Materials Lab Specialist

GE Vernova; South Carolina; On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, and rx

Job summary

GE Vernova is seeking a Materials Laboratory Specialist in the United States (SC) to support metallurgical sample preparation, materials characterization, and laboratory testing within a collaborative engineering environment.

You will prepare samples, run experiments, troubleshoot equipment, and assist with process development, contributing to data quality and advancing materials technologies.

Qualifications

• 1 year of safe chemical handling and laboratory safety practices.
• 1 year of experience working with laboratory, manufacturing, or industrial equipment.
• Ability to work with Export Controlled information.

Responsibilities

• Prepare metallic samples for metallurgical and microscopic evaluation using sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, and etching techniques.
• Support materials characterization activities, including optical microscopy.
• Conduct laboratory testing and experiments, including sample preparation, data collection, and documentation.
• Assist with the setup, operation, and maintenance of laboratory equipment and experimental test systems.
• Support casting trials and process development activities, including equipment setup and post-trial analysis.
• Troubleshoot laboratory and process equipment and help implement practical solutions.
• Manage multiple laboratory projects while collaborating with engineers, scientists, and operations teams.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and compliant laboratory environment.

Skills

Hands-on lab work

Troubleshooting

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Materials Science or related field

High school diploma with 6+ years related experience

Tools

Optical microscopy

Metallurgical sample preparation

Laboratory equipment operation

Job description

Job Description Summary

This role is ideal for a hands‑on technical professional who enjoys working at the intersection of materials science, chemistry, and manufacturing process development.

As a Materials Laboratory Specialist, you will support a wide range of laboratory and technology development activities, from metallurgical sample preparation and analytical testing to chemistry experiments and casting trials. Working alongside engineers and scientists, you’ll play a key role in generating high‑quality data, solving technical challenges, and advancing innovative materials and manufacturing technologies.

We’re looking for someone who enjoys working with equipment, learning new skills, and tackling problems in a collaborative laboratory environment. Whether preparing samples, running experiments, troubleshooting equipment, or supporting process development, you’ll help bring new ideas and technologies to life.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare metallic samples for metallurgical and microscopic evaluation using sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, and etching techniques.
• Support materials characterization activities, including optical microscopy.
• Conduct laboratory testing and experiments, including sample preparation, data collection, and documentation.
• Assist with the setup, operation, and maintenance of laboratory equipment and experimental test systems.
• Support casting trials and process development activities, including equipment setup and post‑trial analysis.
• Troubleshoot laboratory and process equipment and help implement practical solutions.
• Manage multiple laboratory projects while collaborating closely with engineers, scientists, and operations teams.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and compliant laboratory environment.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field with 1 year of related experience; or a high school diploma/GED with at least 6 years of relevant experience.
• 1 year of experience in safe chemical handling and laboratory safety practices.
• 1 year of experience working with laboratory, manufacturing, or industrial equipment.
• Ability to work with Export Controlled information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a materials, metallurgical, chemistry, research, manufacturing, or industrial laboratory.
• Experience with metallographic sample preparation, including sectioning, mounting, polishing, and etching.
• Experience conducting laboratory experiments and maintaining technical records.
• Experience supporting manufacturing process development.
• Familiarity with optical microscopy, SEM, or other materials characterization techniques.
• Experience with nickel-based alloys, cobalt-based alloys, stainless steels, or coated components.
• Experience troubleshooting laboratory or manufacturing equipment.
• Experience supporting laboratory equipment procurement, installation, or maintenance.

Desired Characteristics

• Enjoys hands‑on work and solving technical problems.
• Curious, adaptable, and eager to learn new tools, techniques, and processes.
• Comfortable working in a laboratory environment.
• Strong troubleshooting and critical‑thinking skills.
• Able to manage multiple tasks while maintaining high‑quality results.
• Collaborative, proactive, and customer‑focused.
• Demonstrates ownership, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Additional Information

This role requires access to U.S. export‑controlled information. If applicable, final offers will be contingent on ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export‑controlled information from the U.S. Government.

GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Vernova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Vernova will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes

For candidates applying to a U.S. based position, the pay range for this position is between $80,000.00 and $120,000.00. The Company pays a geographic differential of 110%, 120% or 130% of salary in certain areas. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate's experience, education, and skill set.

Bonus eligibility: discretionary annual bonus.

This posting is expected to remain open for at least seven days after it was posted on October 13, 2026.

Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription dr