Metallurgical Laboratory Technician

at  Nordion

As an experienced technologist or engineer, the Metallurgical Laboratory Technician will play an essential role within our Engineering Team, reporting directly to the Manager, Sealed Sources and Production Support. Your role will be diverse, including responsibilities for the operation of the existing laboratories and their equipment/ supplies, conducting tests and experiments, providing expert advice and issuing reports and summaries. Working closely with a team of engineers and the larger organization, you will contribute your expertise to ensure our products are safe and meet all appropriate regulations and standards which is critical to the company’s growth and success.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides technical support for product material selection based on physical, mechanical and corrosion resistance properties.
• Provides test methods and test result analyses, weld design and evaluation, and welder qualification assistance. Performs thermal and mechanical testing on prototypes, including testing on capsules to support certification and registration. Prepares and maintains capsule certificates.
• Coordinates external work including: special testing contracting, SEM work, mechanical testing, development of special testing, consultation with specialists in many fields e.g. corrosion, welding, mechanical testing, and specialty materials.
• Participates in long life products surveillance programs.
• Responsible for compiling relevant data from Installation and Service Reports and Customer Complaints.
• Reviews data regularly and makes recommendations on sample selection for analysis. Performs metallurgical examination on samples.
• Performs failure analyses on a variety of products. Some investigations involve active material and require special handling procedures and external contract services.
• Responsible for maintaining sufficient supplies to ensure uninterrupted operation of Laboratory. Assists in controlling operating costs.

Physical requirements
Good manual dexterity and grip strength
Push and pull hand carts with a force of up to 25 kgs on an occasional basis
Lift up to 5 kgs on a frequent basis and 10 kgs on an occasional basis
Work with arms/hands on a frequent basis
Able to climb stairs

QUALIFICATIONS

Education
Technologist Diploma (3 year) in Engineering Metallurgy or similar field
10 years of relevant technical experience

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of computer programs including word processing and spreadsheets.
Must be able to delegate work, and work under minimal supervision.
Knowledge of analytical techniques such as destructive and nondestructive material failure analysis techniques and/or radiochemistry related to the analysis of materials such as microscopes, grinders, polishers and cutting equipment.
Knowledge and experience with material test methods, failure analysis and metallurgy laboratory practices.
Competencies
Strong written and verbal communication skills. You must be able to clearly communicate complex technical information to technical and non-technical colleagues
Self-motivated with demonstrated organizational skills to manage data sets, internal and external communication programs, lab equipment, supplies and calibrations.
Experience providing technical recommendations to engineers and management staff
Excellent technical writing skills.
Effective team player
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Additional experience in any of the following areas would be considered a valuable asset:
Familiarity with welding and more specifically weld design, specification and qualification.
Experience with chemical compositional analysis techniques such as XRF
Experience with welding
Prior experience in nuclear industry
Prior experience working with chemicals in a laboratory setting
Additional Requirements:
Occasional overtime to meet project requirements
Must complete all required training and certification as a Nuclear Energy Worker
Background Verification
Travel is <5% of the role

• Provides technical support for product material selection based on physical, mechanical and corrosion resistance properties.
• Provides test methods and test result analyses, weld design and evaluation, and welder qualification assistance. Performs thermal and mechanical testing on prototypes, including testing on capsules to support certification and registration. Prepares and maintains capsule certificates.
• Coordinates external work including: special testing contracting, SEM work, mechanical testing, development of special testing, consultation with specialists in many fields e.g. corrosion, welding, mechanical testing, and specialty materials.
• Participates in long life products surveillance programs.
• Responsible for compiling relevant data from Installation and Service Reports and Customer Complaints.
• Reviews data regularly and makes recommendations on sample selection for analysis. Performs metallurgical examination on samples.
• Performs failure analyses on a variety of products. Some investigations involve active material and require special handling procedures and external contract services.
• Responsible for maintaining sufficient supplies to ensure uninterrupted operation of Laboratory. Assists in controlling operating costs