Lab Technician

Combined Metals Company LLC; Illinois; On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Combined Metals Company LLC is seeking a lab professional to conduct advanced metallurgical testing, including tensile and hardness testing, and to analyze microstructures of steel, titanium, cobalt, and nickel-base alloys. The role supports internal audits and quality control in a lab environment.

Responsibilities include sample preparation, microscopy, data capture, and review of specifications and procedures, with close collaboration across teams to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in metallurgy, materials science, physics or related field.
• Minimum 3 years in a captive or commercial lab, with 2+ years testing and analyzing metal alloys (steel, titanium, cobalt, nickel-base).
• Experience reviewing customer requirements and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and mount metallic samples for microscopic analysis.
• Operate CNC mill for tensile sample prep.
• Operate optical microscope to analyze microstructures and perform grain size analysis.

Skills

Tensile testing

Hardness testing

Fatigue testing

Microstructure analysis

Heat treatment

Mechanical testing

Data analysis

Reading technical drawings

Education

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Physics

Tools

LIMS

MS Office

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

• Adhere to all safety protocols and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Follow established quality control procedures and maintain a clean and organized work area. Participate in inter-laboratory proficiency testing and support internal audits.
• Shear cut, mount, and polish metallic samples for microscopic examination. Use abrasive saw, grinders, and polishers to prepare samples according to standard procedures (ASTM, ISO, etc.). Perform etching procedures to reveal microstructures.
• Operate CNC mill for preparation of tensile samples.
• Operate optical microscope to examine microstructures of steel, titanium, nickel and cobalt alloys. Perform grain size analysis, inclusion ratings, and phase analysis. Capture and analyze digital images of microstructures.
• Conduct macro and micro hardness (Rockwell and Vickers) testing
• Operate universal tensile testing machines. Ensure accurate and reliable data collection and interpretation.
• Plan and perform heat treatment of test specimens per specification requirements.
• Perform review of new and existing testing and material specifications.
• Log in and log new and existing jobs.
• Performs Certificate of Conformance review, verifying quality control standards and customer requirements are met and identifying samples that need to be reanalyzed.
• Assist in writing and reviewing internal procedure/work instructions.
• Act as a technical liaison between laboratory and other company teams.
• Assist in preparation and administration of laboratory third party and internal audits.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Physics or a related field or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a captive or commercial laboratory, with at least 2 years of experience testing and analyzing steel, titanium, cobalt and/or nickel-base alloys (Preferred).
• Experience performing technical reviews of customer requirements, industry standards and specifications (Preferred).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency in mechanical testing techniques (e.g., tensile, hardness, fatigue testing), heat treatment of metallic alloys and microstructure analysis methods (e.g., optical microscopy, grain size measurement, second phase identification).
• Familiarity with laboratory management software and data analysis tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and experience with LIMS is desirable.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and standards (e.g., ASTM, ASME).
• Familiarity with aerospace, automotive, nuclear and oil & gas specifications for metal alloys.

Working Conditions (Including Physical and Mental Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms and talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level is usually moderate to low.