Laboratory Technician

Cindavi; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Cindavi in Fontana, CA is seeking a Lab Tech / Metallographer I to perform hands-on metallography, prepare and evaluate aluminum samples, and generate clear reports that guide production decisions.

The role moves between the lab and an active industrial environment, collaborating with QA and production teams, using microscopes, spectrometers, and related equipment to analyze materials and identify deviations.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma and 6–12 months of related lab or metal industry experience.
• Strong computer literacy and ability to create polished English-language reports.
• Familiarity with sample preparation and metallurgical analysis.
• Experience with ultrasonic testing techniques and knowledge of relevant standards.
• Ability to isolate defects from test data and propose practical next steps.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in an industrial environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, section, machine, polish, etch, and evaluate aluminum samples for metallurgical investigations, including porosity, inclusions, grain size, and other quality indicators.
• Use microscopes, spectrometers, Alscan, PodFa, data loggers, saws, and related equipment to conduct testing and maintain reliable lab operations.
• Investigate returned material and production defects, compare findings to specifications, and create customer-ready reports with conclusions and recommended actions.
• Conduct equipment accuracy testing and homogenization surveys, including thermocouple and data-recorder setup, then prepare reports for production and management.
• Support QA projects as a backup for chemistry sampling, ASCAN analysis, ultrasonic testing, and in-process inspection, while maintaining lab safety, inventory, and sample storage.

Skills

Metallography basics

Data interpretation

Reporting in English

Analytical thinking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microscopes

Spectrometers

Alscan

PodFa

Data loggers

Saws

Job description

Step into a hands-on metallography role where your findings can directly shape production decisions.

Position Overview

We are hiring a Lab Tech / Metallographer I to bring critical lab work to our Fontana quality operation. This hands-on role is for someone who investigates materials, creates clear reports, and helps production resolve problems. Your work will support aluminum-product quality while freeing inspectors for their core work.

You will move between the lab and an active industrial environment, collaborate with QA and production teams, and use data to identify process deviations. If you are analytical, practical, and comfortable getting close to the work, you will gain broad cross-training and meaningful responsibility.

Schedule: Full-time, onsite, Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, section, machine, polish, etch, and evaluate aluminum samples for metallurgical investigations, including porosity, inclusions, grain size, and other quality indicators.
• Use microscopes, spectrometers, Alscan, PodFa, data loggers, saws, and related equipment to conduct testing and maintain reliable lab operations.
• Investigate returned material and production defects, compare findings to specifications, and create customer-ready reports with conclusions and recommended actions.
• Conduct equipment accuracy testing and homogenization surveys, including thermocouple and data-recorder setup, then prepare reports for production and management.
• Support QA projects as a backup for chemistry sampling, ASCAN analysis, ultrasonic testing, and in-process inspection, while maintaining lab safety, inventory, and sample storage.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma and six to twelve months of related lab, metallography, quality, or metal- industry experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong computer literacy and confidence using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and reporting software to create polished English-language reports for customers.
• Familiarity with sample preparation, metallurgical analysis, and laboratory equipment used to inspect aluminum or similar metal products.
• Working knowledge of ultrasonic testing techniques and familiarity with AMS-STD-2154, ASTM E112, and ASTM E1417.
• The analytical judgment to use test data to isolate a defect or process issue and recommend a practical next step.
• Comfort working in a partly open industrial facility with changing temperatures, including occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.