Lab Specialist

Role Description

We are looking for a Lab Specialist to support the operation of a mechanical testing laboratory dedicated to qualification and development of structural materials for newcleo’s Lead Fast Reactor (LFR) technology.

The Lab Specialist will be responsible for preparing and executing experimental campaigns involving tensile, creep, fatigue and fracture testing, both in air at elevated temperatures and in liquid lead environments. In addition, the role includes sample preparation and basic post-test material characterization, supporting metallographic analysis and dimensional inspection of pristine and tested specimens.

The position requires strong hands-on laboratory skills, attention to procedures, and the ability to work closely with engineers and materials scientists to generate high-quality experimental data.

Main activities

Mechanical testing activities

• Perform mechanical testing of metallic materials in air, at room and elevated temperatures, including tensile, creep, fatigue and fracture mechanics testing.
• Perform mechanical testing in liquid lead environments, including slow strain rate test (SSRT), creep, fatigue and fracture mechanics testing.
• Purchase, prepare and instrument test specimens, including follow up of purchase, machining and delivery, and mount extensometers, thermocouples, etc.
• Contribute to the definition and improvement of test procedures and experimental setups according to applicable standards (e.g. ASTM, ISO), quality assurance, and internal protocols.

Experimental planning and data analysis

• Support the preparation of test plans and experimental procedures.
• Execute experimental campaigns and ensure proper data acquisition and storage.
• Analyze test results and prepare technical reports and documentation.
• Support the interpretation of thermos-mechanical behavior of materials, including embrittlement susceptibility in liquid lead and variables affecting materials performance.

Post-test characterization support

• Support preparation of specimens for metallographic examination, including sectioning, mounting, grinding and polishing.
• Perform optical inspection and basic metallographic observations using stereomicroscopes and optical microscopes.
• Perform dimensional inspection and measurement using dimensional metrology equipment (e.g. ZEISS O-inspect or equivalent).
• Document observations and measurements to support the interpretation of mechanical test results and materials behavior.

Laboratory operation and development

• Operate and maintain mechanical testing equipment, including mechanical test frames, furnaces and environmental capsules.
• Participate in the design and fabrication of fixtures, tooling and simple mechanincal components required for experimental setting up.
• Support commissioning new laboratory equipment and test facilities.

Laboratory management and safety

• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure proper calibration and preventive maintenance.
• Ensure the availability of consumables, samples and laboratory supplies.
• Apply and enforce laboratory safety procedures, particularly when working with high-temperature and liquid lead equipment.
• Ensure traceability of experimental activities and compliance with quality procedures.

Desired qualifications

• ITIS (Istituti Tecnici Industriali), or ITT (Istituti Tecnici Settore Tecnologico) diploma
• ITS Academy (Istituti Tecnologici Superiori) degree or equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, material engineering or a related field is a plus.
• Proven hands-on experience performing mechanical testing of materials according to standards (ASTM, ISO or equivalent)
• Experience with high-temperature mechanical testing of materials is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with corrosive environments, liquid metals, or environmental mechanical testing is an advantage.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems and experimental data analysis.
• Ideally 5 years’ experience working in a research laboratory, testing facility, or industrial R&D environment.
• Knowledge and/or experience in manufacturing is highly valued. Good skills with manufacturing, machining or welding are a strong advantage.
• Knowledge in design and Computer Aided Design (CAD) software is a strong plus.
• Experience in a highly regulated industry is a plus.
• Fluent in Italian; good written and verbal communication skills in English (CEFR B1+).