Aerospace Materials Characterization Lab Tech (SEM/EDS)

Actalent; Moorestown Township (NJ); On-site; USD 48,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent in Moorestown, NJ is seeking a Materials Characterization Lab Technician to support aerospace/defense programs. You will prepare samples, run SEM/EDS, FTIR, and DSC/TGA/DMA/TMA analyses, perform mechanical testing, and present results to engineering teams.

The role is contract-to-hire, onsite in Moorestown with safety-focused laboratory duties and strict documentation. The ideal candidate has 2+ years in a materials lab and familiarity with ASTM procedures.

Qualifications

• 2+ years hands-on experience in a materials characterization or mechanical testing laboratory.
• Experience with materials characterization techniques and mechanical testing methods.
• Experience operating laboratory equipment for sample preparation, testing, and data collection.
• Ability to work from schematics, drawings, and detailed written or verbal instructions.
• Strong attention to detail with precise sample preparation steps (sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing).
• Capability to perform calibration, alignment checks, and routine maintenance on lab instruments.
• Effective communication to record observations, compile data, and present technical information.
• Ability to follow ASTM standards and internal procedures when conducting mechanical tests.
• Eligibility to obtain a security clearance if required during the contract period.

Responsibilities

• Prepare material samples by sectioning, mounting, grinding, and polishing for microstructural analysis.
• Perform metallographic etching to reveal microstructural features.
• Operate SEM/EDS for detailed materials characterization.
• Use FTIR and thermal analysis platforms (DSC, TGA, DMA, TMA) to characterize properties.
• Conduct mechanical testing on metals, composites, elastomers per ASTM standards.
• Bond strain gages to test specimens for strain measurement.
• Compile raw data into technical presentations and communicate results to teams.
• Safely install test fixtures and sub-assemblies under test.
• Perform routine calibration and preventative maintenance on characterization platforms.
• Set up tests from schematics/drawings and troubleshoot issues.
• Calibrate and align equipment as directed.
• Prepare compounds and solutions for testing.
• Support failure analysis to determine root causes.
• Adhere to safety protocols and maintain organized work areas.
• Document work for traceability and compliance.

Skills

2+ years experience

Materials characterization

Mechanical testing

Engineering drawings

Sample prep

Calibration

Documentation

ASTM standards

Security clearance

Education

BS degree

MS degree

Tools

Instron systems

SEM/EDS

FTIR

DSC

TGA

DMA

TMA

Environmental chambers

Job description

Actalent in Moorestown, NJ is seeking a Materials Characterization Lab Technician to support aerospace/defense programs. You will prepare samples, run SEM/EDS, FTIR, and DSC/TGA/DMA/TMA analyses, perform mechanical testing, and present results to engineering teams.

The role is contract-to-hire, onsite in Moorestown with safety-focused laboratory duties and strict documentation. The ideal candidate has 2+ years in a materials lab and familiarity with ASTM procedures.