Laboratory Materials Analyst I/X-Ray Diffraction

CoorsTek; United States; On-site; USD 73,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits

Company-Matched 401K (USA only)

HSA (Health Savings Account) with Coor

Wellness Reimbursement Program (USA)

Job summary

CoorsTek is seeking a Laboratory Materials Analyst I/X-Ray Diffraction to prepare samples and perform routine quantitative and qualitative analysis of ceramic and inorganic materials, with primary focus on XRD and XRF. The role supports phase, elemental, surface area, and light-element testing and reports findings under guidance from senior analysts.

You will execute XRD and XRF workflows, prepare samples, review data, and write accurate technical reports for internal customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a relevant science field.
• Experience with XRD/XRF and materials characterization preferred.
• Foundational data analysis and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples and perform routine XRD and XRF analyses.
• Support phase, elemental, surface area, and light-element testing.
• Interpret results and create technical reports for internal customers.
• Follow approved methods, standards, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Maintain data integrity and assist with calibration and instrument checks.

Skills

XRD analysis

XRF analysis

Sample preparation

Data interpretation

Technical reporting

Laboratory safety

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Metallurgy, Ceramic Engineering, or related field

Tools

XRD instruments

XRF instruments

fused bead fusion

BET surface area

combustion analyzers

Job description

It's exciting to work for a company that makes the world measurably better. We're committed to bringing safety, quality, and customer focus to the business of advanced ceramics manufacturing.

Job Title Laboratory Materials Analyst I/X-Ray Diffraction

Prepare samples and perform routine quantitative and qualitative analysis of ceramic and other inorganic materials, with primary emphasis on X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Support additional phase, elemental, surface area, and light-element testing, including XRF fused bead preparation, total oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur analysis by combustion, BET surface area analysis, and uncombined carbon testing. Interpret results at a foundational level and create accurate technical reports for internal customers under guidance from senior analysts and laboratory leadership.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Core Analytical Scope Analyze ceramic and other inorganic materials to determine customer-requested properties within the Phase & Light Element testing lab, with primary focus on: X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase identification and related qualitative or semi-quantitative analysis via Rietveld refinement. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for elemental analysis of ceramic and inorganic materials. XRF fused bead sample preparation and associated sample handling requirements. Total oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur analysis by combustion or inert gas fusion techniques. BET surface area analysis. Uncombined carbon testing. Work under the supervision of a lab section leader, senior analyst, or appropriate technical lead. Prepare samples, collect data, perform calculations, and report findings in accordance with approved methods, standards, specifications, and customer requirements. Execute established XRD and XRF workflows, including sample preparation, instrument setup, calibration or standard checks, data collection, and preliminary data review. Support XRF bead fusion preparation, including weighing, flux handling, fusion equipment operation, bead inspection, and documentation of preparation conditions. Perform routine light-element and surface-area testing using documented procedures and established quality controls.

Data Quality & Reporting

Prepare accurate and timely technical reports for engineering, research and development, quality, and production stakeholders. Review data for completeness, obvious anomalies, sample preparation issues, calibration concerns, and method compliance before reporting. Use standard statistical methods and tools as directed in pre-existing operating procedures. Maintain data integrity by following established sample traceability, documentation, instrument log, and reporting requirements. Escalate abnormal results, suspected sample contamination, questionable phase identification, poor XRF bead quality, instrument issues, or method concerns to senior analysts or lab leadership.

Collaboration & Technical Development

Collaborate with technicians and other analysts to ensure samples are prepared, tested, and reported accurately. Support technicians by providing basic guidance on routine sample preparation, safe equipment use, and proper documentation practices, within established procedures. Build technical competence in XRD pattern interpretation, XRF data review, light-element analysis, BET testing, and uncombined carbon methods. Receive coaching and feedback to develop stronger ownership of data quality, method execution, and technical communication, consistent with Analyst I career-pathing expectations. Work with internal customers to clarify routine testing needs and communicate basic findings when appropriate.

Equipment & Laboratory Operations

Responsible for routine cleaning, basic troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance of equipment within area of responsibility. Support operation and upkeep of XRD, XRF, XRF auto-fuse, combustion analyzers, BET, and uncombined carbon testing equipment as assigned. Identify and report equipment, software, calibration, sample preparation, or measurement technique issues to appropriate lab leadership. Accurately use laboratory information systems, department-specific software, and manufacturer-specific analytical testing software in the performance of job duties. Utilize pre-existing standards, specifications, procedures, and work instructions for processes, facilities, products, and tests.

