Materials Analyst

Materials Analyst - SEM Laboratory Analyst
Temecula, CA
Pay : $25.50 - $27.00 per hour
26-01960

The Materials Analyst / SEM Laboratory Analyst provides technical materials analysis to support research and development, production engineering, legal, marketing, and external stakeholders. This role performs microscopic (electron and optical) and elemental analyses to evaluate materials, processes, and product performance. The analyst generates detailed images and elemental spectra, prepares formal laboratory reports, and ensures all documentation and activities comply with established quality systems and regulatory standards.

The position requires strong technical expertise, analytical skills, and attention to detail within a regulated environment.

• Perform hands‑on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) laboratory analyses in a non‑automated environment.
• Conduct advanced sample preparation, including inorganic materials and metallographic preparation techniques.
• Evaluate written analysis requests and determine whether testing can be performed internally or requires an authorized external laboratory.
• Prepare samples for various analytical methods, including FEM, SEM, and EDS.
• Follow departmental operating procedures (DOPs) for all laboratory instrumentation.
• Analyze material morphology, failures, processes, and properties to identify root causes and draw technical conclusions.
• Generate formal laboratory reports using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Archive data, images, spectra, and analysis results in accordance with documentation standards.
• Maintain laboratory instrumentation and coordinate vendor service and repairs as needed.
• Develop and maintain documentation, including DOPs, SOPs, software validation records (VRS), engineering orders (EOs), and testing protocols to ensure proper operation, calibration, and maintenance of equipment.
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies, divisional procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements, including cGMP standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Engineering, Microscopy, or a related field; or completion of a two‑year microscopy or materials program with 6 months to 2 years of electron microscopy experience.
• 2–5 years of related professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with electron microscopy and related analytical techniques.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and report‑writing skills.
• Working knowledge of business concepts, laboratory procedures, and quality system practices.
• Familiarity with cGMP and regulated quality system environments.
• Ability to analyze moderately complex problems and exercise judgment within established procedures.
• Detail‑oriented with strong organizational skills.

• 2–5 years of experience in materials analysis, electron microscopy, or a related laboratory environment.