Mechanical Test Technician

ABOUT YOU

• You enjoy hands-on, technical work and take pride in producing precise, reliable results.
• You're methodical, careful, and at your best when processes are clear and expectations are defined.
• You thrive in a steady, structured environment where accuracy matters and your work contributes directly to quality outcomes for customers.
• You like understanding the "why" behind procedures and enjoy following established standards to ensure consistency.
• You appreciate being part of a supportive laboratory team where reliability, communication, and safety are valued.
• You take comfort in knowing that your work helps ensure safe, high-performing materials used in critical, real-world applications.
• You want to learn, grow, and sharpen your technical skills in a place where people have your back.

ABOUT US

We are NSL Analytical We are a materials testing lab that provides repeatable, accurate results to help our customers render high quality, consistent products in regulated industries. Our organization is centered on our values of delivering for our customers, each other, and our industry. We're proud of our positive culture focused on deploying each team members' talent to "WOW" our customers and celebrate wins together as a part of who we are. We're focused on outcomes not micromanagement; we trust people and give them the opportunity to perform to their potential. Being at NSL, you have the chance to make a major impact on real world applications affecting real people every single day.

DETAILS ABOUT THE ROLE, REQUIRMENTS, BENEFITS, AND HOW TO APPLY

This position is responsible for assuring exceptional customer experience through diligent testing, analyzing, and recording of customer sample data.

As a Mechanical Testing Technician, you will perform tensile and mechanical testing that supports material performance evaluation for customers in aerospace, nuclear, automotive, medical, and other highly regulated industries.

This is a hands-on, lab-based role where you'll prepare samples, operate tensile testing equipment, collect data, and ensure results are accurate, timely, and delivered with exceptional quality. You'll work closely with metallurgists, laboratory leadership, and other technicians to maintain safety standards, quality assurance, and a smooth workflow.

Essential Functions*:

• Sample preparation - Prepare and condition material samples according to specific test plans and standards.
• Tensile Machine operation: Prepare and condition material samples according to specific test plans and standards.
• Tensile Testing at Room Temperature and Elevated Temperature.
• Data collection/analysis: Accurately record data during the test and using software to calculate key properties like yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation. Compiling test results into LIMS system.
• Responsible for proper chemical hygiene and safety for all areas of the facility.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decreases turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to maintain quality assurance of results and seamless customer service.
• Basic problem solving or troubleshooting of analytical techniques or methods.
• Adhere to laboratory safety standards.

Incidental Functions:

• Sample pick-up or delivery as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:

N/A.

• The job description documents the general nature and level of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties and responsibilities required of job incumbents. Consequently, job incumbents may be asked to perform other duties or work overtime as required.

Work Conditions/Physical Demands:

General lab environment: includes sitting, standing and walking; frequent lifting of up to 30 lbs., pulling, pushing, carrying, reaching, bending, twisting, climbing, squatting, and crouching. Work is completed in the lab environment that contains toxic materials with possible exposure to odors, acids, fumes and other reactive materials.

Reasonable Accommodations:

This description is representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and physical requirements to successfully perform the job. At the employee's request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience):

• An associate's degree in chemistry, materials science, metallurgy or other related technical field.

(This requirement may be waived in lieu of impressive recent past job experience.)

• At least 2-5 years experience working full-time in a metallurgical laboratory.
• Commercial testing laboratory experience.
• Technical report writing experience.

• Experience working closely with customers to complete evaluation.

• Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of chemistry and metallurgy.

• Ability to follow established (ASTM and internal) methods and procedures. Should be familiar with ASTM E3, E8, E18, E112, E 384, E 407, ISO 17025

• Willingness to learn new tasks and software.

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to organize and multi-task.

• Aerospace & military specification knowledge.

Success Factors:

• Ability to establish dynamic work relation with customers.
• Treat customers like your best friend.
• Ability to work with a passion to satisfy customers.
• Enjoys investigating the technical aspects of metals, polymers and ceramics.
• Be honest and fair with customers and coworkers.
• Work independently as well as be a member of a cohesive team.
• Positive attitude.
• Accept feedback and make adjustments when necessary.
• Prioritize and meet deadlines.