R&D Technician II – Microscopy and Ceramography

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Responsible for preparing, imaging, and evaluating ceramic and related material samples in support of R&D, production, quality, and failure analysis activities.

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.

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,…