Research Engineering Co-Op

SUMMARY

The Henderson Technical Laboratory (HTL) Co-op supports materials characterization metallurgical analysis andmicrostructural evaluation activities for research development manufacturing support and process improvementprograms. The co-op will gain hands-on experience in laboratory operations materials testing specimenpreparation microscopy and technical documentation while working alongside engineers and laboratorytechnicians.

Responsibilities will be assigned based on the candidates academic background experience level anddemonstrated capabilities. Undergraduate students may focus primarily on sample preparation opticalmicroscopy and laboratory support activities. All staffare expected to maintain accurate laboratory records follow established procedures and support safe laboratoryoperations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

- Prepare metallographic specimens using sectioning mounting grinding polishing and etching techniques.

- Perform optical microscopy examinations and document microstructural observations.

- Assist with materials characterization activities including metallography image analysis phase evaluation andmicrostructure documentation.

- Operate laboratory equipment following approved procedures and training requirements.

- Support scanning electron microscopy (SEM) activities as training and qualification permit.

- Collect organize analyze and archive laboratory data in accordance with laboratory quality and documentation requirements.

- Prepare technical summaries presentations reports and supporting documentation of laboratory findings.

- Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks test records electronic files and project documentation.

- Follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) job safety assessments (JSAs) Environmental Healthand Safety (EHS) rules and laboratory quality practices.

- Assist engineers with investigative analyses process improvement projects and research activities.

- Participate in department meetings training sessions and technical development activities.

- Work collaboratively with laboratory staff and project teams to complete assignments accurately and onschedule.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

- Support laboratory housekeeping organization and equipment maintenance activities.

- Assist with inventory management of laboratory consumables and supplies. - Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to laboratory workflow data organization and test efficiency. - Assist with preparation of technical presentations for internal meetings and project reviews. - Support development and revision of laboratory procedures work instructions and training materials. - Perform other duties as assigned in support of laboratory and engineering operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

- Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality.

- Ability to follow written procedures and work instructions closely.

- Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.

- Effective written and verbal communication skills.

- Ability to work independently while contributing within a team environment.

- Strong organizational and time-management skills.

- Commitment to safe work practices and laboratory discipline.

- Willingness to learn new laboratory techniques and instrumentation.

- Professionalism integrity and accountability.

- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Outlook Teams Excel Word and PowerPoint.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

- Currently pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree in a STEM field.

- Must have completed at least one year of college-level coursework prior to the start of the co-op assignment.

- Coursework or academic experience in materials science metallurgy microscopy manufacturing chemistry or engineering laboratory methods preferred.

- Previous laboratory research internship or co-op experience is beneficial but not required.

- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States (US Persons Only).

SPECIAL SKILLS

Preferred qualifications may include:

- Experience with metallographic sample preparation techniques.

- Familiarity with optical microscopy and digital imaging methods.

- Experience with SEM energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) or other related characterization techniques.

- Knowledge of metallic materials microstructures phase transformations or materials processing.

- Experience with image analysis software laboratory databases or scientific data management.

- Experience preparing technical reports or presenting technical findings.

- Basic statistical analysis and data visualization skills.

- Basic coding skills (Python is a plus).