Research Analyst

SSAB; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent Pay with Additional Bonus

Very Affordable Health Insurance

401(k) with Employer Match – 5%

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

SSAB is seeking a Research Analyst to support R&D efforts through technical investigations and sample analysis. In this role, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams, troubleshoot processes, and communicate findings effectively within a laboratory and manufacturing setting.

The ideal candidate holds an Associate's degree and possesses strong communication and teamwork skills. Benefits include excellent pay, health insurance, and a 401(k) with employer matching.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Prior work experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct technical investigations and analyze samples.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams.
• Oversee the Scanning Electron Microscopy Lab.

Skills

Good verbal communication skills

Good computer skills

Ability to work in a team environment

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent work experience

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

Analytical techniques such as EDS

Job description

About the Position

The Research Analyst supports research and development efforts by conducting technical investigations, preparing and analyzing samples, and assisting with equipment setup and testing. The role involves collaborating with cross‑functional teams, interpreting data, troubleshooting equipment or processes, and communicating findings to support project objectives in a laboratory and manufacturing environment.

Main Responsibilities

• Performs assigned tasks with minimal supervision in the R&D laboratories
• Works with others to achieve project goals and may be assigned responsibility to meet specific technical objectives and schedules
• Assists in analyzing results. Summarize results and report findings to higher-level technical employees
• Uses technical competency to provide consulting services to others and to diagnose and resolve problems with existing equipment or systems
• May make verbal presentations and instruct peers and plant personnel on technical subjects
• Responsible for overseeing the Scanning Electron Microscopy Lab including the operation and maintenance of two SEMs
• Serves as back‑up operator for the Metallography Lab including cutting, polishing, and etching specimens, and taking photomicrographs and hardness measurements
• Conducts service jobs start to finish
• Serves as back‑up operator for the two scanning electron microscopes

Education, Experience, and Competencies

Required:

• Associate's degree or equivalent work experience
• Good verbal communication skills
• Good computer skills
• Ability to work in a team environment

Preferred:

• Prior work experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience in the operation of SEMs and analytical techniques, such as EDS.
• Bachelor's degree

Position Type - Work Hours - Travel Requirements

• Position is full time, exempt
• Position works an eight (8) hour day shift, Monday through Friday – additional overtime as needed
• Travel for this position is necessary and expected to comprise up to 20-25% of work hours – some international travel is possible

Working Conditions

The position requires the following vision and hearing capabilities:

• Talking person to person, on the phone, and/or in group settings.
• Hearing in person, on the phone, and/or in group settings.
• Vision at near, mid, and far range.
• Peripheral vision and depth perception.

The employee will frequently be required to:

• Stand, walk, sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Twist at waist level, reach above shoulder level, reach at and/or below waist level.
• Use both hands for grasping, fingering, gripping and feeling textures and temperatures.
• Lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

The employee will occasionally be required to:

• Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

The employee will work in the following conditions:

• Extreme hot and cold conditions.
• Wet and humid conditions.
• Amid fumes, dust, dirt, and smoke.
• In confined areas and heights/high places.
• Near moving parts of heavy machinery, equipment in motion and high voltage equipment.
• Amid noise.
• Amid mechanical, electrical, and chemical hazards and industrial magnets.
• While wearing safety equipment and/or clothing for protection from hazards.

Our Offer

SSAB BENEFITS – starting at hire!

• Excellent Pay with Additional Bonus
• Very Affordable Health Insurance
• Blue Cross/Blue Shield Medical
• CVS/Caremark Prescription
• Delta Dental
• Superior Vision
• 401(k) with Employer Match – 5%
• Profit Sharing
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Vacation
• Company Paid Life Insurance - and STD and LTD
• Optional Life, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program