Materials Laboratory Technician

Confidential Jobs; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Jobs is seeking an Alloy Development Technician to support aluminum alloy research in the lab and pilot-scale environments. The role involves melting, casting, heat treatment, specimen prep, material characterization, and testing with close collaboration with engineers, scientists, and lab staff.

Key duties include operating furnaces, processing molten alloys, calibrating and recording data, ensuring safety and documentation compliance, and supporting quality and data integrity

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certification in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or related field.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Basic computer skills and ability to enter and retrieve electronic data.
• Experience in a laboratory, technical, manufacturing, or industrial environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate electric resistance and induction furnaces.
• Prepare and process molten aluminum alloys.
• Cast laboratory and pilot-scale samples.
• Conduct heat treatment experiments and thermal processing activities.
• Install and monitor thermocouples and record process data.
• Prepare metallographic specimens by mounting, grinding, polishing, and etching samples.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and electronic records.
• Enter test results into electronic databases and prepare reports.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Laboratory experience

Attention to detail

Documentation

Problem solving

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Associate degree or technical certification in Metallurgy / Materials Science / Chemistry / Mechanical Technology

Tools

Spectrometers

Job description

The Alloy Development Technician provides laboratory and pilot-scale support for aluminum alloy research and development activities. This position performs melting, casting, heat treatment, sample preparation, material characterization, and laboratory testing while working closely with engineers, scientists, and laboratory personnel. The role is responsible for maintaining high standards of safety, quality, documentation, and data integrity throughout all laboratory and pilot-scale operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate electric resistance and induction furnaces.
• Prepare and process molten aluminum alloys.
• Perform alloy additions and chemistry adjustments.
• Cast laboratory and pilot-scale samples.
• Conduct heat treatment experiments and thermal processing activities.
• Install and monitor thermocouples.
• Operate thermal analysis systems and accurately record process data.
• Cut samples using band saws, abrasive saws, and sectioning equipment.
• Prepare metallographic specimens by mounting, grinding, polishing, and etching samples.
• Label, organize, and track samples and test coupons.
• Perform density measurements and thermal analysis testing.
• Prepare samples for tensile testing.
• Operate spectrometers and other analytical equipment.
• Support corrosion testing and microstructure evaluations.
• Operate overhead cranes, forklifts, furnaces, casting equipment, and laboratory machinery.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and electronic records.
• Enter test results into electronic databases.
• Prepare reports, data summaries, and other required documentation.
• Follow all quality documentation and data‑integrity requirements.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized laboratory and work areas.

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• Associate degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field; technical trade school certification; military technical training; or equivalent industrial experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to enter, maintain, and retrieve electronic data.
• Experience working in a laboratory, technical, manufacturing, or industrial environment.

Special Requirements

• Ability to safely work around molten aluminum and high-temperature equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to wear all required personal protective equipment.
• Ability to operate or learn to operate overhead cranes, forklifts, furnaces, saws, and casting equipment.
• Must comply with all applicable environmental, health, and safety standards.
• Must follow established laboratory operating procedures and participate in required safety observations.
• Forklift certification is preferred.
• Crane operation experience is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of laboratory, manufacturing, or industrial safety practices.
• Understanding of metal casting, aluminum processing, steel processing, foundry operations, or heat treatment processes is preferred.
• Experience with materials testing, metallography, research laboratories, machine shop operations, or industrial manufacturing is preferred.
• Ability to operate laboratory testing and analytical equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation and data integrity.
• Strong mechanical, technical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to follow detailed technical procedures and work instructions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a technical team.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to label, track, and manage multiple samples and testing activities.