Senior Materials Characterization Scientist/Engineer

Arconic is currently in search of a Senior Materials Characterization Scientist/Engineer to join our Rolled Products North America Team based out of New Kensington, PA.

At Arconic, we take pride in our work and our innovative products and technologies that advance sustainable solutions for a better world. We strive to create a safe, inclusive, and collaborative workplace with competitive benefits, development opportunities and a culture that values and rewards employees across all levels of the organization.

Job Summary:

The Senior Materials Characterization Scientist/Engineer is responsible for the development and application of microscopy and microanalysis techniques to support Arconic plant operations and advance research within the Arconic Technology Center (ATC). This role will serve as a subject matter expert and resource to Arconic plant laboratories in metallography and metallic alloy characterization. 

In this role, you will:

• Apply microscopy and microanalysis techniques to support research and operations projects related to failure analyses. Key activities include metallographic sample preparations, microstructure characterization, and elemental/phase analyses.

• Prepare, examine and document microstructural information from metal alloys, accomplished predominantly via electron microscopy, x-ray microanalysis and diffraction. 

• Generate relevant quantifiable microstructural data for implementation into materials models and qualifications. 

• Support Arconic’s alloy development efforts through proactively engaging with materials engineers to understand analytical needs, coordinate metallographic examinations, interpret results, prepare written documentation and present to collaborators and customers.

• Support the metallurgy laboratories across Arconic plants with new method development, instrument troubleshooting, workflow standardization, personnel training, and knowledge sharing as part of Arconic Laboratory Support Network activities. 

• Support Arconic’s surveillance and qualification programs for new ingots and alloying materials using optical microscopy. Establish reference analytical databases and facilitate gage R&R assessments.  

• Apply data science and materials informatics to understand the impact of parameter changes on microstructure and properties. 

• Update laboratory information management systems (LIMS) to track status of work requests. Manage laboratory workload, streamline processes, optimize efficiency and report indicators for monitoring laboratory performance and data quality. 

• Operate safely and with high standards in the laboratory. Maintain instruments and keep operating procedures and work instructions up to date. 

• Scout new technologies, stay current with manufacturer hardware & software updates, attend relevant conferences/trainings, and publish technical reports. 

• Develop and capture new intellectual property in the form of trade secrets and/or patents. 

You have: (required)

• Master’s degree in Materials Science/Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or related discipline, with 3 - 5 years’ experience in an academic, industry or commercial laboratory environment

• Strong technical background and experience in advanced (optical and electron) microscopy and microanalysis techniques with domain knowledge of metals and metal alloy characterization.  

• Demonstrated understanding of core principles of measurement science and technical project management with record of scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals.  

• Legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. §730, et seq.) and/or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Authorization from the relevant government agency may be required to meet export control compliance requirements.

Exceptional Candidates also have: (preferred)

• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgy, Physics, or related discipline with 1 – 2 years of experience in an academic or industrial metallography laboratory environment. 

• Familiarity with electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques.  
• Proficiency with statistical data analysis and visualization platforms such as Excel, Matlab, Power BI, etc.

• Familiarity with the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning-based image analysis tools for automated microstructural recognition and classification. 

• Strong technical acumen with aptitude for continuous learning and problem solving. 
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple requests.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong attention to detail with analytical and problem-solving mindset.
• Strong collaboration skills and comfortable working in a team environment.
• Self-starter with ability to execute technical projects with minimal supervisory authority.