Job Description
Roles and Responsibilities
- Support materials selection for power generation components (blades, vanes, combustors)
- Monitor and analyze manufacturing processes (casting, welding, heat treatment, coatings)
- Review quality control inspections and non-destructive testing evaluations
- Assist with root cause analysis of material-related failures or defects
- Document test results, prepare technical reports, and maintain test records
- Support new materials qualification programs
- Participate in process development and optimization projects
- Help implement cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality standards
- Research and evaluate new materials, coatings, or processing techniques
- Work with design engineers to write or revise material specifications and requirements
- Interface with suppliers on material certifications and quality issues
- Support manufacturing teams with troubleshooting and process improvements
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree with up to 2 years relevant experience, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree in Engineering Materials, Metallurgical, Mechanical, or related discipline from an accredited college or university
- Ability to access and handle US Export Controlled information
Desired Characteristics
- Understanding of materials fundamentals (thermodynamics, phase diagrams, kinetics, mechanical behavior)
- Familiarity with characterization techniques (SEM, optical microscopy, XRD, mechanical testing)
- Understanding of metallography and microstructural analysis
- Knowledge of nickel or steel alloys and their strengthening / deformation mechanisms
- Knowledge of thermal barrier coatings, oxidation coatings, and wear coatings
- Familiarity with mechanical testing such as tensile, fatigue, and creep
- Data analysis capabilities (Excel, statistical software, potentially Python/MATLAB
- Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to drive projects to completion
- Effective at working independently on complex tasks and managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability and willingness to work effectively as part of a high performance, cross-functional team to drive impactful results
- Strong people skills to work with team members and support tasks
