Metallurgical Lab Technician

IFA- North America LLC; Summerville (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

IFA North America LLC is seeking a Metallurgical Lab Technician to support daily lab operations, including sample prep, analytical testing and reporting of results. This role requires following ISO/TS 16949, ISO 14001 and ISO 17025 standards and performing tests on metallic specimens across multiple shifts.

The technician will operate shop equipment, maintain safety and 5S practices, and prepare technical reports for engineering teams.

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of metallurgical testing experience.
• 2+ years in automotive manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with ISO/TS 16949, ISO 14001 and ISO 17025 requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
• Proficient in English reading/writing and cross-functional communication.

Responsibilities

• Prepare mechanical, chemical and corrosion test specimens.
• Operate metallurgical equipment and standard lab machines.
• Perform hardness, tensile and corrosion testing per methods.
• Prepare technical test reports and maintain electronic records.
• Maintain safety, 5S housekeeping and calibration verifications.
• Communicate results via Outlook and collaborate with teams.

Skills

ISO/TS 16949

ISO 14001

ISO 17025

5S

Machine shop basics

Calipers

Micrometers

Tensile testing

Corrosion testing

Chemical analysis

Hardness testing

Reading technical drawings

MS Word/Excel/Outlook/Access

Education

High School diploma

Associates Degree in a technical field

Tools

SAP

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

Access

Job description

Job Summary

The Metallurgical Lab Technician is responsible for providing support to the daily operations of the Metallurgical Laboratory including sample preparation, performance of analytical tests and preparation of technical reports.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift

Essential Functions

• Maintain safety standards within the assigned area of responsibility
• Operation of common machine shop equipment including (but not limited to) horizontal and vertical band saws, milling machines, lathes, grinders and hand tools
• Preparation of mechanical, chemical and corrosion test specimens
• Operation of metallurgical equipment including metallurgical abrasive saw, hand grinder, manual polisher and mounting press
• Perform preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment as necessary
• Preparation of mounted and polished metallurgical samples
• Perform acid-etching on metallurgical samplesPreparation of corrosion testing brine solutions
• Perform hardness testing
• Perform analytical chemical analysis testing
• Perform corrosion testing including applicable acceptance testing
• Perform routine tension and compression tests
• Operation of image analysis system
• Monitor and adjust corrosion chamber(s) conditions remaining with specified limits
• Perform weekly hardness verifications
• Perform weekly pH and salinity meter verifications and / or calibrations
• Communicate effectively using Outlook
• Compile and store information electronically per IFA standard operating procedures
• Preparation of technical reports documenting test results
• Monitor laboratory 30-day sample storage and dispose of samples as necessary
• Complies with ISO/TS 16949, ISO 14001 and ISO 17025
• Complies with organizational policies and procedures
• Utilize 5S methodology to maintain the laboratory Maintain laboratory 5S and housekeeping
• Performs other duties as assigned

Education

• High School diploma or GED

Experience

• 0 – 2 years’ experience in metallurgical testing
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in an automotive manufacturing environment

Specific Skills

• Working knowledge of ISO/TS 16949, ISO 14001 and ISO 17025
• Demonstrated understanding of ISO 17025 requirements including data control, laboratory integrity and continual improvement
• Familiarity with lean principles including 5S
• Basic knowledge of machine shop equipment and practices
• Basic knowledge of handheld gages and equipment (calipers, micrometers, thickness gages, etc.)
• Basic knowledge of hardness testing methods, equipment and sample preparation
• Basic knowledge of tensile testing methods, equipment and sample preparation
• Basic knowledge of metallurgical testing methods, equipment and sample preparation
• Basic knowledge of corrosion testing methods, equipment and sample preparation
• Basic knowledge of chemical analysis testing methods, equipment and sample preparation
• Basic knowledge of laboratory chemicals and reagents
• Basic knowledge of driveshaft components
• Basic knowledge of both metric and English units of measure
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings
• Ability to read and write English
• Ability to read and follow technical test methods and specifications
• Ability to create accurate technically competent test reports
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization others
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams
• Trained and knowledgeable in site safety policies and procedures
• Ability to plan and organize his or her own work effectively in consultation with others
• Demonstrated knowledge of computer and software operation including MS Word, Excel, Outlook & Access
• Understand the consequences of non-conformances to the customer
• Understand the relevance and importance of their activities and how they contribute to achieving quality objectives (UNIVERSAL per TS 16949)

Desired – Education/Skills/Experience

• Associates Degree in a technical field
• Previous metallurgical laboratory experience
• SAP experience

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to walk/move about a 500,000sq ft manufacturing facility: 90% of the time
• Must be able to stand/walk/move about specific work area: 90% of the time
• Must be able to bend/reach/twist/stoop: 70% of the time
• Must be able to lift 40lbs on a frequent basis: 40% of the time
• Must be able to sit at a work station: 50% of the time
• Must be able to work and operate a computer terminal: 80% of the time
• Vision is required to analyze and process work; and to work on computer terminal/machine centers, etc.
• Hearing is essential for safety reasons; and to communicate with employees, supervisors, managers, vendors, suppliers and customers via conversation, group meetings, and/or phone conferences.
• Must be able to work any shift as required including overtime as needed
• Must be able to wear a painting suit and respirator
• Must be able to work with paints and solvents
• Must be able to work with laboratory reagents

AAP/EEO Statement

IFA North America provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, IFA North America complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.