Metallurgical Lab Engineer

Yinlun TDI is seeking a Metallurgical Lab Engineer to establish and lead failure analysis capabilities in our Morton IL facility, supporting high-profile OEM programs and warranty analysis for CV and off-highway customers. This role will be instrumental in driving material integrity, root cause diagnostics, and lab readiness for warranty part analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead failure analysis of heat exchanger components (EGR coolers, oil coolers, radiators, charge air coolers, and condensers) made from stainless steel and aluminum alloys.
• Manage metallographic sample preparation including sectioning (bandsaws and precision cutting), polishing, etching, and microscopy.
• Conduct metallographic analysis using optical microscopy and coordinate external resource for advanced studies via SEM, XRF, or OES when needed.
• Operate and maintain lab equipment including leak testing rigs, material testing machines (UTM), and sample preparation tools.
• Deliver comprehensive technical reports with detailed findings, imagery, and root cause assessments within OEM response windows.
• Communicate analysis results to internal and external stakeholders, including OEM quality teams and suppliers.
• Ensure laboratory capabilities are compliant with customer requirements and are operational before program launches.
• Support lab development plans and collaborate with global engineering teams to align technical procedures and standards.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a metallurgical lab environment.
• Hands-on failure analysis experience in the automotive, off-highway, or thermal industry.
• Familiarity with OEM expectations for warranty part analysis.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in metallography and materials testing.

· Knowledge of sectioning techniques and microscopy for welded joints, braze joints, and failure surface evaluations.

• Experience with analytical tools such as SEM, XRF, and OES.
• Familiarity with physical testing equipment (UTM, leak testing).

Additional Skills:

• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication for technical reporting and customer interaction.
• Experience with global teams is a plus

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand alternatively; The employee also must walk; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.