Manufacturing Engineering Technician - Epitec : Job Details

Title: Materials Engineering Lab Technician

Location: Waterloo, IA

Shift: This position will be for 1st shift (7 am to 3:30 pm but can be flexible). Overtime would be minimal.

MAJOR PURPOSE: This job is for a Materials Engineering lab technician whose everyday assignments and tasks may vary from routine to infrequent. Duties are relatively broad in scope and may require evaluation by the position holder. The holder of this position will perform materials engineering supporting tasks or complex laboratory analytical functions with limited engineering oversight.

GENERAL DUTIES:

• Completes tasks involving preparation or analysis of material samples/components/processes with minor engineering oversight for moderately complex activities.

• Operates lab shop part sectioning equipment including abrasive cutoff machines, band saw, surface grinder, belt sander, mounting press and sample polishing machines. This includes standing up to 4 hours per shift, occasionally lifting and carrying items up to 35 pounds

• Perform daily hardness tester and spectrometer verification testing

• Perform hardness testing, chemical analysis, and microstructure evaluation

• Develop, recommend and implement laboratory analytical or process changes needed to maintain or improve product quality on a tactical or strategic basis.

• Work with maintenance and production personnel to troubleshoot laboratory equipment, process, or analytical problems.

• Perform daily shop and lab equipment preventative maintenance.

• Participate on project teams to leverage knowledge and experience to improve factory performance in safety, quality, cost, and delivery.

• Create and maintain process instructions or develop analytical processes to meet production needs.

• Create and maintain laboratory procedures and processes.

• Maintain “Sustain” level of 5S in the Materials Engineering lab.

TECHNICAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Strong understanding of part prints, process instructions, and Deere/industry standards.

• Basic to moderate knowledge of iron/steel making or heat treatment processes and application to materials analysis.

• Microstructure interpretation/evaluation of steels

• Basic knowledge of production and analytical equipment, and maintenance activities needed to produce or verify a quality product.

• Solid mechanical aptitude and a strong drive to grow this skill set.

• Very good verbal and written communication skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other electronic engineering software tools.

WORK EXPERIENCE: “The ideal candidate will have”

• Experience in metallurgical analysis

• Experience with heat treatment processes

• Experience within manufacturing environment

• Experience within an engineering or laboratory environment

• Participation on continuous improvement or root cause analysis teams

EDUCATION:

• 2-year associate technical degree or equivalent work experience