Materials R&D Technician

Responsibilities

• Operate mechanical test frames (static or hydraulic) and familiar with reporting on the core material testing data generated (UTS, YS, Modulus, etc.)
• Operate characterization instruments (SDT, TGA, TMA, DMA, DSC, FTIR, SEM, etc.) and report associated material data produced
• Perform mechanical testing (tensile, fatigue, compression, etc.) with metals, polymers, or composites
• Support maintenance and calibration needs of the lab instrumentation
• Summarize data and document results in an organized and thorough manner; be prepared to provide a basic interpretation of results to requestors and flag off-nominal results for engineering review
• Maintain safe and efficient operations through proper lab safety, cleanliness, and organization
• Champion larger-scale lab improvement initiatives while continuing to complete day-to-day test requests
• Promote 5S principles of organizing and sustaining a clean, tidy workspace
• Work creatively and innovate to support team goals; always be prepared to challenge the status quo and develop unique solutions
• Use calibrated tools to measure specimen geometry
• Familiarize with relevant ASTM standards

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of hands-on materials testing experience in a laboratory setting

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Knowledge of safe work practices in a lab environment with solvents, acids/bases, thermal protection systems, polymers, etc.
• Experience with thermal instruments (TGA, DMA, DSC, etc.)
• Experience with mechanical test frames (Instron, MTS, etc.)
• Understanding of basic materials science fundamentals
• Positive attitude and experience working on a cross-functional team
• Experience setting up and running tests and experiments
• Maintaining rigorous attention to detail when executing test instructions
• Strong computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), Atlassian JIRA, and work order systems
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills to work closely with engineering group
• Ability to read and understand test specifications
• Strong organizational skills to keep work area tidy and organize workflow
• Creative approach to problem solving, with willingness to learn and try new things
• Experience using various types of hand tools and/or power tools

Additional Requirements

• Able to work off-shifts and available for overtime and weekends if needed
• Able to wear appropriate PPE for lab and machine shop environment
• Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. unassisted. Lifting, standing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position