Materials Lab Engineer

Cube Hub Inc.; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Cube Hub Inc. is seeking a hands-on Materials Lab Engineer to support materials characterization, laboratory testing, and failure analysis for advanced X-ray tube assemblies.

A Bachelor's degree in Materials Science Engineering is required, with experience using and maintaining mechanical testing equipment. The role collaborates with engineering and manufacturing to evaluate materials, investigate failures, and deliver technical documentation for corrective actions and product improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science Engineering or equivalent.
• Hands-on experience using and maintaining mechanical test equipment.
• Experience with materials characterization or metallographic analysis.
• Knowledge of metallographic specimen preparation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical, chemical, thermal, and microstructural evaluations of materials used in X-ray tube assemblies.
• Prepare laboratory specimens using sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, and metallographic techniques.
• Characterize materials including tungsten, graphite components, molybdenum, copper alloys, ceramics, and braze/solder joints.
• Conduct testing according to approved procedures, specifications, and engineering requirements.
• Record, analyze, and document laboratory test results.
• Support root-cause investigations involving product failures and nonconformances.

Skills

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science

Hands-on mechanical testing

Materials characterization

Metallographic preparation

Onsite Milwaukee work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science Engineering

Tools

Metallographic microscope

Hardness testing equipment

Vacuum-compatible testing tools

Job description

Duration: 12+ Months (Contract/Temp with the possibility of extension)

Shift: 1st Shift

Pay Range: $35/hour

Work Arrangement: Onsite from Day 1 – Remote work is not available

Job Description:

We are seeking a hands-on Materials Lab Engineer to support materials characterization, laboratory testing, and failure analysis activities for advanced X-ray tube assemblies. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Materials Science Engineering or a related field, along with practical laboratory experience using and maintaining mechanical testing and materials characterization equipment.

This role will work closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to evaluate materials, investigate product and process failures, and provide technical documentation to support corrective actions and product improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical, chemical, thermal, and microstructural evaluations of materials used in X-ray tube assemblies.
• Prepare laboratory specimens using sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, and metallographic techniques.
• Characterize materials including: Tungsten and tungsten alloys, Graphite components, Molybdenum materials, Copper alloys, Ceramic insulators, Vacuum-compatible metals and alloys, Braze and solder joints, Emitter and cathode materials
• Conduct testing according to approved procedures, specifications, and engineering requirements.
• Record, analyze, and document laboratory test results.
• Support root-cause investigations involving product failures, customer returns, and manufacturing nonconformances.
• Assist with investigations involving: Braze defects, Material contamination, Cracking and fracture mechanisms, Thermal damage, Vacuum-related failures, Wear and erosion
• Prepare laboratory findings, evidence, and technical documentation for engineering review and corrective-action activities.
• Perform routine equipment calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, supplies, and consumables.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures and established testing protocols.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science Engineering or equivalent discipline.
• Hands-on experience using and maintaining mechanical test equipment.
• Experience with materials characterization, laboratory testing, or metallographic analysis.
• Knowledge of metallographic specimen preparation techniques.
• Experience with laboratory equipment and testing procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and technical documentation skills.
• Ability to work onsite in Milwaukee, WI from Day 1.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with failure analysis and root-cause investigations.
• Experience with optical microscopy and hardness testing.
• Knowledge of metals, alloys, ceramics, graphite, tungsten, molybdenum, or brazing materials.
• Experience in a manufacturing, engineering, materials laboratory, or product development environment.
• Familiarity with vacuum-compatible materials or components is a plus.