Safety & Continuous Improvement

Promote a strong safety culture and participate in continuous improvement efforts. Identify potential and current safety issues and provide practical improvement recommendations. Follow safe work practices when handling powders, ceramic materials, fluxes, combustion reagents, high-temperature equipment, compressed gases, and analytical instrumentation. Communicate process inefficiencies, recurring preparation issues, quality risks, or safety concerns to lab leadership.

Job Requirements:

Education Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Metallurgy, Ceramic Engineering, or a related technical field. Coursework or laboratory experience in materials characterization, analytical chemistry, crystallography, mineralogy, inorganic chemistry, or ceramic materials is preferred. Experience Minimum experience required: college-level laboratory coursework with at least one related internship or equivalent hands‑on laboratory experience. Preferred experience: up to 2 years of laboratory experience, either at the undergraduate research, graduate, or industry level. Experience with XRD, XRF, fused bead sample preparation, combustion analysis, BET surface area, carbon analysis, ceramic materials, minerals, powders, or inorganic materials is strongly preferred. Functional / Technical Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Ability to follow structured analytical procedures with strong attention to detail, documentation, and data quality. Familiarity with XRD and XRF principles is strongly preferred. Ability to learn and apply basic phase identification, elemental analysis, sample preparation, and method-specific quality control requirements. Basic understanding of ceramics, inorganic materials, powders, crystalline phases, and compositional analysis is preferred. Ability to safely prepare samples using grinding, milling, weighing, fusion, combustion, or other established preparation techniques. Accurately use laboratory information systems, spreadsheets, instrument software, and department-specific data systems. Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to summarize results clearly and document observations accurately. Capability to perform basic statistical analyses and data checks. Exhibit communication skills necessary to work effectively within a team environment and communicate with internal customers. Must be organized, detail-oriented, safety-focused, and self-driven.

Position-Specific Physical Requirements

Required to always wear appropriate PPE in laboratory work areas. May be required to handle hazardous chemicals, fluxes, powders, combustion reagents, compressed gases, acids, bases, and solvents. May be required to work with high-temperature equipment, including fusion systems, furnaces, combustion analyzers, or heated sample preparation equipment. May be required to handle ceramic powders or particulates requiring dust control practices. May be required to wear a respirator; medical evaluation will be required prior to fitting. May be required to stand for extended periods and perform hands‑on sample preparation, instrument loading, and laboratory housekeeping activities.

Target Hiring Range Annual Salary: USD 73,342.00 - USD 96,811.00 Actual compensation is commensurate with experience, skills and education.

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CoorsTek strives to give all qualified applicants equal opportunity and to make selection decisions on job related factors. Do not provide any information on the application which will indicate your race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law or regulation.

If you like working for a company that makes a real difference in the world, you'll enjoy your career with us!

About Us:

Making the world measurably better...one person at a time. CoorsTek products and components touch people’s lives in unexpected, awe-inspiring ways. Though most people may not realize it, CoorsTek components enable technological solutions across virtually every industry—from simple items like beverage dispensers and light switches to high-tech items like cell phones and satellites. Chances are, you are using a CoorsTek-enabled technology every day without even knowing it! We create these amazing solutions by leveraging our expertise in materials science, deploying best-in-class R&D capabilities, and by creating efficient, safe work environments. Most importantly, we employ dedicated, hardworking, and creative individuals. The key component to our success is our people.

• Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits
• Company-Matched 401K (USA only)
• Company-Matched Pension Plan (CANADA only)
• HSA (Health Savings Account) with Company Contribution
• Wellness Reimbursement Program (USA only)
• Voluntary Benefits (Pet Insurance, Legal Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance & more) (USA only)
• Safety Programs (reimbursement for safety shoes and company provided safety glasses)
• Performance-Based Bonuses for all Employees
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Mentorship Program
• Community & Volunteer Events & MORE!

CoorsTek strives to give all qualified applicants equal opportunity and to make selection decisions on job related factors. Do not provide any information on the application which will indicate your race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law or regulation.