Lab Tech/Metallographer 1

SUMMARY

Conducts microscopic, macroscopic, and other tests and investigations on samples of aluminum alloys and compiles data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products. Assists in QA projects and other tasks as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Follow directions from Metallurgist or Quality Assurance Manager to prepare aluminum samples for metallurgical analysis/investigations.
2. Work with and give written directions to QA and Production personnel to prepare samples and/or slices for investigation.
3. Sample preparation including machining, UT, sectioning and polishing.
4. Keep record and traceability of investigations and sample preparation.
5. Maintain and operate equipment such as spectrometer, Alscan, PodFa, Microscope, Stereoscope, Data logger, low speed saw, etc.
6. Maintain inventory of chemicals and supplies used.
7. Perform and be familiar with etching practices such as Keller’s or Poulton.
8. Identify and quantify inclusions, porosity, grain size, segregation, liquation, etc.
9. Photograph and create reports of metallographic samples as required.
10. Interpret findings and prepare drawings, charts, and graphs for inclusion in reports for reference or instruction purposes, and writes reports regarding findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
11. Maintain lab safety, cleanliness and sample storage.
12. Understand and be familiar with Ultrasonic Testing Techniques and procedures.
13. Prepare Homogenization Surveys as required, including thermocouple preparation/installation and monitoring of Survey.
14. Maintain Homogenization Reports file.
15. Assist in QA projects/tasks directed by Metallurgist and QA Manager.
16. Assist with in-process inspection tasks as needed.
17. Contribute with extended work shifts to complete expedited reports and / or to assist QA personnel during spikes in work volume.

• High school diploma.
• Six to twelve months related experience and/or training: or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Understand and be familiar with AMS-STD-2154 for ultrasonic testing.
• Understand and be familiar with ASTM E112 for determining grain size.
• Understand and be familiar with ASTM E1417 for liquid penetrant testing.
• MS office suite (i.e Excel, Word and Outlook).
• Near Vision:  Jaegar (Type 1 or equivalent)
• Color Vision:  Must be able to distinguish and differentiate between colors used during the product acceptance/certification process.

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. Ability to use word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical interference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Wide variety of routine tasks that involve some choice of action within limits.

While performing the duties of this job. the employee is regularly required to stand, walk and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions, and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment requires hearing protection.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.