Technician

Actalent; Moorestown Township (NJ); On-site; USD 48,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent in Moorestown, NJ is seeking a Materials Characterization Lab Technician to support aerospace/defense programs. You will prepare samples, run SEM/EDS, FTIR, and DSC/TGA/DMA/TMA analyses, perform mechanical testing, and present results to engineering teams.

The role is contract-to-hire, onsite in Moorestown with safety-focused laboratory duties and strict documentation. The ideal candidate has 2+ years in a materials lab and familiarity with ASTM procedures.

Qualifications

• 2+ years hands-on experience in a materials characterization or mechanical testing laboratory.
• Experience with materials characterization techniques and mechanical testing methods.
• Experience operating laboratory equipment for sample preparation, testing, and data collection.
• Ability to work from schematics, drawings, and detailed written or verbal instructions.
• Strong attention to detail with precise sample preparation steps (sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing).
• Capability to perform calibration, alignment checks, and routine maintenance on lab instruments.
• Effective communication to record observations, compile data, and present technical information.
• Ability to follow ASTM standards and internal procedures when conducting mechanical tests.
• Eligibility to obtain a security clearance if required during the contract period.

Responsibilities

• Prepare material samples by sectioning, mounting, grinding, and polishing for microstructural analysis.
• Perform metallographic etching to reveal microstructural features.
• Operate SEM/EDS for detailed materials characterization.
• Use FTIR and thermal analysis platforms (DSC, TGA, DMA, TMA) to characterize properties.
• Conduct mechanical testing on metals, composites, elastomers per ASTM standards.
• Bond strain gages to test specimens for strain measurement.
• Compile raw data into technical presentations and communicate results to teams.
• Safely install test fixtures and sub-assemblies under test.
• Perform routine calibration and preventative maintenance on characterization platforms.
• Set up tests from schematics/drawings and troubleshoot issues.
• Calibrate and align equipment as directed.
• Prepare compounds and solutions for testing.
• Support failure analysis to determine root causes.
• Adhere to safety protocols and maintain organized work areas.
• Document work for traceability and compliance.

Skills

2+ years experience

Materials characterization

Mechanical testing

Engineering drawings

Sample prep

Calibration

Documentation

ASTM standards

Security clearance

Education

BS degree

MS degree

Tools

Instron systems

SEM/EDS

FTIR

DSC

TGA

DMA

TMA

Environmental chambers

Job description

Job Title: Materials Characterization Lab TechnicianJob Description

This role performs a wide range of electronic, mechanical, electromechanical, and optical laboratory duties to support advanced aerospace and defense programs. The technician constructs, troubleshoots, calibrates, adjusts, tests, diagnoses, and maintains equipment, components, devices, and systems. The position involves working from schematics, engineering drawings, and written or verbal instructions, operating specialized analytical and mechanical testing equipment, conducting tests, and reporting data in prescribed formats. This is a hands‑on, non-production, non-quality-assurance role focused on materials characterization and mechanical testing in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare material samples by executing precise sectioning, mounting, grinding, and polishing of metal alloys, composites, and electronics assemblies for microstructural analysis.

• Perform metallographic acid etching on prepared samples as required to reveal microstructural features.

• Operate sophisticated analytical tools to support Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) for detailed materials characterization.

• Utilize Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermal analysis platforms, including DSC, TGA, DMA, and TMA, to characterize material properties and behavior.

• Conduct mechanical testing on metals, composites, elastomers, and other materials in accordance with ASTM standards and internal laboratory procedures.

• Bond strain gages to test specimens as required to support mechanical testing and strain measurement activities.

• Compile raw test data into clear technical presentations, accurately record observations, and communicate results to engineering and project teams.

• Safely install test fixtures and sub-assemblies under test, ensuring proper setup and secure handling of materials and equipment.

• Perform routine calibration and preventative maintenance on materials characterization platforms, mechanical load frames, environmental chambers, and other laboratory infrastructure.

• Work from schematics, engineering drawings, and written or verbal instructions to set up tests, troubleshoot issues, and perform adjustments or modifications.

• Conduct calibration and alignment checks on relevant equipment and make adjustments, modifications, and replacements as directed.

• Prepare prescribed compounds and solutions required for testing and materials preparation activities.

• Support failure analysis activities by assisting in the examination and testing of components and materials to determine root cause of performance issues.

• Adhere to laboratory safety protocols and procedures, maintaining a clean, organized, and compliant work area.

• Document work thoroughly to support traceability, repeatability, and compliance with applicable specifications and standards.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience in a materials characterization or mechanical testing laboratory environment.

• Demonstrated competency in materials characterization techniques and mechanical testing methods.

• Experience operating laboratory equipment used for sample preparation, testing, and data collection.

• Ability to work from schematics, engineering drawings, and detailed written or verbal instructions.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to execute precise sample preparation steps, including sectioning, mounting, grinding, and polishing.

• Capability to perform calibration, alignment checks, and routine maintenance on laboratory instruments and infrastructure.

• Effective communication skills to record observations, compile data, and present technical information clearly.

• Ability to follow ASTM standards and internal procedures when conducting mechanical tests.

• Eligibility to obtain a security clearance if required during the contract period.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• BS degree with approximately 48 years of relevant experience, or MS degree with approximately 26 years of relevant experience, or higher level of experience in a related field.

• Prior experience evaluating mechanical test results and interpreting data from mechanical load frames.

• Hands-on experience operating mechanical load frames such as Instron systems.

• Experience conducting failure analysis activities on materials, components, or assemblies.

• Familiarity with aerospace and military specifications and industry standards, particularly ASTM standards.

• Experience working with metals, composites, elastomers, and electronics assemblies in a laboratory setting.

• Ability to compile raw data into structured technical presentations for engineering and program stakeholders.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

• Open to more experienced candidates; this role is not intended for candidates with minimal experience.

Work Environment

The role is based in a materials characterization and mechanical testing laboratory that supports complex, systems-level aerospace and defense programs. The environment involves daily use of advanced analytical tools such as SEM, EDS, FTIR, and thermal analysis platforms (DSC, TGA, DMA, TMA), as well as mechanical load frames and environmental chambers. Work is hands‑on and equipment-intensive, with a focus on connecting materials data to broader system performance rather than working on isolated technologies. The technician collaborates with engineers and other technical staff to support programs involving helicopters, radar, maritime systems, electronic warfare, cyber, communications, and command-and-control technologies. Laboratory work requires adherence to safety protocols, careful handling of test fixtures and sub-assemblies, and consistent documentation of procedures and results. Attire is typically appropriate for a technical laboratory setting, including any required personal protective equipment in accordance with safety guidelines.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Moorestown, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $50.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Moorestown,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.