ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN I

Steel Corporation; Clairton (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated individual to provide technical support in the development of new steel grades and coatings. This role involves preparing and testing specimens in an industrial laboratory environment, utilizing advanced metallographic equipment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong mechanical aptitude and a commitment to safety and quality. You will engage in continuous improvement methodologies and support qualification testing processes for automotive customers. Join a forward-thinking company where your contributions will directly impact innovative steel solutions and enhance operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Strong preference for an Associate Degree or 2 years of relevant experience.
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and test specimens using metallographic equipment.
• Support qualification testing for new steel grades and coatings.
• Perform routine maintenance on laboratory test equipment.

Skills

Metallographic testing

Continuous improvement methodologies

Mechanical aptitude

Laboratory testing skills

Safety compliance

Data recording and reporting

Education

Associate Degree in Chemistry

Associate Degree in Materials Science

Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering / Technology

2 years of applicable experience

Tools

Scanning electron microscopes

Optical microscopes

Metallographic sample preparation equipment

Microsoft Office

Job description

This position is focused on providing technical support to our manufacturing plants, development of new steel grades and coatings, as well as qualification of these materials for our automotive customers. This individual will have the primary responsibility of preparing and testing specimens using metallographic sample prep and metallographic testing equipment that provide root cause analysis data, characterization data for steel grade development, as well as supporting the stage gate qualification testing process for customer approval of new products or process paths. This individual must demonstrate the ability to use continuous improvement methodologies via the World Class Organization (WCO) that benefit their core area of responsibility, as well as the entire organization. Additional tasks will include: routine maintenance of laboratory test equipment and support activities that improve the safety and quality program at Research. Above all, the individual is expected to be able perform all tasks safely in an industrial laboratory environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Following established quality and safety procedures.
2. Support qualification testing of legacy grades and new grades.
3. Operation of computer-controlled test equipment such as scanning electron microscopes and optical microscopes.
4. Operation of saws, shears, and metallographic polishing equipment.
5. Knowledge/safe handling of acids, bases and solvents.
6. Perform routine maintenance on lab equipment.
7. Willingness to learn new skills to support other labs when needed.
8. Use 5S lean methodologies to ensure a high standard of housekeeping is maintained.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Strong preference for a two-year Associate Degree in chemistry, materials science, and/or Mechanical Engineering / Technology, or 2 years of directly applicable experience are required.
2. Strong mechanical aptitude and laboratory testing skill sets, including familiarity with the operation of computer controlled machinery, and metallographic sample preparation preferred.
3. Microsoft office software knowledge is required. Strong computer skills and an ability to record results, calculate and tabulate data, and prepare written reports are required.
4. Familiarity with metrology, or laboratory instrumentation.
5. Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as with a team, as needed to complete assigned tasks.
6. Focus on safety and environmental performance in laboratory and manufacturing environments.
7. Occasional overnight travel to steel and customer plant facilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Work areas include office areas, high bay areas, and laboratory environments at Research Munhall; commercial sheet and tubular steel production facilities as required.
2. Must be able to comply with applicable safety requirements for both laboratory and manufacturing environments and with all corporate and plant safety training, regulations and policies.
3. Must be capable of moving and lifting materials and tools as required for safe completion of job tasks.