Metallography Laboratory Technician

GE HealthCare; Warrensville Heights (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

GE HealthCare is seeking a Metallography Laboratory Technician – Materials Engineering to prepare and test metallic materials, document results, and maintain lab operations. The role emphasizes metallographic prep, microstructural analysis, materials testing, and failure analysis.

The position collaborates with Value Stream Engineering, group leaders, and production teams to resolve quality issues, improve processes, and establish standard work.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree, Technical Certification, or High School Diploma/GED with minimum 5 years experience
• Able to prioritize multiple active projects to deliver results
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow standard operating procedures
• Communication and organizational skills to collaborate across teams and departments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and basic data entry

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Testing: Metallographic sample preparation, section parts, mount, grind, and polish specimens for metallurgical analysis; testing & analysis including density measurements, micrographs, grain size, hardness testing, SEM, LIBS; accurately document results in reports

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Organizational skills

Prioritization

Data entry

Education

Associate Degree

Technical Certification

High School Diploma/GED

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Metallography Laboratory Technician – Materials Engineering is responsible for preparing and testing materials through a variety of laboratory methods, while accurately documenting results in reports. The position also ensures efficient laboratory operations by maintaining equipment, managing inventory, establishing standard work procedures, and organizing daily activities. Additionally, the role supports quality and continuous improvement efforts by analyzing nonconforming materials, conducting trend analysis, and assisting engineers with experiment and qualification execution activities. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with the Value Stream Engineering Team, Group Leaders, and manufacturing personnel to resolve production quality issues while demonstrating strong attention to detail, technical expertise, and a proactive approach to identifying and attacking opportunities for improvement.

Job Description Summary

The Metallography Laboratory Technician – Materials Engineering is responsible for preparing and testing materials through a variety of laboratory methods, while accurately documenting results in reports. The position also ensures efficient laboratory operations by maintaining equipment, managing inventory, establishing standard work procedures, and organizing daily activities. Additionally, the role supports quality and continuous improvement efforts by analyzing nonconforming materials, conducting trend analysis, and assisting engineers with experiment and qualification execution activities. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with the Value Stream Engineering Team, Group Leaders, and manufacturing personnel to resolve production quality issues while demonstrating strong attention to detail, technical expertise, and a proactive approach to identifying and attacking opportunities for improvement.

This position supports a materials engineering laboratory focused on the evaluation and characterization of metallic and powder-based materials used in manufacturing. The role is heavily centered on metallographic sample preparation, microstructural analysis, materials testing, and failure analysis activities rather than biological, chemical, or life sciences research.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Laboratory Testing
  • Metallographic Sample Preparation: Section (cut) sample parts using a manual abrasive saw, mount, grind, and polish specimens for metallurgical analysis
  • Testing & Analysis: Perform Archimedes density measurements, create and analyze micrographs including grain size and microstructure evaluation, hardness testing, rheometry, laser diffraction, SEM, LIBS, etc.
  • Documentation & Reporting: Accurately document test results in reports
• Laboratory Maintenance
  • Oversee inventory and ordering of supplies to minimize cost
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of laboratory, including scheduling of routine inspection and care of equipment and tools
  • Determine most effective sequence of operations and document standard work
  • Help with prioritization of laboratory activities
• Trending and Analysis
  • Participate in Material Review Board evaluation, disposition, and trending of non-conforming product
  • Obtain appropriate samples from production to satisfy trending requirements
  • Conduct analysis and provide insight on nonconforming material opportunities
  • Assist Engineers with execution of experiments and qualification activities

Work Environment

• Laboratory and manufacturing floor settings.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required.
• May involve standing for extended periods and handling of small tools and equipment.
• This position offers the opportunity to serve as a key laboratory owner, helping establish standard work, organize testing priorities, manage laboratory resources, and continuously improve operational efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Associate Degree, Technical Certification, or High School Diploma/GED with minimum 5 years experience
• Able to prioritize multiple active projects to deliver results
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow standard operating procedures
• Communication and organizational skills to collaborate across teams and departments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and basic data entry

Desired Characteristics

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, or Technology related field
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Project, Visio, etc.)
• 1–3 years of experience in a laboratory or manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with metallographic preparation techniques and testing methods
• Familiarity with ISO 13485 and ISO 17025
• Lean Six Sigma Certification

We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.

Additional Information

GE HealthCare offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE HealthCare 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 HealthCare 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).

While GE HealthCare does not currently require U.S. employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, some GE HealthCare customers have vaccination mandates that may apply to certain GE HealthCare employees.

Relocation Assistance Provided: No