Corrosion Laboratory Technician

Corrosion Laboratory Technician (ARL EFTSS 2026-26220):

Bowhead seeks a Corrosion Laboratory Technician to support laboratory operations, materials testing, coatings development, equipment maintenance, and data management in an industrial research and development environment. The Technician will initially work under close supervision and progressively take on greater independence as technical skills and experience develop. The successful candidate will be hands-on, detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and willing to learn new laboratory techniques, instruments, and procedures. This position provides an opportunity to develop practical experience in coatings, materials characterization, laboratory testing, and aerospace and military-related applications while working alongside experienced technical personnel.

Essential functions will include: 

• →Follow all laboratory safety, security, and environmental training, procedures, and guidelines.
• →Develop and maintain a working knowledge of applicable safety standards associated with an industrial laboratory environment and consistently adhere to those standards.
• →Promptly communicate safety concerns, equipment issues, or other laboratory problems to senior personnel.
• →Develop basic laboratory skills and learn new techniques, tools, instruments, and procedures.
• →Work independently on standard laboratory tasks after appropriate training while seeking guidance when needed.
• →Support senior personnel in the planning and execution of laboratory projects.
• →Perform simple and routine testing of materials, coatings, and surfaces in accordance with established procedures.
• →Operate, adjust, and maintain standard laboratory test equipment and accurately record test results.
• →Review acquired test data for accuracy and identify errors, inconsistencies, or unusual results.
• →Archive test data using appropriate metadata, file formats, and documentation practices in accordance with established procedures.
• →Compile, organize, graph, analyze, and review laboratory data.
• →Communicate findings to team members in a clear, concise, and technically appropriate manner.
• →Support the preparation of technical reports, presentations, and other project documentation.
• →Maintain an organized, professional, and customer-oriented approach when supporting internal and external customers.
• →Support interactions with vendors, end users, and other government agencies as required.
• →Provide technical support to coworkers within the Branch and assist with activities outside the immediate laboratory group.
• →Develop sufficient knowledge of assigned tasks and activities to provide technical insight and support to other team members.
• →Support laboratory management and maintain required laboratory documentation and records.
• →Monitor laboratory inventory and assist with ordering, receiving, storing, and handling materials.
• →Support the acquisition and management of laboratory equipment.
• →Maintain equipment schedules and perform standard tasks associated with equipment installation, calibration, preventive maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.
• →Coordinate equipment servicing and repairs with vendors as directed.

The Technician will progressively develop knowledge and skills in the following areas:

• →Coatings formulation, properties, and function.
• →Federal environmental and safety requirements applicable to the aerospace, military, and coatings industries.
• →Mixing paint and coating formulations under the guidance of senior technical personnel.
• →Applying paint and coating formulations to test surfaces in support of laboratory programs.
• →Operating and understanding laboratory instruments used to measure coating properties such as color, gloss, and thickness.
• →Performing standard testing of mechanical and material properties, including tensile modulus, storage modulus, fatigue, and hardness, in accordance with established procedures.
• →Properly documenting laboratory activities, test conditions, results, and observations.

• High school diploma or Vocational/Technical School education required.
• Willingness and ability to learn laboratory procedures, equipment, and technical methods.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal procedures accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, reliable work.
• Ability to work safely with laboratory tools, equipment, and chemicals.
• Basic computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a technical team.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Willingness to work in an industrial laboratory environment and follow applicable safety, security, and environmental requirements.

• Vocational/technical training in laboratory technology, chemistry, materials science, coatings, manufacturing, engineering technology, or a related field.
• Previous laboratory, manufacturing, materials testing, coatings, or industrial experience.
• Experience working with laboratory equipment, mechanical testing equipment, or measurement instruments.
• Familiarity with paints, coatings, materials characterization, or surface preparation.
• Experience working in an aerospace, defense, government, or industrial research environment.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
• Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to obtain a security clearance at the Secret level.  US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

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Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Bowhead considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and business considerations when extending an offer.