Senior Laboratory Engineer

Do you want to shape a sustainable future?

We are Hydro, a global family of 30,000 people, present in a broad range of market segments for aluminium and metal recycling, and energy and renewables, offering a unique wealth of knowledge and competence.

We have a proud history and are committed to leading the way in shaping a sustainable future by developing natural resources into innovative products and solutions. In doing so, we truly believe that our people matter the most to make the difference.

 

We are looking for a Senior Laboratory Engineer in the new expanded Hydro Aluminum Technology Center of Excellence in Cassopolis, Michigan.  

 

As Senior Laboratory Engineer, you will play a vital role in Hydro’s mission to develop and commercialize innovative and low-carbon aluminum products, including Hydro REDUXA and Hydro CIRCAL. You will work in the interface between laboratory, R&D, production, and customer technical support in a unique culture built on Hydro’s values of Care, Courage and Collaboration 

 

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Ensure laboratory testing activities according to the accreditation requirements (A2LA) and international industry standards.  

• Perform and take the lead in some of the advanced characterization methods, such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Optical Emission Spectrograph analysis (OES), other materials testing according to automotive customer qualification programs. 

• Training and support to staff on test equipment and investigation methods 

• Maintain and enhance the laboratory equipment, collaborating with suppliers for maintenance and repairs.  

• Drive the development of existing and new analysis methods, contributing to the advancement of aluminium casting technologies.  

• HSE and Continuous Improvement, prioritize health, safety, and environmental practices while actively engaging in continuous improvement activities.  

 

To build competence and prepare for the new technology center, the position will temporarily be at our current location in Zeeland, MI before transferring to Cassopolis, MI once the facility is ready mid-2024.  

  

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:  

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in a technical field such as Metallurgy, Material Science, Mechanical Engineering or Quality, from an accredited university.    

• 3-5 years of relevant work experience in metallurgical engineering or materials science and engineering, preferably in a laboratory setting or with direct interaction with a laboratory 

• Competent in HSE principles and chemical handling. 

• Knowledge of basic statistics and process assessment  

• Technical and analytical capability   

• High level of professionalism, quality-focused, self-drive and enthusiasm   

• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills  

• Computer literate, including experience in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint  

  

COMPETENCIES DESIRED: 

• Experience working in a metallurgical laboratory with equipment for metallographic sample preparation, optical or scanning electron microscopy, mechanical properties testing, optical emission spectroscopy (OES), corrosion testing, etc. 

• Experience with aluminium manufacturing processes (Casting, Extrusion of sheet ingots, extrusion) 

• Knowledge in aluminum extrusions, 6000-series aluminum alloys and extrusion metallurgy 

• Experience working in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.  

• Programming skills  

 

  

WHAT WE OFFER: 

• Extensive benefits starting on date of hire, including 401(k) match, 3 weeks of PTO in first full year, and bonus eligibility. 

  

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  

This position largely works at the Technology Center and occasionally Customer locations with most work being performed in office/laboratory environments. Dress is Casual to Business Casual. We have focus on continuous improvement of work environment and wellbeing of our employees. See PPE/PPC requirements.  

  

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT/CLOTHING:  

As required at laboratory and customer sites. May include FR clothing, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and earplugs.   

  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  

This position is moderately sedentary with light physical demands such as standing or sitting in front of a microscope for extended periods of time. Lifting requirements: lifting 50 lbs. sporadically.   

  

POSITION TYPE / EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:  

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through