirements, and standard operating practices.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and laboratory best practices.
Train and mentor laboratory users on metallographic preparation techniques, microscopy sample preparation methods, laboratory equipment operation, and safe laboratory practices.
Support continuous improvement initiatives to improve laboratory efficiency, quality, throughput, and user experience.
Maintain accurate records of laboratory activities, equipment status, consumable inventories, and characterization results.
Support research and development, manufacturing, quality assurance, and failure analysis programs through timely delivery of high-quality prepared specimens and characterization data.

Benefits

medical
dental
vision
prescription drug coverage
access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource
access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services
GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions
access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants
tuition assistance
adoption assistance
paid parental leave
disability benefits
life insurance
12 paid holidays
permissive time off