Laboratory Technician (Materials/Testing)
4 days ago
Moline
Job Description Laboratory Technician (Materials / Testing) Rock Island, IL Davenport, IA Quad Cities, IA/IL Job Type: Full-time Pay: $55,000-$80,000 per year The Opportunity Learn, grow and be challenged every day in a fast-paced and agile manufacturing research environment. Working within a small and diverse engineering team, you will serve as the Laboratory and Test Technician supporting the DoD warfighter through multiple research projects in additive manufacturing and technology development. About ASTRO America The Applied Science & Technology Research Organization of America (ASTRO America) is a 501c3 think tank and research institute focused on U.S. manufacturing policy and technology advancement for DoD and commercial industry. The Midwest Team is currently supporting the advancement of Additive Friction Stir Deposition for the U.S. Army at Rock Island Arsenal, IL. Job Description Laboratory Technician to support sample preparation and testing for the characterization of metals in support of developing and advancing Additive Friction Stir Deposition 3D printing technology. In the materials laboratory duties include metallographic sample preparation, optical and electron microscopy, chemical etching/cleaning processes, and related laboratory management responsibilities. In the destructive testing laboratory duties include installation, operation, and maintenance of mechanical testing equipment to evaluate the strength, durability, and performance of products and materials according to engineering specifications. Additional duties include assisting in quality control, supply ordering, product development and engineering, and failure analysis for aerospace and government customers. Key Responsibilities • Test Execution: Conduct physical and mechanical testing (tensile, hardness, charpy) and microscopic analysis on materials and components to ensure they meet performance and safety standards. Operate various testing equipment, set up test fixtures, perform calibration, and conduct preventive maintenance., • Sample Preparation, • Section, mount, grind, polish, and etch metallic samples (primarily aluminum alloys and steels) for optical and electron microscopy., • Prepare and maintain chemical etchants, electrolytes, and cleaning solutions., • Operate precision and band saws, cold mounting presses, polishing wheels, and laboratory testing equipment., • Operate CNC milling and turning equipment to prepare test coupons, • Perform etching, anodizing, and related treatments for microstructural evaluation., • Documentation & Reporting, • Record procedures, sample histories, and results in lab notebooks and databases., • Capture and annotate optical/SEM images for analysis and reporting., • Assist with maintaining SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and Work Instructions., • Equipment Maintenance, • Perform daily checks and routine maintenance of polishing and test equipment., • Monitor chemical inventory, order supplies, and safely dispose of waste., • Health & Safety, • Follow all laboratory safety procedures, especially when handling acids, bases, and solvents., • Proper use of PPE (gloves, goggles, lab coat, respirator as required)., • Technical Knowledge:, • A strong understanding of mechanical and physical properties of materials and testing methods., • Basic knowledge of aluminum and steel properties and behavior., • Preferred Experience:, • Prior work in a metallography, failure analysis, or materials testing lab., • Experience with SEM/EDS, optical microscopy, and hardness testing equipment., • Knowledge of ISO/ASTM metallographic preparation standards., • Hands-on experience with metallographic polishing, etching, and microscopy., • Familiarity with laboratory safety practices and chemical handling., • On-Site Only: Rock Island, IL: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required). This position is NOT eligible for remote work or telework., • Schedule and Travel: Typical schedule is Mon-Fri, 8-Hour Workday. Minimal travel for company events., • Physical Demands: Typical work environment is 75% laboratory and 25% office. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. unassisted and stand for extended periods. Must be comfortable working with rotating machinery and chemicals in an industrial environment. Additional Requirements/Details • High School Diploma and a minimum of 2 years relevant laboratory experience., • Must be a United States Citizen and be able to pass a Criminal Background Check., • Experience in the aviation or defense sectors, or forging/casting industry is preferred., • Benefits:, • 401(k), • Paid time off, • Insurance: Health, Dental, Life, Vision, • Professional Development and Training