Laboratory Materials Analyst I/X-Ray Diffraction

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Job Title

Laboratory Materials Analyst I/X-Ray DiffractionPrepare samples and perform routine quantitative and qualitative analysis of ceramic and other inorganic materials, with primary emphasis on X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Support additional phase, elemental, surface area, and light-element testing, including XRF fused bead preparation, total oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur analysis by combustion, BET surface area analysis, and uncombined carbon testing. Interpret results at a foundational level and create accurate technical reports for internal customers under guidance from senior analysts and laboratory leadership.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Core Analytical Scope

Analyze ceramic and other inorganic materials to determine customer-requested properties within the Phase & Light Element testing lab, with primary focus on:

• X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase identification and related qualitative or semi-quantitative analysis via Rietveld refinement.
• X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for elemental analysis of ceramic and inorganic materials.
• XRF fused bead sample preparation and associated sample handling requirements.
• Total oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur analysis by combustion or inert gas fusion techniques.
• BET surface area analysis.
• Uncombined carbon testing.

Work under the supervision of a lab section leader, senior analyst, or appropriate technical lead.

Prepare samples, collect data, perform calculations, and report findings in accordance with approved methods, standards, specifications, and customer requirements.

Execute established XRD and XRF workflows, including sample preparation, instrument setup, calibration or standard checks, data collection, and preliminary data review.

Support XRF bead fusion preparation, including weighing, flux handling, fusion equipment operation, bead inspection, and documentation of preparation conditions.

Perform routine light-element and surface-area testing using documented procedures and established quality controls.

Data Quality & Reporting

Prepare accurate and timely technical reports for engineering, research and development, quality, and production stakeholders.

Review data for completeness, obvious anomalies, sample preparation issues, calibration concerns, and method compliance before reporting.

Use standard statistical methods and tools as directed in pre-existing operating procedures.

Maintain data integrity by following established sample traceability, documentation, instrument log, and reporting requirements.

Escalate abnormal results, suspected sample contamination, questionable phase identification, poor XRF bead quality, instrument issues, or method concerns to senior analysts or lab leadership.

Collaboration & Technical Development

Collaborate with technicians and other analysts to ensure samples are prepared, tested, and reported accurately.

Support technicians by providing basic guidance on routine sample preparation, safe equipment use, and proper documentation practices, within established procedures.

Build technical competence in XRD pattern interpretation, XRF data review, light-element analysis, BET testing, and uncombined carbon methods.

Receive coaching and feedback to develop stronger ownership of data quality, method execution, and technical communication, consistent with Analyst I career-pathing expectations.

Work with internal customers to clarify routine testing needs and communicate basic findings when appropriate.

Equipment & Laboratory Operations

Responsible for routine cleaning, basic troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance of equipment within area of responsibility.

Support operation and upkeep of XRD, XRF, XRF auto-fuse, combustion analyzers, BET, and uncombined carbon testing equipment as assigned.

Identify and report equipment, software, calibration, sample preparation, or measurement technique issues to appropriate lab leadership.

Accurately use laboratory information systems, department-specific software, and manufacturer-specific analytical testing software in the performance of job duties.

Utilize pre-existing standards, specifications, procedures, and work instructions for processes, facilities, products, and tests.

Safety & Continuous Improvement

Promote a strong safety culture and participate in continuous improvement efforts.

Identify potential and current safety issues and provide practical improvement recommendations.

Follow safe work practices when handling powders, ceramic materials, fluxes, combustion reagents, high-temperature equipment, compressed gases, and analytical instrumentation.

Communicate process inefficiencies, recurring preparation issues, quality risks, or safety concerns to lab leadership.

Job Requirements:

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Metallurgy, Ceramic Engineering, or a related technical field.

Coursework or laboratory experience in materials characterization, analytical chemistry, crystallography, mineralogy, inorganic chemistry, or ceramic materials is preferred.

Experience

Minimum experience required: college-level laboratory coursework with at least one related internship or equivalent hands-on laboratory experience.

Preferred experience: up to 2 years of laboratory experience, either at the undergraduate research, graduate, or industry level.

Experience with XRD, XRF, fused bead sample preparation, combustion analysis, BET surface area, carbon analysis, ceramic materials, minerals, powders, or inorganic materials is strongly preferred.

Functional / Technical Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Ability to follow structured analytical procedures with strong attention to detail, documentation, and data quality.

Familiarity with XRD and XRF principles is strongly preferred.

Ability to learn and apply basic phase identification, elemental analysis, sample preparation, and method-specific quality control requirements.

Basic understanding of ceramics, inorganic materials, powders, crystalline phases, and compositional analysis is preferred.

Ability to safely prepare samples using grinding, milling, weighing, fusion, combustion, or other established preparation techniques.

Accurately use laboratory information systems, spreadsheets, instrument software, and department-specific data systems.

Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to summarize results clearly and document observations accurately.

Capability to perform basic statistical analyses and data checks.

Exhibit communication skills necessary to work effectively within a team environment and communicate with internal customers.

Must be organized, detail-oriented, safety-focused, and self-driven.

Position-Specific Physical Requirements

Required to always wear appropriate PPE in laboratory work areas.

May be required to handle hazardous chemicals, fluxes, powders, combustion reagents, compressed gases, acids, bases, and solvents.

May be required to work with high-temperature equipment, including fusion systems, furnaces, combustion analyzers, or heated sample preparation equipment.

May be required to handle ceramic powders or particulates requiring dust control practices.

May be required to wear a respirator; medical evaluation will be required prior to fitting.

May be required to stand for extended periods and perform hands-on sample preparation, instrument loading, and laboratory housekeeping activities.

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Target Hiring Range

Annual Salary: USD 73,342.00 - USD 96,811.00

Actual compensation is commensurate with experience, skills and education. CoorsTek strives to give all qualified applicants equal opportunity and to make selection decisions on job related factors. Do not provide any information on the application which will indicate your race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law or regulation.

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