Lab Technician

About the role

Gerdau is hiring a Lab Technician in Fort Smith, Arkansas, within its Production & Operations area. The role ensures product quality by monitoring production operations, taking samples for analysis, making physical inspections and reporting quality results to the appropriate department. The position reports to the Routine Facilitator.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor the rolling mill for surface quality, bar size, length and temperature, and observe the caster, choking, lancing, AC 3 temperatures, cast speed and bar counts.
• Record and monitor melt shop chemistry specifications and degas requirements, and take part in failure analysis for solutions and improvements.
• Identify and deliver samples for testing to the machine shop, both rolled and cast products.
• Post data and observations to a metallurgical report for disposition.
• Ensure quality testing requirements, record keeping, reporting and equipment maintenance are carried out daily.
• Review quality data against product requirements and notify the routine facilitator or Quality Assurance manager of any problems.

Required profile

• Minimum of two years of steel mill or related experience.
• High school diploma.
• Able to work in a controlled laboratory environment and independently.
• Training for the specific tasks is provided by the site.

Required skills

• Calibration and standardization of a vacuum spectrograph and carbon-sulfur determinator.
• Operation of saws, abrasive cut wheels and disk grinders.
• General knowledge of steel processing, electric arc furnace operation and basic metallurgy of high carbon and alloy steel.
• An aptitude for working with computers and sensitive technical instruments is a plus.

What we offer

• Medical, dental and vision coverage.
• Health and dependent care flexible spending account.
• 401(k).
• Basic life and accidental life insurance.
• Employee assistance program and tuition reimbursement program.