Lab Analyst - 12hr Shift

Job Description Summary

Chemet Lab Analysts perform various duties necessary in carrying out the testing and analytical functions of the Lab, including but not limited to training, directing and overseeing the work of others when needed. They frequently work without direct technical supervision and are responsible for a wide variety of Lab operations including: sample analyses, instrument calibrations, equipment troubleshooting and maintenance support, mathematical calculations, data management and record keeping, reagent preparation, supply inventories, and housekeeping and safety.

Work involves use of manual and automated instruments/devices often controlled by microprocessors and computers. Detecting and diagnosing equipment malfunctions is a critical part of the job. A thorough understanding of the technical content of the work is required to enable analyses to make interpretations and evaluations when necessary.

Lab Analysts must obtain certification for all assigned job functions and demonstrate the capability to perform at least three (3) of the tasks identified within the relevant sub-specialty category, as well as any unique or newly introduced analyses and tests as they arise. Lab Analysts is also responsible for maintaining active certification by completing all required re-certification activities as they become due.

Mass Spectrometric Analyses:
Determine the isotopic content of uranium by wet chemical preparation techniques and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Determine the total uranium content of selected process solutions as well as the concentrations of trace elemental impurities in uranium materials using ICPMS techniques and equipment. Operation of ICPMS units requires a basic understanding of mass spectrometry, radio frequency plasma generation systems, and the ability to recognize electronic and sample introduction problems as they develop.

Successful operation of these systems also requires the ability to interrogate, enter commands and initiate subroutines in host computers and complex equipment process control devices. For proper system troubleshooting, an understanding of the operational logic sequences and control devices for each lab system is necessary.

Wet Chemistry Analyses:
Determine by various Wet Chemistry methods (titrimetric, gravimetric, colorimetric, chromatographic, etc.) the chemical composition and impurities in uranium materials and various metallic samples. Knowledge of standard Wet Chemistry techniques and equipment is essential. Set up, operate and troubleshoot vacuum equipment and associated gas analyzer systems used for determining the volatile contents of fuel pellets and the pressure/composition of the atmosphere inside fuel rods.

Knowledge of gas chromatographs and vacuum systems and their troubleshooting and maintenance is essential. Determine various element concentrations in uranium oxide and metal samples using Horiba analyzers or other analytical devices. Operation and maintenance of this equipment requires a working knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems including induction furnaces, gas manifolds, power supplies, etc.

Environmental Analyses:
Perform a wide variety of determinations using several different analytical techniques to assure compliance with regulatory standards regarding employee safety and environmental protection. Extreme accuracy and precision in analytical technique and record keeping is required.

Metallography/Ceramography:
Perform precision grinding, polishing, etching and staining techniques to produce test sample surface finishes representative of the true microstructures of materials. Evaluations require a thorough understanding of each microstructural characteristic such as degree of carbide precipitation or intergranular attack, grain-size, inclusion content, porosity, hydride orientation, material bonding, eutectics, etc. Using a metallograph or microscope, make highly precise measurements on ceramic and metal sample specimens.

Using ceramographic preparation procedures and evaluation techniques, identify different phases, voids and grain sizes in sintered uranium fuel pellets. Knowledge of proper metallurgical terminology in the preparation of test reports is essential. Documenting photographs must be identified, be sharp in detail and taken at a magnification that can relate reported characteristics.

Mechanical Testing:
Using several different types of tensile test equipment, determine yield and ultimate strengths, percent elongation and reduction of area in various materials and alloys. Specially designed tensile, bend and compression tests are also performed on numerous manufactured parts. Perform micro indention hardness testing on various types of metal specimen. Required skills and knowledge include: abilities to determine test strain rate, to calibrate test furnaces, to interpret stress-strain curves;

standardize equipment; experience working with liquid flow meters,…