What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Engineering Co-Op position at Precision Castparts?
Summary
The Henderson Technical Laboratory (HTL) Co-op supports materials characterization, metallurgical analysis, and microstructural evaluation activities for research, development, manufacturing support, and process improvement programs. The co-op will gain hands-on experience in laboratory operations, materials testing, specimen preparation, microscopy, and technical documentation while working alongside engineers and laboratory technicians.
Responsibilities will be assigned based on the candidate's academic background, experience level, and demonstrated capabilities. Undergraduate students may focus primarily on sample preparation, optical microscopy, and laboratory support activities. All staff are expected to maintain accurate laboratory records, follow established procedures, and support safe laboratory operations.
Essential Functions
Preferred qualifications may include:
The Henderson Technical Laboratory (HTL) Co-op supports materials characterization, metallurgical analysis, and microstructural evaluation activities for research, development, manufacturing support, and process improvement programs. The co-op will gain hands-on experience in laboratory operations, materials testing, specimen preparation, microscopy, and technical documentation while working alongside engineers and laboratory technicians.
Responsibilities will be assigned based on the candidate's academic background, experience level, and demonstrated capabilities. Undergraduate students may focus primarily on sample preparation, optical microscopy, and laboratory support activities. All staff are expected to maintain accurate laboratory records, follow established procedures, and support safe laboratory operations.
Essential Functions
- Prepare metallographic specimens using sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, and etching techniques.
- Perform optical microscopy examinations and document microstructural observations.
- Assist with materials characterization activities including metallography, image analysis, phase evaluation, and microstructure documentation.
- Operate laboratory equipment following approved procedures and training requirements.
- Support scanning electron microscopy (SEM) activities as training and qualification permit.
- Collect, organize analyze, and archive laboratory data in accordance with laboratory quality and documentation requirements.
- Prepare technical summaries, presentations, reports, and supporting documentation of laboratory findings.
- Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks, test records, electronic files, and project documentation.
- Follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), job safety assessments (JSAs), Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) rules, and laboratory quality practices.
- Assist engineers with investigative analyses, process improvement projects, and research activities.
- Participate in department meetings, training sessions, and technical development activities.
- Work collaboratively with laboratory staff and project teams to complete assignments accurately and on schedule.
- Support laboratory housekeeping, organization, and equipment maintenance activities.
- Assist with inventory management of laboratory consumables and supplies. - Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to laboratory workflow, data organization, and test efficiency. - Assist with preparation of technical presentations for internal meetings and project reviews. - Support development and revision of laboratory procedures, work instructions, and training materials. - Perform other duties as assigned in support of laboratory and engineering operations.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
- Ability to follow written procedures and work instructions closely.
- Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing within a team environment.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Commitment to safe work practices and laboratory discipline.
- Willingness to learn new laboratory techniques and instrumentation.
- Professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Currently pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree in a STEM field.
- Must have completed at least one year of college-level coursework prior to the start of the co-op assignment.
- Coursework or academic experience in materials science, metallurgy, microscopy, manufacturing, chemistry, or engineering laboratory methods preferred.
- Previous laboratory, research, internship, or co-op experience is beneficial but not required.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States (US Persons Only).
Preferred qualifications may include:
- Experience with metallographic sample preparation techniques.
- Familiarity with optical microscopy and digital imaging methods.
- Experience with SEM, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), or other related characterization techniques.
- Knowledge of metallic materials, microstructures, phase transformations, or materials processing.
- Experience with image analysis software, laboratory databases, or scientific data management.
- Experience preparing technical reports or presenting technical findings.
- Basic statistical analysis and data visualization skills.
- Basic coding skills (Python is a plus).