ROLE PURPOSE
The Laboratory SEM Technician is responsible for performing materials characterization activities to support product qualification, quality assurance, process improvement, customer requests, and root cause investigations. The role utilizes analytical techniques including SEM-EDS, particle characterization, image analysis, and related laboratory methods.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
- Serve as the primary technical owner for SEM-based characterization methods, driving continuous improvement in analytical capability, turnaround time, data quality, and customer support.
- Perform characterization of raw materials, intermediate products, finished products, and customer samples using established laboratory methods.
- Prepare samples for SEM, EDS, particle analysis, and other materials characterization techniques.
- Conduct particle counting, classification, and contamination assessment studies using image analysis software and established procedures.
- Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot SEM and EDS instrumentation to ensure reliable analytical performance.
- Perform elemental analysis and identify contaminants, foreign particles, inclusions, and process-related defects.
- Support magnetic impurity (MI) investigations, contamination assessments, and root cause analyses related to product quality and customer concerns.
- Provide analytical support for customer qualification programs, customer audits, and technical investigations.
- Collaborate with Quality, Operations, Technology, and Engineering teams to support process optimization, product development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support strategic laboratory projects, including capability expansion, new method development, equipment qualification, and analytical workflow improvements.
- Participate in special projects related to laboratory readiness initiatives, customer-driven investigations, and advanced materials characterization programs.
- Develop, maintain, and continuously improve SOPs, work instructions, test methods, and laboratory best practices.
- Generate technical reports, investigation summaries, and customer-facing data packages as required.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records, analytical databases, image repositories, and raw data archives.
- Ensure data integrity, traceability, and compliance with laboratory quality management systems and company procedures.
- Adhere to all Safety, Health, Environmental, and Quality (SHEQ) requirements while promoting a safe laboratory culture.
EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:
- Associate or Bachelor degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, or related discipline.
- Laboratory experience in materials characterization or analytical testing.
- Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.
- SEM/EDS experience preferred.
- Experience with ImageJ or particle analysis software preferred.
- Experience in battery materials, graphite processing, chemicals, or advanced manufacturing preferred.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
- Analytical turnaround time
- Data quality and accuracy
- Sample throughput
- Investigation response time
- Instrument uptime and utilization
- Safety and quality compliance
