Materials Processing and Testing Technician

Interested in hands-on materials work and the science behind how materials perform? PDS Tech Commercial is looking for a Materials Processing and Testing Technician to join a technical team in Schenectady, NY.

This is an excellent opportunity for an entry-level or early-career candidate who is organized, detail-oriented, comfortable working with data, and interested in materials processing and testing. You’ll support routine technical and project activities, organize information, track results, and assist with materials testing and laboratory-related work.

Microscopy experience is a plus, but not required. Strong Microsoft Excel skills are a must.

Position Overview

Location: Schenectady, NY
Pay Rate: $36/hour
Shift: 1st Shift
Employment: Temp-to-Hire

What You’ll Do

• Support routine materials processing, testing, and project activities with guidance.

• Assist with the setup and execution of assigned work.

• Help prepare materials and samples for processing, inspection, and testing.

• Perform routine measurements, observations, and documentation accurately.

• Assist with microscopic examination of materials and samples when applicable.

• Record and organize test results, project information, and technical data.

• Maintain tracking tools, status logs, action lists, and project documentation.

• Use Microsoft Excel to organize data, maintain spreadsheets, track information, and support reporting.

• Use Microsoft PowerPoint to prepare basic project updates and presentation materials.

• Communicate project status, questions, open items, and potential issues to project leaders.

• Ask questions to clarify assignments, identify missing information, and understand next steps.

• Follow established procedures while progressively developing independence with routine assignments.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Need

• Strong Microsoft Excel experience is required.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to accurately document information and maintain records.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to follow instructions and complete routine assignments with minimal supervision.

• Comfortable asking questions and communicating when additional guidance is needed.

• Ability to learn technical processes and progressively work more independently.

• Interest in materials, laboratory work, manufacturing, testing, or technical processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with microscopy or microscopic examination.

• Previous laboratory, materials, manufacturing, quality, or testing experience.

• Experience preparing samples or working with technical equipment.

• Exposure to materials science, metallurgy, coatings, chemistry, engineering, or a related technical field.

• Experience working with technical data, measurements, or test results.

What Is Materials Processing & Testing?

Materials can be processed or coated to improve their performance and durability. Depending on the project, materials may be evaluated for characteristics such as thickness, adhesion, wear, heat resistance, corrosion/oxidation resistance, surface properties, and overall condition.

You may assist with activities such as preparing samples, processing materials, taking measurements, examining samples under a microscope, documenting results, and organizing information for engineers and scientists.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is curious, dependable, organized, and eager to learn. This position is a good fit for someone who enjoys working with technical information and hands-on tasks and wants to build experience in a research, materials, manufacturing, or testing environment.

You don't need to have years of coatings experience. Strong Excel skills, attention to detail, and the ability to learn technical processes are the priorities.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re looking for an opportunity to build your technical experience while working with materials, testing, data, and laboratory processes, apply today for the Materials Processing and Testing Technician position in Schenectady, NY!

Pay Details: $36.00 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.