About the job Materials Engineer I Summary:The Materials Engineering Lab Technician will support various laboratory and engineering tasks ranging from routine to complex activities, often requiring independent evaluation and problem-solving. The role involves conducting materials analysis, developing processes, and providing troubleshooting support with limited engineering oversight. The technician will play a key role in maintaining product quality and lab operations in collaboration with maintenance and production teams.Responsibilities:
- Conduct preparation, analysis, and testing of material samples, components, and processes with minimal oversight for moderately complex activities.
- Develop, recommend, and implement analytical or process improvements to maintain or enhance product quality.
- Troubleshoot laboratory equipment, processes, or analytical issues in collaboration with maintenance and production personnel.
- Contribute to project teams, applying technical knowledge and experience to improve factory performance in areas such as safety, quality, cost, and delivery.
- Create, maintain, and update process instructions and analytical procedures as needed.
- Ensure laboratory operations comply with safety standards and maintain Sustain level 5S within the Materials Engineering lab.
- Maintain accurate records of lab consumables, orders, and audit results in relevant databases.
Additional Job Duties:
- Perform laboratory tasks as requested, ensuring proper completion of work and timely part delivery.
- Order and stock lab consumables, tracking all relevant information including price, order date, and delivery status.
- Collect parts, perform audits, and maintain audit spreadsheets for monthly and quarterly reviews.
- Support equipment maintenance and changeovers, including S450 crankshaft heat treat.
- Maintain coolant levels in lab saws and manage the approval of new consumables for lab use.
Education:
- Associates Degree in a technical field or equivalent relevant work experience.
Required Skills:
- Strong understanding of part prints, process instructions, and industry standards.
- Basic to moderate knowledge of ferrous machining processes and material analysis.
- Basic familiarity with production equipment and maintenance practices for quality control.
- Solid mechanical aptitude with a desire to further develop technical skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other engineering-related software.
Nice-to-Haves:
- Experience in process control and analytical analysis, ideally within a John Deere manufacturing environment.
- Familiarity with shop floor or laboratory operations.
- Experience contributing to process improvement and problem-solving teams.
- Demonstrated leadership or mentoring experience.
- Knowledge of production systems, databases, and SAP transactions.