Materials Engineering Associate - OCU - Technician - 1st Shift

Job Summary

Functions as a Team Laboratory Lead and/or performs analyses, data acquisition and interpretation, technical reporting, and maintenance of Materials Engineering tools and standard and specialized test equipment, while positively impacting the organization's performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Performs other miscellaneous duties, as required.
• Plans and schedules testing on specialized analytical equipment.
• Provides technical expertise and support for specialized analytical equipment.
• Prepares specimens and performs analysis of typical Cummins parts; provides written results in a technical report format.
• Performs routine and non-routine analysis and data acquisition using specialized analytical equipment, which may include scanning electron microscope and associated dispersive x-ray spectrometers, ultrasound scanning technologies, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, wear testers, x-ray diffractometer (residual stress, retained austenite, phase analysis), gas chromatograph, ion chromatograph, inductively coupled plasma spectrometer, thermal gravimetric analyzer, differential scanning calorimeter, mass spectrometer, x-ray spectrometer, ultra sound analyzers, optical imaging equipment, tensile/compression testers, hardness testers, gas flow reactors, spark emission spectrometer, viscometer, rheometer, eddy current flow tester, dye penetrant flaw tester, magnetic particle flaw tester and metallographic equipment.
• Performs routine maintenance and calibration checks on specialized analytical equipment.
• Develops and applies test methods to measure physical properties of materials or detect defects in engine components; participates in the development of new and advanced methods to improve laboratory capabilities.
• Works with outside services and vendors to provide test and analysis capabilities.
• Trains and leads other technicians in the use of specialized analytical equipment and methods.
• Understands and applies appropriate Company and department rules and guidelines to work and to systems; participates in the maintenance of quality procedures.
• Develops and conducts training programs; provides counseling, mentoring, and coaching.
• Serves as company representatives in various capacities to customers, suppliers, and outside agencies.
• Interacts effectively with all levels of employees throughout the company.
• Exercises independent decision-making and initiative in determining what needs to be done and planning and implementing the needed activities; performs problem solving, creative technical and analytical work, budget management, and hands-on applications; coordinates programs including planning, scheduling, ordering, and tracking.
• Demonstrates adaptability and responsiveness to changing work needs and willingness to undertake new tasks as they become evident; initiates, develops, leads, and participates in improvement projects.
• Knows and complies with all safety policies and procedures.
• Shares work with exempt and other OCU employees as required.
• Manages own work and maintain a flexible schedule in order to meet the demands of priority work; participates in self- and team-audits and associated corrective action; plans and engages in continuous learning in order to be prepared for changing work demands.
• Travels as required by the position.

Competencies

• Data Acquisition - Prepares samples, verifies equipment calibration and performs tests according to an approved standard procedure or work instruction in a manner which ensures, and results in, data that can be trusted and delivered to the engineer or customer.
• Data Reporting - Prepares documentation in a manner which clearly organizes and presents testing methods, instrument settings, the data and analysis to allow the engineer and customer to understand the results and form accurate conclusions and recommendations.
• Material Characterization - Interprets mechanical, chemical, microstructural and physical properties using laboratory equipment to confirm compliance to print, and correlates these properties with field or component test results to determine robustness; defines appropriate material characterization schedule using correct laboratory equipment to ensure requirements are met.
• Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Communicates effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Customer focus - Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Decision quality - Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Ensures accountability - Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Nimble learning - Actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both successes and failures as learning fodder.
• Values differences - Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.

Education, Licenses, Certifications

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent required with Department of Labor Certification OR Associates degree from an accredited program in a related field and at least two years of relevant experience OR Bachelors degree in a related field.
• Four year experience/education requirement accomplished through either Bachelors degree in related field OR associates degree in related field and at least two years of relevant experience.

Skills, Education, Or Experience Requirements

• Direct Experience with ICP-OES, GC for Fuel Dilution, Kinematic Viscometer, FTIR, pH, Coolant Conductivity, Ion Chromatography, & KF analytical techniques.
• Current Chemistry Lab Experience.
• Chemistry or Materials Education (Degree, DOL Apprenticeship Completion).
• Ability to perform repetive tasks within defined scope & sequence.