SEM & Materials Characterization Specialist

Syrah Technologies; Vidalia (LA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Syrah Technologies is seeking a Laboratory SEM Technician in Vidalia, LA to perform materials characterization supporting qualification, QA, and process improvements. The role emphasizes SEM-EDS, particle analysis, image analysis, and related lab methods.

You will prepare samples, operate and maintain SEM/EDS instruments, generate technical reports, and collaborate with Quality, Operations, and Engineering to drive continuous improvement and customer-focused investigations.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, or related discipline.
• Laboratory experience in materials characterization or analytical testing.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.
• SEM/EDS experience preferred.
• Experience with ImageJ or particle analysis software preferred.
• Experience in battery materials, graphite processing, chemicals, or advanced manufacturing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical owner for SEM-based characterization methods, driving continuous improvement in analytical capability, turnaround time, data quality, and customer support.
• Perform characterization of raw materials, intermediate products, finished products, and customer samples using established laboratory methods.
• Prepare samples for SEM, EDS, particle analysis, and other materials characterization techniques.
• Conduct particle counting, classification, and contamination assessment studies using image analysis software and established procedures.
• Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot SEM and EDS instrumentation to ensure reliable analytical performance.
• Perform elemental analysis and identify contaminants, foreign particles, inclusions, and process-related defects.
• Support magnetic impurity investigations, contamination assessments, and root cause analyses related to product quality and customer concerns.
• Provide analytical support for customer qualification programs, customer audits, and technical investigations.
• Collaborate with Quality, Operations, Technology, and Engineering teams to support process optimization, product development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support strategic laboratory projects, including capability expansion, new method development, equipment qualification, and analytical workflow improvements.
• Participate in special projects related to laboratory readiness initiatives, customer-driven investigations, and advanced materials characterization programs.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve SOPs, work instructions, test methods, and laboratory best practices.
• Generate technical reports, investigation summaries, and customer-facing data packages as required.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, analytical databases, image repositories, and raw data archives.
• Ensure data integrity, traceability, and compliance with laboratory quality management systems and company procedures.
• Adhere to all Safety, Health, Environmental, and Quality requirements while promoting a safe laboratory culture.

Skills

Materials characterization

Documentation

SEM/EDS experience

ImageJ

Analytical testing

Battery materials experience

Education

Associate or Bachelor degree in a related field

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Physics or related discipline

Tools

SEM

EDS

ImageJ

Job description

Syrah Technologies is seeking a Laboratory SEM Technician in Vidalia, LA to perform materials characterization supporting qualification, QA, and process improvements. The role emphasizes SEM-EDS, particle analysis, image analysis, and related lab methods.

You will prepare samples, operate and maintain SEM/EDS instruments, generate technical reports, and collaborate with Quality, Operations, and Engineering to drive continuous improvement and customer-focused investigations.