Specialist - Material Characterization

GE Vernova

Location not specified

Full Time

Posted September 23, 2026

$80k - $80k

Power Generation

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Listing evidence and provenance

Source: workday View original listing
Freshness: Open in the current public read path; this is not an employer guarantee.Last observed September 29, 2026
Classification: Modern power-system classification not yet published for this listing.Legacy source industry field: Power Generation
Pay provenance: Employer-provided pay

Job Description

Activities aimed at characterizing, analyzing, and understanding material structure, composition, and performance through metallographic techniques and microscopy methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

Perform metallographic sample preparation and characterization support for metallic materials, coatings, ceramics, polymers, and other engineering materials.
Conduct sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, electropolishing, and etching of materials using established laboratory procedures and best practices.
Prepare specimens for characterization using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), including advanced polishing and electropolishing techniques required for EBSD-quality specimen preparation.
Acquire, analyze, document, and communicate microstructural characterization results obtained through optical microscopy and SEM imaging.
Coordinate metallography laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, calibration activities, consumables inventory management, safety compliance, and process documentation.
Troubleshoot characterization and sample preparation challenges and develop improved preparation methodologies for difficult-to-prepare materials.
Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and project teams to determine appropriate characterization approaches and sample preparation techniques.
Ensure adherence to laboratory safety procedures, quality requirements, and standard operating practices.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and laboratory best practices.
Train and mentor laboratory users on metallographic preparation techniques, microscopy sample preparation methods, laboratory equipment operation, and safe laboratory practices.
Support continuous improvement initiatives to improve laboratory efficiency, quality, throughput, and user experience.
Maintain accurate records of laboratory activities, equipment status, consumable inventories, and characterization results.
Support research and development, manufacturing, quality assurance, and failure analysis programs through timely delivery of high-quality prepared specimens and characterization data.

Requirements

Associate's Degree (AA/AS) or higher in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Engineering Technology, Materials Characterization, Physical Sciences, or a related technical discipline from an accredited college or university. Minimum of 10 years of experience in metallography, materials characterization, microscopy, or related laboratory operations. Demonstrated expertise in metallographic sample preparation, including cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing, electropolishing, and etching techniques. Hands-on experience preparing samples for SEM, EDS, and EBSD characterization, including advanced polishing and electropolishing techniques required for EBSD-quality specimen preparation. Experience using optical microscopy for microstructural evaluation and documentation. Experience coordinating or managing operations within a metallography or materials characterization laboratory. Experience operating metallographic sample preparation equipment and maintaining laboratory readiness. Working knowledge of laboratory safety practices, quality systems, and materials characterization procedures. Ability to generate technical reports and communicate characterization findings effectively. Demonstrated ability to work independently while supporting multiple customers and projects simultaneously.
Extensive experience characterizing metallic materials, coatings, ceramics, polymers and other engineering materials.
Experience supporting failure analysis investigations and fractography evaluations.
Familiarity with the principles of EBSD and specimen preparation requirements for successful EBSD analysis.
Strong understanding of microstructure-property-processing relationships.
Experience supporting research and development, manufacturing, quality assurance, or failure analysis programs.
Familiarity with ASTM, ISO, and other metallographic characterization standards.
Experience with image analysis software and digital microscopy systems.
Strong organizational, planning, and laboratory coordination skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to document, plan, organize, and execute laboratory activities.
Effective collaboration skills and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to laboratory excellence.