Metallurgical Lab Technician - Second Shift

IFA- North America LLC; Summerville (SC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in metallurgical testing is seeking a technician for daily lab operations. Responsibilities include sample preparation, performing analytical tests, and maintaining safety standards. Ideal candidates possess a high school diploma with foundational knowledge in metallurgical practices. This opportunity provides hands-on experience in a dynamic automotive manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 0 – 2 years’ experience in metallurgical testing.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Trained and knowledgeable in site safety policies.

Responsibilities

• Prepare mechanical, chemical, and corrosion test specimens.
• Perform hardness testing and analytical chemical analysis.
• Prepare technical reports documenting test results.

Skills

Understanding of ISO 17025 requirements

Basic knowledge of machine shop equipment

Understanding of lean principles

Ability to read and interpret technical drawings

Ability to create accurate test reports

Ability to communicate effectively

Education

High School diploma or GED

Associates Degree in a technical field

Job description

This position 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.

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 samples
• Preparation 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 IATF 16949, ISO 14001 and ISO 17025
• Complies with organizational policies and procedures
• Utilize 5S methodology to maintain the laboratory. 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 IATF 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 IATF 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 190,000 sq 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