SEM Technician

From the edges of space to the bottoms of ocean, our materials are proven to perform—and so is our team. We're hiring high performers as proven as our products to join our lab department at our Monroe, NC facility.

About the role

As an SEM Technician, you will be part of a team that provides metallurgical data and technical feedback to Engineering, Technology, Quality, and R&D regarding material quality, grain structure, grain boundaries, defects, phases, precipitates, and other microstructural features. In this role, you will analyze metal samples using established procedures and advanced laboratory instrumentation to evaluate microstructure, identify elements and abnormalities, and report results for internal and external customers.

This position is night shift, Sunday through Friday, from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am. Training will take place on first shift, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Responsibilities

• Perform microstructural evaluations using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, wavelength dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and related imaging detectors and conditions.
• Analyze, interpret, and report microstructural results for samples submitted by internal and external customers.
• Determine appropriate sample preparation methods based on material condition, mechanical history, and thermomechanical history.
• Prepare and develop sample preparation techniques to enhance microstructural phases, precipitates, and other features observed through SEM and optical imaging.
• Prepare and etch samples for quantitative assessment of optical and SEM images.
• Schedule, prioritize, and process samples according to lab production schedules and customer needs.
• Coordinate sample exchange, user programs, and outside analysis with national laboratories, commercial laboratories, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, or other external labs when testing needs exceed in-house capabilities.
• Maintain and calibrate instrumentation and equipment according to established procedures.
• Troubleshoot equipment, sample preparation, analytical, and process-related issues.
• Maintain adequate lab supplies, including inventorying and ordering supplies as needed.
• Support Technology, Engineering, Quality, and R&D requests by recommending, developing, and applying quantitative methods and analytical techniques.
• Support ongoing R&D projects by developing quantitative methods, imaging approaches, and analytical procedures.
• Assist with laboratory preparation, evaluation, documentation, and support activities as needed.
• Support special projects, customer requests, and continuous improvement efforts within the lab.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Six months of related inspection/evaluation work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two-year technical degree, advanced high school education in chemistry, or one year of related work experience.

Skills

• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to maintain and calibrate instrumentation following established procedures.
• PC literacy with proficiency in spreadsheets, database software, and word processing.
• Demonstrated ability to read and follow written procedures.
• Time management skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills.

Schedule

Night shift, Sunday through Friday, from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am. Training will take place on first shift, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.