Lead Application Scientist - Metallography

LECO; Saint Joseph (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

LECO in St. Joseph, Michigan seeks an Application Scientist to support its metallography offerings. You will mentor Application Scientists, develop metallographic methods, coordinate demonstrations, and deliver technical presentations while ensuring quality and ISO/IEC 17025 compliance.

Responsibilities include coordinating sample submissions, preparing reports, and guiding the team in training and professional development to meet departmental goals and customer needs.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of metallographic principles and preparation procedures.
• Experience with microscopy, hardness testing, and equipment operation.
• Ability to mentor scientists and coordinate demonstrations.

Responsibilities

• Interface with Sales Engineers and Customers to provide instrument and consumable recommendations, technical support, and troubleshooting for various materials.
• Lead the development of metallographic methods and validation data for LECO instruments, resulting in the preparation of comprehensive Application Notes.
• Review and coordinate sample submissions, oversee material preparation and test procedures, prepare customer reports, and ensure compliance with department standards before distribution.
• Mentor application scientists in developing, supporting, and demonstrating metallographic sample preparation procedures and test procedures to foster technical and professional growth.
• Provide direct leadership for Application Scientists, including performance management, goal setting, resource planning, coaching, and support for professional development in alignment with departmental and organizational objectives.
• Coordinate and deliver customer instrument demonstrations.
• Adhere to company protocols to identify and address quality issues and escalate as needed.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of metallographic equipment.
• Develop, revise, and approve standard operating procedures for performance testing and quality verification, including metallographic test procedures, methods and documentation.
• Deliver technical presentations of scientific work to both technical and non-technical audiences through webinars, conferences, and meetings.
• Coordinate and deliver hands‑on training with LECO instrumentation for new employees and the sales team.
• Ensure ongoing improvement and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 compliance.
• Collaborate with Product Management, R&D, Sales, Service, and Production teams to support internal initiatives and address customer needs effectively.
• Maintain an understanding of industry standards (ASTM, ISO), quality requirements, and emerging materials characterization technologies.
• Function as the metallographic subject matter expert, providing technical guidance and support to internal teams and external customers
• Create and facilitate metallographic training programs and workshops that build technical competency among internal teams and external attendees

Skills

Metallography expertise

Strong communication

Self-directed

Cross-functional collaboration

Ability to learn scientific principles

USA work authorization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or related field

3–5 years metallography experience

Tools

LECO systems

Microscopy

Job description

For over 90 years, LECO has been a leader in the development and production of world class laboratory instruments delivering state-of-the-art products nationwide and across the globe. Located in St. Joseph, Michigan, LECO continues to be a family-owned company that understands the value of shared interests, long-term stability, loyalty, and trust.

Schedule:

Monday – Friday 8am- 5pm

Positions Summary

Provide support to LECO’s sales organization working with new and prospective customers. Coordinate instrument demonstrations with Application Scientists to support customer sample submissions. Lead, guide, and mentor Application Scientists in the development, support, and demonstration of metallographic applications, fostering both technical and professional growth.

Position Responsibilities

• Interface with Sales Engineers and Customers to provide instrument and consumable recommendations, technical support, and troubleshooting for various materials.
• Lead the development of metallographic methods and validation data for LECO instruments, resulting in the preparation of comprehensive Application Notes.
• Review and coordinate sample submissions, oversee material preparation and test procedures, prepare customer reports, and ensure compliance with department standards before distribution.
• Mentor application scientists in developing, supporting, and demonstrating metallographic sample preparation procedures and test procedures to foster technical and professional growth.
• Provide direct leadership for Application Scientists, including performance management, goal setting, resource planning, coaching, and support for professional development in alignment with departmental and organizational objectives.
• Coordinate and deliver customer instrument demonstrations.
• Adhere to company protocols to identify and address quality issues and *escalate as needed.*
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of metallographic equipment.
• Develop, revise, and approve standard operating procedures for performance testing and quality verification, including metallographic test procedures, methods and documentation.
• Deliver technical presentations of scientific work to both technical and non-technical audiences through webinars, conferences, and meetings.
• Coordinate and deliver hands‑on training with LECO instrumentation for new employees and the sales team.
• Ensure ongoing improvement and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 compliance.
• Collaborate with Product Management, R&D, Sales, Service, and Production teams to support internal initiatives and address customer needs effectively.
• Maintain an understanding of industry standards (ASTM, ISO), quality requirements, and emerging materials characterization technologies.
• Function as the metallographic subject matter expert, providing technical guidance and support to internal teams and external customers
• Create and facilitate metallographic training programs and workshops that build technical competency among internal teams and external attendees

Position Requirements

• Deep knowledge of metallographic principles and preparation procedures.
• Strong computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel PowerPoint)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to interact with team members, customers, and executives.
• Ability to learn the scientific principles and technology of the equipment.
• Self-directed, highly motivated strategic thinker with a proven ability to multitask and collaborate amongst cross functional teams.
• Ability to work within the USA without restriction.

Education/Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or related scientific field.
• 3–5 years of demonstrated experience in metallography, including sample preparation, microscopy, hardness testing, and equipment operation; proficiency with LECO systems preferred.

EOE M/F/VET/Disability