LAB TECHNICIAN

About Company:

Finkl Steel is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of forging die steels, plastic injection mold steels, die casting tool steels, forged alloy bars, and custom open die forgings. Finkl Steel is a member of international Swiss Steel Group and manufactures products at three production facilities in Chicago, Houston, Detroit and Sorel (CAN). We sell our products in North America and to 18 countries worldwide. With more than 100 patents, our steel formulations and steelmaking technologies set worldwide standards. In recognition of Finkl Steel’s product quality, our facilities were the first in America to receive ISO 9000 registration.

We are looking for a Physical Lab Technician responsible for the testing and analysis of still samples generated during production. Common tests include, but are not limited to tensile, impact, grain size, and Jominy. The Physical Lab Technician is also responsible for stocking the consumable supplies and performing basic maintenance of equipment in the Physical Lab.

Must be available to work Monday through Friday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with some flexibility to work evenings and weekends occasionally, as needed.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide daily relief coverage for the Chemical Lab Analyst during active melting operations

• Retrieve test materials (e.g., slices, coupons, cores) from the Machine Shop and verify them against order specifications

• Prepare and section test samples for analysis using appropriate equipment

• Perform material testing in accordance with standard procedures, including but not limited to:

  • Tensile testing

  • Impact testing

  • Chemical analysis

  • Microstructure and macrostructure evaluation

  • Microcleanliness

  • Jominy hardenability

  • Grain size determination

• Record and enter test results into the production database via the Lab Menu

• Package and ship samples to external laboratories for tests not performed in-house

Log and Inventory Management:

• Maintain accurate logs for tracking materials, including:

  • Sample mount log

  • External testing log

• Monitor and maintain inventory of lab consumables such as:

  • Carbide inserts

  • CNC tooling

  • Grinding papers

  • Saw blades

Equipment Maintenance and Housekeeping:

• Perform routine inspections, cleaning, and maintenance of lab equipment, including:

  • Mazak tooling and jaws

  • Abrasive sand systems

  • Band saws

  • Tensile and impact testing machines

Additional Support Responsibilities:

• Conduct and/or assist with:

  • Chemistry, grain size, and Jominy testing from the Melt Shop

  • Slag testing from the Melt Shop

• Support Process Metallurgists with testing related to process trials and failure analysis investigations

• Perform other related duties as assigned by management

Skill and Competency Requirements

• High School diploma, GED or equivalent is required

• Ability to manage a fast-paced working environment while following strict work instructions is required

• Familiarity with running computer-based applications and entering data is required

• 1-2 years of experience in a manufacturing, machining, or metals industry role preferred

• Proficiency in MS Office applications; specifically, Excel and Word is preferred

• Familiarity with ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems is preferred

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits
• 401k Match & Profit Sharing
• STD and Life Insurance
• 10 paid holidays and PTO
• Quarterly Gainsharing Bonuses
• Flexible Spending Account
• Monthly employee lunches
• Safety Incentive Program