Materials Lab Technician

Triton Systems, Inc.; Chelmsford (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Triton Systems, Inc. is seeking a Materials Lab Technician in Chelmsford, MA to support every cold spray build and repair. You will prepare metallographic samples, run tests and record data to ensure traceable evidence for customers.

You will work closely with the Materials Engineer and technicians, maintain calibration and chain-of-custody records, and follow SOPs for safety and data integrity. This role requires attention to detail and compliance with standards.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen who can obtain and maintain security clearance if required.
• High school diploma; associate's or bachelor's in materials science, metallurgy, engineering technology, chemistry or related field preferred.
• Ability to read drawings and industry standards (ASTM, SAE, MIL).
• Proficient with Microsoft Office for data entry, analysis and reporting.
• Willingness to work with PPE and hazardous materials; ITAR/EAR considerations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare metallographic samples (sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing) per ASTM and standards.
• Measure porosity, deposit thickness, grain size and other microstructural features; support SEM/EDS analysis.
• Perform hardness, tensile and adhesion/bond-strength testing on witness coupons.
• Characterize incoming metal powders (size distribution, density, flow) and coordinate analysis.
• Maintain sample identification, chain of custody and calibration records; keep audit-ready.
• Record results in lab notebooks, test reports, and per-part records for traceability.
• Follow and improve laboratory SOPs and safety practices; support audits.
• Collaborate with engineers on test planning and sample scheduling.

Skills

Metallography

Mechanical testing

Data recording

Quality procedures

Reading drawings/standards

Education

High school diploma

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in materials science/metallurgy/engineering technology/chemistry

Tools

Hardness testers

Mechanical test frames

SEM/EDS

Powder characterization equipment

Metallographic equipment

Job description

Materials Lab Technician

Company Summary

Triton Systems, Inc. combines 30+ years of experience with exciting growth and innovation opportunities within the product development and R&D space. We support Government and commercial markets by delivering advanced solutions across applications in defense, security, aerospace, energy, environmental sustainability, and human health. Where we see a larger opportunity, we create new companies to scale these solutions into businesses.

Position Summary

The Materials Lab Technician would perform the materials laboratory activities that supports every cold spray build and repair we deliver: preparing and examining metallographic samples, running mechanical and adhesion tests on witness coupons, characterizing incoming powder, and contributing to the records that turn test results into acceptance evidence. You will work directly with our Materials Engineer and cold spray technicians, and your data will go into the data packages our customers rely on.

Duties and Responsibilities

Prepare metallographic samples (e.g., sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing and etching per ASTM and other relevant standards), and capture optical micrographs of cold spray deposits and coatings.

Measure and report porosity, deposit thickness, grain size and other microstructural features; support SEM/EDS analysis as trained.

Perform hardness, tensile and adhesion/bond-strength testing on witness coupons built to MIL-STD and customer procedures.

Characterize incoming metal powders (e.g., particle size distribution, apparent and tap density, flow) and coordinate send-out chemistry and interstitial (O/N/H) analysis against MIL-DTL's, requirements and purchase specifications.

Maintain sample identification, chain of custody and equipment calibration records under quality procedures; keep the laboratory audit-ready.

Record and report results clearly and completely in laboratory notebooks, test reports and our digital per-part records, so each build's evidence is traceable to its feedstock lot, recipe and run.

Follow and improve laboratory SOPs and safety practices, including combustible-metal-dust controls, compressed- and inert-gas handling, and safe use of acids and etchants; keep the lab clean, organized and stocked.

Collaborate with engineers and technicians on test planning, sample scheduling and continuous improvement; support internal and customer audits.

Required Qualifications

U.S.Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance if required.

High school diploma or equivalent. An associate's or bachelor's degree in materials science, metallurgy, engineering technology, chemistry or a related field (or equivalent hands-on laboratory experience) is strongly preferred.

Strong attention to detail and organization; comfortable following written test procedures exactly and recording what you actually observed.

Ability to read and work from drawings, test specifications and industry standards (ASTM, SAE, MIL).

Working proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) for data entry, analysis and reporting.

Ability to work safely with the required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection and, with fit testing, a respirator.

This position requires access to information controlled under U.S. export regulations (ITAR/EAR). Candidates must be U.S. persons as defined in 22 CFR 120.62. Triton does not sponsor employment visas for this position.

Desired Qualifications

Hands-on metallographic preparation and optical microscopy experience, ideally on thermal spray, cold spray, additively manufactured or coated samples.

Experience with mechanical test frames, hardness testers, powder characterization equipment, or SEM/EDS.

Familiarity with quality systems (e.g., ISO 9001), calibration programs, or defense and aerospace testing requirements.

Prior work in a manufacturing, machine-shop or defense environment; forklift, overhead-crane or hazardous-materials training is a plus.

Work environment and physical requirements

Laboratory and production-floor setting: abrasive cutting and polishing equipment, acids and etchants, metal powders, compressed gases and robotic cold spray cells. Must be able to stand for extended periods, do repetitive fine-motor work, occasionally lift up to 50 pounds, wear PPE including a fit-tested respirator.

In compliance with federal laws contained in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all offers are contingent upon an applicant's ability to satisfy federal requirements regarding proof of identity and the lawful right to work in the United States. Due to access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), engagement is contingent upon satisfying background check requirements.

Triton Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Due to the nature of our business and information associated with this position, interested candidates must be US Citizens.

Triton Systems' Headquarters is located in Chelmsford, Massachusetts.

Come join our success and grow with the strength of these fascinating new technologies. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.