Metallography Lab Technician (Onsite)

Prattwhitney; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Vacation time

401(k) matching

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan repayment

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Parental leave

Wellness program

Employee assistance program

Job summary

RTX in West Des Moines, IA, is seeking a Metallurgical Lab Technician to support engineers by evaluating, characterizing and documenting materials and microstructures from welding, brazing and EDM processes. You will prepare samples, operate sectioning saws, grinders and polishing units, and perform microstructural analysis.

The role requires a HS diploma or AA/AS with 4+ years of experience; preferred experience with Pax-it/Keyence control software, metallographic equipment, and materials

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or AA/AS degree with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, characterize, and document materials and microstructures from welding, brazing, and EDM.
• Prepare and handle sectioning saws, grinding & polishing units, and mounting presses.
• Prepare samples and perform microstructural analysis.
• Capture, analyze, and organize data into tables and figures.
• Document experimental findings in MPCL reports.
• Assist engineers in specimen preparation and testing.
• Coordinate test sample/part logistics.
• Develop preparation techniques for new materials and processes.
• Provide metallographic consultation and interpretation for internal/external customers.
• Ensure testing complies with specs and procedures.
• Troubleshoot laboratory equipment as needed.

Skills

Metallurgical analysis

Laboratory data handling

Documentation

Education

HS Diploma or AA/AS degree

Tools

Pax-it

Keyence control

Job description

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world‑class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

What You Will Do

• Support engineers by evaluating, characterizing, and documenting materials, microstructures, and conditions resulting from a broad range of processes, particularly welding, brazing, and EDM.
• Have or develop a proficiency in the use of sample preparation equipment such as sectioning saws, wire EDM machines, metallographic mounting presses, and grinding & polishing units.
• Prepare and handle chemical reagents required to prepare metallurgical samples for microstructural analysis.
• Have or develop a proficiency in the use of microscopes, metallographs, hardness testers, and imagine analysis (Pax-it and Keyence control) software.
• Prepare samples and perform microstructural analysis.
• Capture, analyze, and organize data into tables and figures.
• Document experimental findings in material & process control laboratory (MPCL) reports.
• Assist engineers in specimen preparation and testing, as appropriate (e.g. process development, failure analysis, material defects investigation, etc.).
• Coordinate test sample/part logistics.
• Develop preparation techniques needed to evaluate new materials and processes.
• Provide metallographic consultation and interpretation for internal and external customers.
• Ensure all testing is performed in accordance with specifications, laboratory procedures, and work instructions.
• Troubleshooting laboratory equipment as needed.

Qualifications

You Must Have

• Typically requires HS Diploma or AA/AS degree (or other 2-year post high school training) with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.

We Prefer

• Experience performing or inspecting welding or brazing and an understanding of metallographic properties.
• Materials Analysis experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with microscopes, metallographs, hardness testers, and/or imagine analysis (Pax-it and Keyence control) software.
• Associate's Degree or certificate in welding or similar technical field.

What We Offer Benefits

Some of our competitive benefits packages include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning Adoption Assistance
• Autism Benefit Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

The salary range for this role is 43,400 USD - 82,600 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.

Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programmes depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

This is an onsite role in West Des Moines, IA.