Lab Materials Analyst I

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Job Title

Lab Materials Analyst I

Executes routine mechanical, thermal, and electrical property testing to characterize advanced ceramics and related materials. Prepares samples, performs analyses per established methods, interprets results, and generates clear, accurate reports for internal stakeholders.

Roles & Responsibilities

Core Testing Scope
Conducts testing within the Physical Properties Lab with emphasis on:

• Mechanical properties: flexural strength (3-pt, 4-pt), fracture toughness (CNB), elastic modulus, Density (Archimedes and Pycnometry), PSD, and specific gravity.
• Thermal properties: thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), thermal conductivity/diffusivity, dilatometry, differential scanning calorimetry.
• Electrical properties: dielectric breakdown, dielectric loss and constant, volume resistivity.

Analytical Execution & Data Quality

• Prepares samples and executes tests using established methods, specifications, and quality requirements.
• Interprets data using standard calculations, baseline statistical tools, and documented acceptance criteria.
• Produces timely, accurate technical reports for engineering, R&D, quality, and production stakeholders.
• Escalates method-accuracy concerns, equipment anomalies, or statistically abnormal results to senior analysts or supervisors.
• Maintains data integrity by following documented workflows, calibration requirements, and sample-traceability procedures.

Operational Excellence

• Performs routine equipment cleaning, basic troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance for instruments within scope.
• Identifies and communicates equipment or method issues requiring SME or supervisor support.
• Partners with technicians on sample preparation and instrument setup; provides clear expectations and feedback consistent with role-level behaviors.
• Supports onboarding and skills development of laboratory technicians by providing hands-on training in routine test execution, proper sample preparation, safe equipment use, and data-collection fundamentals.
• Contributes to continuous improvement by identifying process inefficiencies, recurring failure points, or safety risks.

Safety & Compliance

• Works in accordance with established safety procedures, PPE requirements, and chemical-handling protocols.
• Recognizes potential safety issues and proposes practical, high-value corrective actions.

Job Requirements

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy, Physics, Chemistry, or related technical field.

Experience

• Required: College-level laboratory coursework with hands-on materials testing experience; at least one internship or equivalent applied lab experience.
• Preferred: 1–2 years experience in a materials testing or physical properties lab. Experience with mechanical, thermal, or dielectric testing is strongly preferred.

Functional / Technical Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to operate analytical instruments and associated software for mechanical, thermal, and electrical tests.
• Competency with laboratory information systems, statistical tools, and manufacturer-specific instrument interfaces.
• Strong technical communication skills; able to summarize findings clearly for cross-functional teams.
• Organized and detail-oriented, with demonstrated ability to follow structured workflows.
• Works effectively within a team environment and collaborates with technicians, analysts, and engineers.
• Demonstrates ownership of data quality appropriate to an Analyst I role, consistent with career-pathing expectations.

Physical Requirements

• Wears required PPE in designated lab areas.
• May handle hazardous chemicals including acids, bases, solvents, and high-temperature materials.
• May operate furnaces, kilns, or other high-temperature preparation equipment.

Target Hiring Range

Annual Salary: USD 73,342.00 - USD 95,000.00

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!