Analytical Lab Technician

Core Technical Responsibilities

Metals Instrumental Analysis

• Operate XRF spectrometers for rapid alloy identification, elemental quantification, and verification of metal chemistry against specifications.
• Manage and conduct daily high‑precision ICP‑OES analysis for trace metals, major element quantification, and complex alloy systems.
• Perform calibration, drift correction, QC checks, and maintenance on both XRF and ICP systems using certified reference materials (CRMs).
• Use combustion/fusion analyzers (O, N testing) to complement XRF/ICP results when required.

Sample Preparation & Metals Digestion

• Prepare metal, ceramic and metal oxide samples for ICP analysis using acid digestion, fusion, or dissolution methods while adhering to contamination‑control best practices.

Quality & Documentation

• Document results in controlled lab data sheets with full traceability, ensuring high‑accuracy reporting for engineering and production teams.
• Review analytical results for trends, anomalies, or nonconformances and collaborate in root‑cause and problem‑solving activities.
• Produce and communicate product certifications based on analysis.
• Follow all SOPs, Work Instructions, and Quality Management System requirements
• Ability to support analytical lab in compliance to ISO 17025 standard.

Safety & Compliance

• Handle acids (HCl, HNO₃, HF), reagents, and metals safely per EH&S guidance and chemical hygiene protocols.
• Maintain laboratory workstations, fume hoods, and sample preparation equipment to ensure safe, contamination‑free operation.

Note: This responsibilities list is not all‑inclusive. Additional duties may be assigned or existing duties modified at any time at the discretion of management.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• A high school diploma with substantial, directly relevant experience will be considered in lieu of advanced education.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Metallurgy, or related technical field is preferred.
• Hands‑on experience with XRF and ICP (ICP‑OES) is required.
• Minimum 1–3 years of metals testing or industrial analytical laboratory experience preferred.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in operating XRF analyzers for both qualitative and quantitative metals analysis.
• Strong working knowledge of ICP‑OES, including sample preparation, digestion, matrix correction, and instrument troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with OES, EMGA test methods, metallography, and combustion/fusion analysis is highly desirable.
• Understanding of alloy systems and chemical behavior of metals.
• Ability to read and interpret technical specifications, prints, and quality standards.
• Strong computer skills.

Competency

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in analytical measurement.
• Ability to analyze complex data sets, recognize trends, and identify out‑of‑spec conditions.
• Effective and strong communication skills for reporting results to engineers, supervisors, and production teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced testing environment.
• Flexible and able to work well in a fast-paced, ISO compliant environment

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to lift and handle metal samples up to 40 lbs.
• Standing for extended periods during sample prep and instrument operation.
• Exposure to acids, fumes, noise, and particulates with PPE provided (gloves, lab coat, safety glasses, hearing protection).