R&D Technician II – Microscopy and Ceramography

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Job Title

R&D Technician II – Microscopy and Ceramography

Responsible for preparing, imaging, and evaluating ceramic and related material samples in support of R&D, production, quality, and failure analysis activities. Performs ceramographic sample preparation, optical microscopy, SEM microscopy support, and grain size measurements in accordance with approved work instructions, customer requirements, quality expectations, and safety standards.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Works under limited supervision while following approved work instructions, customer requirements, laboratory procedures, and safety standards to prepare and evaluate ceramic and related material samples.
• Performs ceramographic sample preparation activities, including but not limited to:
• •   Sectioning
• •    Mounting
• •    Grinding
• •    Polishing
• •    Etching, thermal etching, or other approved surface preparation methods
• •    Cleaning and handling of prepared samples to prevent contamination or surface damage
• Prepares ceramic, glass, composite, and other inorganic material samples for optical and scanning electron microscopy evaluation.
• Operates optical microscopy equipment to capture images, evaluate microstructural features, and support routine material characterization.
• Supports SEM microscopy activities, including sample mounting, coating where applicable, basic imaging, image capture, and documentation of observed features.
• Performs routine grain size measurements using approved procedures, image analysis software, and applicable standards or internal methods.
• Supports evaluation, communicates, and maintains records of microstructural features such as porosity, cracks, inclusions, defects, secondary phases, abnormal grain growth, surface damage, and preparation artifacts.
• Assists analysts, engineers, and internal customers by preparing samples and collecting images or measurements that support valid technical interpretation.
• Performs basic troubleshooting on sample preparation, optical microscopy, SEM support, coating, polishing, and image analysis equipment within area of responsibility.
• Cleans equipment and work areas, performs routine preventative maintenance, and supports safe, reliable operation of microscopy and ceramography equipment.
• Works independently on assigned sample preparation, imaging, and measurement tasks while escalating non-routine technical concerns appropriately.
• Supports continuous improvement by identifying practical improvements to sample preparation quality, imaging consistency, measurement repeatability, workflow efficiency, equipment use, or safety.
• Collaborates with analysts, engineers, technicians, and internal customers to ensure samples are prepared and documented in a manner that supports accurate analysis and minimizes rework.
• Cross-trains on related laboratory equipment and microscopy preparation processes as needed to support department priorities.
• Complies with customer specifications, quality requirements, laboratory procedures, and safety standards.

Job Requirements:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent plus 3 years of related work experience, or Bachelor’s degree with 1 year of related work experience.
• Technical training, trade school coursework, laboratory coursework, or microscopy/materials-related training is preferred.

Experience:

• Experience in a laboratory, microscopy, materials testing, ceramics, manufacturing, quality, or R&D environment is preferred.
• Experience with metallographic or ceramographic sample preparation is strongly preferred.
• Experience with grinding, polishing, mounting, sectioning, etching, or preparing samples for microscopy is preferred.
• Experience using optical microscopes, SEM systems, image analysis software, or related characterization equipment is preferred.
• Experience performing grain size measurement, porosity measurement, defect documentation, or other image-based measurements is preferred.
• Experience with equipment maintenance, basic troubleshooting, and laboratory documentation is preferred.

Functional/Technical Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Intermediate math and writing skills required.

• Basic statistics knowledge required.

• Ability to read and follow work instructions, sample preparation requests, laboratory procedures, and customer requirements.

• Ability to generate basic technical notes, sample preparation records, imaging documentation, and measurement summaries.

• Able to perform routine measurements with attention to method consistency, traceability, and data quality.

• Possesses practical troubleshooting skills for sample preparation, polishing, imaging, and measurement equipment.

• Must be organized, detail-oriented, safety-focused, and able to manage multiple sample preparation and imaging priorities.

• Must be able to work with a diverse variety of people from different cultures and backgrounds.

• Exhibits effective cooperation and communication skills to work within a team environment and support internal customers.

• Preferred-Understands basic ceramic science and microstructural concepts related to assigned work, including grain structure, porosity, cracks, defects, inclusions, and preparation artifacts.

• Preferred-Understands basic material handling considerations for brittle materials, including chipping, cracking, edge retention, contamination, and surface preparation quality.

• Preferred-Able to use optical microscopy, image capture software, image analysis tools, and basic computer systems for departmental functions.

Position Specific Physical Requirements:

• Required to always wear appropriate personal protective equipment in work areas.

• Required to work around sectioning saws, grinding and polishing equipment, rotating platens, sharp samples, brittle fragments, polishing media, and ceramic dust.

• Required to handle hazardous chemicals such as acids, solvents, etchants, cleaning agents, mounting materials, or polishing compounds.

• Will be required to work with high-temperature equipment for thermal etching or sample preparation.

• May be required to wear a respirator; medical evaluation will be required prior to fitting.

• May be required to lift up to 50 lbs.

• May be required to sit or stand for extended periods while performing microscopy, sample preparation, image analysis, and equipment operation.

Target Hiring Range

Hourly: USD 22.84 - USD 27.62

Actual compensation is commensurate with experience, skills and education. CoorsTek strives to give all qualified applicants equal opportunity and to make selection decisions on job related factors. Do not provide any information on the application which will indicate your race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law or regulation.

If you like working for a company that makes a real difference in the world, you'll enjoy your career with us!