Lead Application Scientist - Metallography
For over 90 years, LECO has been a leader in the development and production of world class laboratory instruments delivering state-of-the-art products nationwide and across the globe. Located in St. Joseph, Michigan, LECO continues to be a family-owned company that understands the value of shared interests, long-term stability, loyalty, and trust.
Schedule: Monday – Friday 8am- 5pm
Positions Summary:
Provide support to LECO’s sales organization working with new and prospective customers. Coordinate instrument demonstrations with Application Scientists to support customer sample submissions. Lead, guide, and mentor Application Scientists in the development, support, and demonstration of metallographic applications, fostering both technical and professional growth.
Position Responsibilities:
- Interface with Sales Engineers and Customers to provide instrument and consumable recommendations, technical support, and troubleshooting for various materials.
- Lead the development of metallographic methods and validation data for LECO instruments, resulting in the preparation of comprehensive Application Notes.
- Review and coordinate sample submissions, oversee material preparation and test procedures, prepare customer reports, and ensure compliance with department standards before distribution.
- Mentor application scientists in developing, supporting, and demonstrating metallographic sample preparation procedures and test procedures to foster technical and professional growth.
- Provide direct leadership for Application Scientists, including performance management, goal setting, resource planning, coaching, and support for professional development in alignment with departmental and organizational objectives.
- Coordinate and deliver customer instrument demonstrations.
- Adhere to company protocols to identify and address quality issues and escalate as needed.
- Oversee the operation and maintenance of metallographic equipment.
- Develop, revise, and approve standard operating procedures for performance testing and quality verification, including metallographic test procedures, methods and documentation.
- Deliver technical presentations of scientific work to both technical and non-technical audiences through webinars, conferences, and meetings.
- Coordinate and deliver hands-on training with LECO instrumentation for new employees and the sales team.
- Ensure ongoing improvement and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 compliance.
- Collaborate with Product Management, R&D, Sales, Service, and Production teams to support internal initiatives and address customer needs effectively.
- Maintain an understanding of industry standards (ASTM, ISO), quality requirements, and emerging materials characterization technologies.
- Function as the metallographic subject matter expert, providing technical guidance and support to internal teams and external customers
- Create and facilitate metallographic training programs and workshops that build technical competency among internal teams and external attendees
Position Requirements:
- Deep knowledge of metallographic principles and preparation procedures.
- Strong computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel PowerPoint)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills to interact with team members, customers, and executives.
- Ability to learn the scientific principles and technology of the equipment.
- Self-directed, highly motivated strategic thinker with a proven ability to multitask and collaborate amongst cross functional teams.
- Ability to work within the USA without restriction.
Education/Certifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or related scientific field.
- 3–5 years of demonstrated experience in metallography, including sample preparation, microscopy, hardness testing, and equipment operation; proficiency with LECO systems preferred.
EOE M/F/VET/Disability
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or a related scientific field
- 3-5 years of demonstrated experience in metallography
- Deep knowledge of metallographic principles and preparation procedures
- Experience with sample preparation, microscopy, hardness testing, and equipment operation
- Strong computer skills, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to learn scientific principles and equipment technology
- Ability to work within the USA without restriction
- Proficiency with LECO systems
- Ability to multitask, collaborate cross-functionally, and work independently
What We Do
Our story began in 1936 with the world's first rapid carbon determinator, transforming the American iron and steel industry with fast, reliable results. For 90 years, LECO has been a trusted global leader in analytical instrumentation. Today, that same innovative spirit drives our complete portfolio of solutions, which has led to global recognition of expertise in elemental analysis, mass spectrometry and metallography and optical equipment. Our instruments solve complex challenges across a range of applications: Metals & Materials Science: Precise elemental and thermal analysis for metals, ceramics, and advanced materials. Protein Analysis: Rapid, accurate protein analysis for nutritional labeling and quality control. Petrochemical: Characterize complex hydrocarbon mixtures and monitor elemental content with mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. Battery Materials: Measure carbon/sulfur and graphite content to support performance, safety, and quality control in advanced energy storage technologies. Food Safety: Comprehensive screening for contaminants like MOSH/MOAH, pesticide residues, and other unknown threats to ensure product integrity and regulatory compliance. Flavor & Aroma: High-resolution separation and identification of volatile/semi-volatile compounds for authenticity and sensory profiling. Agriculture: Quantify key soil indicators like Total Organic Carbon (TOC) to support sustainable farming. Environmental: Detect trace microplastics and PFAS in soil and water. Life Sciences: Non-targeted metabolomics research powered by high-resolution mass spectrometry for deeper biological insights. With in-house manufacturing, every LECO product meets strict standards for quality and precision. Our network of 25 subsidiaries and distributors allows us to sell in over 75 countries, ensuring you receive unmatched local support, service, and application expertise. Discover how our solutions help your lab achieve accurate, efficient, and reliable results.
