Metallurgical Technician

Metallurgical Technician Nsl Analytical Services Cleveland, OH Job Details Full-time $22 - $26 an hour 1 day ago Benefits Paid parental leave Health savings account AD&D insurance Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Flexible spending account Paid time off On-the-job training Parental leave Employee assistance program Vision insurance 401(k) matching Professional development assistance Opportunities for advancement Life insurance Referral program Qualifications Sawing Grinding machine operation Laboratory equipment maintenance Sample preparation Data analysis skills Data reporting Equipment troubleshooting Laboratory information management systems Electron microscopy Mid-level Technical report writing Laboratory equipment calibration Material testing Laboratory compliance Quality standards in production Data collection 1 year Instrument maintenance Scanning electron microscope Associate's degree Technical Proficiency Mechanical knowledge Materials Science Time management Full Job Description

ABOUT YOU

You're someone who values precision, structure, and doing things the right way every time You Prefer fact-based, objective communication over speculation. You take ownership of your work and follow through to completion. You thrive in structured, professional environments with clear standards. You prefer focused, hands-on technical work over ambiguity, and you take pride in delivering work that others can depend on. You are known for your patience and careful attention to the quality of your work

ABOUT US

We are NSL Analytical! We are a material testing lab that provides repeatable, accurate results to help our customers render high quality, consistent products in regulated industries. Our organization is centered on our values of delivering for our customers, each other, and our industry. We are proud of our positive culture focused on deploying each team members' talent to "WOW!" our customers and celebrate wins together as a part of who we are. We are focused on outcomes not micromanagement; we trust people and give them the opportunity to perform to their potential. Being at NSL, you have the chance to make a major impact in real world applications effecting real people every single day.

DETAILS ABOUT THE ROLE, REQUIRMENTS, BENEFITS, AND HOW TO APPLY

Technician working under the supervision and direction of the Director of Metallurgical Laboratory Operations, performing metallographic preparation, microscopic analysis, and detailed evaluation of metallic materials. This role focuses heavily on microstructural characterization, surface analysis, and interpretation of metallurgical features. The technician follows established standards and procedures while assisting metallurgists in evaluating material properties and failure mechanisms. Complete imaging, analysis, and preparation when authorized by the Director or Senior/Chief Metallurgist. Primary Responsibilities/Key Attributes\•: Section, mount, grind, and polish metallic samples in accordance with ASTM and internal standards to achieve high-quality surfaces suitable for microscopic evaluation. Perform etching techniques to reveal microstructural features such as grain boundaries, phases, and inclusions. - Prepare and condition material samples according to specific test plans and standards. Microscopy & Imaging Analysis Operate optical microscopes and, when applicable, utilizing scanning electron microscopes (SEM) to evaluate microstructures with Metallurgist. Capture, document, and analyze images for grain size, phase distribution, inclusion content, and surface conditions. Grain & Microstructural Analysis Perform grain size determination, coating evaluations, case depth measurements, and microstructural characterization. Interpret and report findings in accordance with ASTM standards (e.g., E112, E407). Surface & Failure Analysis Support Assist metallurgists in surface examinations, fracture analysis, and failure investigations. Identify anomalies such as cracks, voids, inclusions, corrosion, and processing defects. Data Collection & Reporting Accurately document observations, measurements, and results in laboratory systems (LIMS). Compile clear and organized reports to support metallurgical evaluations. Laboratory Equipment Operation & Maintenance Operate and maintain metallographic preparation equipment (cut-off saws, mounting presses, grinders/polishers). Perform routine calibration and basic troubleshooting of microscopy and preparation equipment.

Secondary Responsibilities:

Maintain adherence to quality systems and testing standards. Identify opportunities to improve preparation techniques, turnaround times, and workflow efficiency. Sample pick-up or delivery as needed. Other duties as assigned.

Incidental Functions:

As Required.

Supervisory Responsibility:

N/A Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience): 1-3 years of experience in a metallurgical or materials testing laboratory with a focus on metallography. Hands-on experience with metallographic sample preparation and microscopy required. Familiarity with ASTM metallography standards (E3, E7, E112, E407) preferred. Associate's Degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related technical field required; Bachelor's Degree preferred. Experience in a commercial testing laboratory environment preferred. Strong attention to detail with the ability to perform precise, repeatable work. Proficiency with imaging software and basic data analysis tools.

Success Factors:

Strong attention to detail and patience for precision work. Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret microstructures. Mechanical aptitude with hands-on laboratory equipment. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment. Strong organizational and time management skills. Positive attitude and openness to feedback and continuous learning. Commitment to quality, accuracy, and customer service.

Work Conditions/Physical Demands:

General lab environment: includes sitting, standing and walking; frequent lifting of up to 25 lbs., pulling, pushing, carrying, reaching, bending, twisting, climbing, squatting, and crouching. Frequent use of machinery with moving parts. Work is completed in the lab environment that contains toxic materials with possible exposure to odors, acids, fumes and other reactive materials.

Reasonable Accommodations:

This description is representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and physical requirements to successfully perform the job. At the employee's request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. \• The job description documents the general nature and level of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties and responsibilities required of job incumbents. Consequently, job incumbents may be asked to perform other duties or work overtime as required.

Pay:

$22.00 - $26.00 per hour Expected hours: 40 - 45 per week

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching AD&D insurance Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance On-the-job training Opportunities for advancement Paid parental leave Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Referral program Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person