Lab Tech I

ZF; Marysville (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

ZF Marysville is seeking a Metallurgical Laboratory team member to follow safety standards, operate lab equipment, and record results for microstructural analysis. You will etch samples, perform hardness testing, and ensure accurate data entry in the data system.

The role requires handling cutting and polishing, mounting presses, and routine 5S practices, with a focus on meeting jobs per hour and maintaining quality in a dynamic lab environment.

Qualifications

• High School diploma required.
• Experience operating metallurgical lab equipment.
• Ability to work any shift in a 3-shift Marysville operation.
• Basic computer skills (Outlook/Word/Excel).

Responsibilities

• Operate cutting saws and preparation equipment per instructions.
• Mount and polish samples per process parameters.
• Etch samples and perform hardness/microstructure tests as specified.
• Record data in computer systems and sign off on WRN/job order.
• Maintain cleanliness and 5S in the lab; balance quality, productivity, cost.
• Strive to achieve jobs per hour (JPH) for assigned tasks.

Skills

Abrasive cutting saws

Sanding & grinding machines

Mounting press operation

Quality oriented

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

MS Outlook/Word/Excel

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

SAP

Job description

At ZF you are part of something greater! You contribute to a more efficient and greener tomorrow. You will be part of a dynamic, international organization and will produce high quality products in a safe, clean and flexible work environment.

Job Summary

The team member for Metallurgical Laboratory is responsible to follow the ZF safety standards, standard work instructions & process control plan to test and record all results of samples and/or parts while obtaining the specified jobs per hour. This member will be required to operate all cutting saws, mounting presses, hydraulic presses, grinding and polishing machines, hardness testing machines and the micro-hardness testing machines, as well as the stereo microscopes, and be able to etch samples to produce effective and accurate microstructural analyses.

Job Duties/ Responsibilities

• Utilize saws to obtain a sample for inspection according to the process parameters and standard work instruction.
• Mount and polish samples in accordance to process parameters and standards work instruction.
• Etch samples and carry out inspection for various hardness parameters, microstructure and other metallurgical parameter as call for by the specification.
• Record data and results into computer system / database
• Conduct cleanliness testing of gear sets and axle gear boxes in accordance to standard work instructions.
• Utilize hydraulic press to test strength of laser welds in accordance to standard work instructions.
• Follow all safety rules and regulations for the Marysville facility and all the areas associated with the metallurgical laboratory and comply with existing work instructions.
• Ensure that the specimens are cut as specified so as to generate accurate results reflective of the true case-hardened qualities of the parts being analyzed and/or tested- in accordance to the work instructions.
• Properly identify and maintain the identity of each specimen throughout the process of mounting and polishing of the specimens for metallurgical analysis.
• Perform all tests and metallurgical analysis necessary to generate the required data specified for the part under investigation, and accurately record all such results in the data spread sheet; and sign off on the completion of the particular specimen/work request number (WRN), or job order.
• Achieve jobs per hour (JPH) for the operations that you are responsible for within the laboratory.
• Responsible for cleanliness in their workplace and on the machines. Basic 5S-tasks also are required as defined in the area of responsibility for maintaining the orderliness of the laboratory throughout every shift and at all times.
• Participate in group meetings and workshops as required.
• Balance quality, productivity, cost, safety and morale to achieve positive results in all areas. Works to continuously improve in all areas.
• Must participate in any lean manufacturing initiatives within the department.
• Seek solutions to resolve unexpected problems that arise on the job.
• Make practical, workable suggestions for improvements.
• Offer to assist others complete tasks on a regular basis.
• Consistently seek additional tasks when work is completed ahead of schedule.
• Promote and demonstrate trust, mutual respect and a cooperative work environment.
• Share appropriate information with the team and train new members as needed.
• Complete assignments without wasting time and perform as efficiently as possible without jeopardizing quality.
• Inspect product for defects or nonconformity.
• Give and accept constructive feedback.

Essential Skills and Experience

• High School diploma required
• Must be able to operate abrasive cutting saws, as well as any other tools used to cut and prepare samples.
• Must be able to operate sanding and grinding machines for sample preparation.
• Must be able to operate mounting press for sample preparation.
• Quality oriented and pay attention to detail.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Able to manage multiple priorities.
• Must have the ability to work in a team environment as well as alone with limited supervision.
• Must possess basic computer skills, MS Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Must have the ability to work any shift – Marysville is a 3-shift operation.
• Ability to work overtime during the week and weekends.
• Responsible for all other duties as may be assigned.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Some college or technical training.
• Prior metallurgical laboratory experience, two (2) years preferred.
• SAP experience.

Physical Requirements of Position

Physical demands and work environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the associate is occasionally required to stand, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools; or controls; reach with hands and arms; ascend stairs; balance; stoop; kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear taste or smell. The associate must occasionally lift and /or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of the job, the associate is exposed to an engineering lab atmosphere with some office exposure. The engineering lab includes a machine shop, where the associate is exposed to potentially hazardous equipment and moderate to high noise levels, both requiring the use of protective equipment in order to ensure the safety of the associate.

What does DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) mean for ZF as a company?

At ZF, we continuously strive to build and maintain a culture where inclusiveness is lived and diversity is valued. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that all our employees can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this vision in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape the future of mobility.