Materials Engineering Technician

Posted Job Title: Metallurgical Laboratory Technician

Reports To: Materials Engineering Manager / Supervisor

Job Description:

• This role supports product launches, cost reduction programs, failure analysis, manufacturing operations, and the engineering center through the execution of material tests. This position will perform material analysis per internal Tenneco and industry standards (ASTM, ISO, etc.). This includes metallic (ferrous and aluminum-based alloys), and non-metallic (oils, greases, polymers / elastomers, paints) materials. Typical evaluations include determination of ferrous alloy chemistry, various properties of chrome plating, hardening/ tempering, ferritic nitrocarburization, powdered metal sintering, and welding processes. The role will perform analysis, using both optical and SEM microscopy, to determine the root cause of failures. This position will be required to interface with other test technicians, calibration technicians, and application / development engineers to ensure test requests are performed properly to meet all customer requirements, and overall program timeline.

The responsibilities of the person in this position include, but are not limited to…

• Execute daily house-keeping tasks within the Materials Laboratory to maintain a clean and safe work environment; and adhere to EH&S policies and procedures.
• Maintain materials laboratory equipment in good working condition and keep calibration of lab equipment up to date.

• Follow standard operating procedures and safety protocols; ensure all lab policies and procedures are kept up to date.
• Intake and prepare samples for testing, including labeling, photo documentation and tracking of samples.
• Activities include cutting, mounting, polishing, etching of samples, and microscopic evaluations such as grain size, weld fusion, decarburization, and failure analysis. Tear down of assemblies to support component testing may be required.
• Perform failure analysis to determine root cause of an issue from component, sub-system, and system perspectives with support of multidisciplinary team.
• Prepare etchants and handle other chemicals for testing needs. Maintain up to date inventory of chemicals and consumable lab supplies.

• Collect, record, organize and upload test data to laboratory information management system; communicate test data to business units, product engineering, process engineering, quality and plant operations (as required)
• Prepare samples and requisitions for outside testing. Review and approve third-party reports upon receipt.
• Maintain status of work requests within laboratory information management system.

• Assist in customer, internal, and third-party quality audits related to internal engineering and laboratory processes.
• Follow established protocol to purchase consumables for the lab and record expenses in expense tracking system.

• Assist with training of technical staff.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or delegated by Materials Lab Manager.

Required Skills

• Self-directed and motivated with excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to prepare and deliver technical reports in English.
• Able to read, understand and apply drawings, material specifications, and industry / customer requirements.
• Mechanical aptitude for test equipment and measurement systems.
• Ability to concurrently manage multiple tasks with attention to detail.
• Excellent computer proficiency especially in Microsoft Office products including – Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Required Experience

• Minimum of associate’s degree in material science, metallurgy, chemistry or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a laboratory setting.

• Experience in the field of material science / engineering, failure analysis, or automotive activities preferred.
• Must be able to occasionally lift and move up to 50 lbs and be able to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms throughout workday.