Entry-Level Lab Technician

Nucor Corporation; Apple Grove (WV); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

401K and Roth accounts

Profit sharing

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Stock program

Job summary

Nucor Steel West Virginia LLC in Apple Grove, WV is seeking an Entry-Level Laboratory Technician to support chemical, mechanical, metallography, and process labs. You will learn fundamental lab processes, perform tasks safely under supervision, and contribute to timely, accurate test results for production decisions.

The role emphasizes training milestones, sample preparation, equipment operation, and data integrity within a safety-first culture.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or equivalent lab experience required.
• Demonstrated ability to follow safety procedures and lab protocols.
• Basic knowledge of sample handling and data recording standards.

Responsibilities

• Receive, identify, and track samples from operations.
• Assist in sample preparation (cutting, grinding, labeling, staging).
• Support testing across chemical, mechanical, and metallography labs under supervision.
• Accurately record sample information and results in lab systems.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety in the lab and report equipment issues.

Skills

Safety culture

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Record keeping

Education

Associate degree or equivalent lab experience

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Division: Nucor Steel West Virginia LLC

Location: Apple Grove, WV, United States

Other Available Locations: N/A

Welcome to Nucor, where our unique culture sets us apart. Joining Nucor means becoming part of North America's largest steel and steel products manufacturer, offering unmatched career opportunities and stability. We are known for our innovative sustainability practices and are the continent's largest recycler. Our vibrant culture, built on personal connections and teamwork, empowers every team member with the freedom to innovate and contribute to our collective success. Experience a workplace where safety, efficiency, and meaningful personal connections define every day, enriching both our teammates and the communities we serve.

Nucor supports its teammates with top-tier benefits like Medical, Dental, Vision, and Disability Insurance, 401K and Roth accounts, Profit sharing, Pay-for-performance bonuses, Paid parental leave, Tuition reimbursement, Stock program, Scholarships and more.

Basic Job Functions:

Nucor Steel West Virginia is seeking an Entry-Level Laboratory Technician. The role of the Laboratory Technician 1 is an entry-level position within the Technical Services team responsible for supporting laboratory operations, sample handling, and basic testing activities across chemical, mechanical, metallography, and process labs. This position focuses on learning fundamental lab processes, executing tasks safely under supervision, and supporting accurate and timely test results that enable production and quality decisions. The Lab Tech 1 is expected to develop foundational skills in sample preparation, equipment operation, and data integrity, progressing through structured training and qualification milestones.

Key Responsibilities (but not limited to):

Safety & Culture

• Demonstrate commitment to Nucor’s Safety First culture in all activities
• Follow all PPE, LOTOTO, and lab safety procedures
• Maintain clean, organized, and hazard-free work areas (5S/housekeeping)
• Communicate unsafe conditions immediately

Laboratory Operations Support

• Receive, identify, and track samples from operations
• Assist in sample preparation (cutting, grinding, labeling, staging)
• Support testing activities under supervision across:
  • Chemical lab (sample prep, spectrometer prep)
  • Mechanical lab (tensile, hardness prep)
  • Metallography / etch lab (basic prep and handling)

Testing & Data Integrity

• Accurately record sample information and results in lab systems
• Follow established ASTM, ISO, and internal procedures for testing
• Maintain traceability of samples and results
• Escalate abnormal or questionable results to higher-level technicians

Equipment & Maintenance Support

• Assist with:
  • Routine inspection and cleaning of lab equipment
  • Basic preventive maintenance tasks
  • Ensuring proper supply levels (consumables, gases, etc.)
• Report equipment issues or irregular performance

The position participates in a rotating schedule that may require hours outside of standard work hours, including overtime, weekends, and holidays.

Safety is the most important part of all jobs within Nucor; therefore, candidates must be able to demonstrate the ability to initiate, lead, and uphold safety policies, practices, procedures, and housekeeping standards at all times.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associates degree or equivalent lab experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Documented cross training in Met Lab

Nucor is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace