Scientist, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)/ Nanoindentation

EAG Laboratories is seeking a Scientist to join our Materials Characterization team with primary responsibility for operating and interpreting data from Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Nanoindentation, and Optical Profilometry (OP) instrumentation.
The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience characterizing mechanical, surface, and nanoscale material properties and be comfortable with all phases of the analytical process, including experimental design, sample preparation, data acquisition, data interpretation, technical reporting, and customer interactions.
This position requires a strong technical foundation in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
What You'll Do
A typical day may include:
Designing analytical approaches to address customer questions and technical challenges.
Preparing samples and acquiring data using AFM, Nanoindentation, and Optical Profilometry systems.
Performing advanced surface characterization, topographical analysis, roughness measurements, mechanical property characterization, electrical characterization and nanoscale mapping.
Working with internal sample preparation teams when cross-sectioning or specialized sample preparation is required.
Processing, analyzing, and interpreting data to generate meaningful technical conclusions.
Writing comprehensive scientific reports that clearly communicate methodology, results, and recommendations.
Presenting findings to customers and internal stakeholders.
Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers on complex investigations
Client-Facing Responsibilities
In addition to laboratory work, you will regularly:
Meet with customers to discuss project goals, results, and future analyses.
Partner with EAG business development and sales teams to recommend analytical solutions.
Participate in technical discussions that help customers solve materials, process, and reliability challenges.
Support proposal development and scope definition for new projects.
Long-Term Growth Opportunities
Scientists are encouraged to expand their expertise through:
Development of new analytical methodologies.
Research and characterization of emerging materials and technologies.
Publication of technical papers and participation in industry conferences.
Creation of technical marketing content and application notes.
Collaboration with instrument manufacturers and service providers.
Cross-training in complementary surface and materials characterization techniques.
What Success Looks Like
Successful candidates thrive in a fast-paced consulting laboratory environment where multiple projects move simultaneously. They are curious scientists, strong communicators, and collaborative teammates who can independently manage priorities while delivering high-quality scientific results.
Important ITAR Requirement
Use of information in this role is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). To be considered for this position, applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR. A U.S. Person includes:
U.S. Citizen
U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder)
Political Asylee
Refugee
Education & Experience
PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or related scientific discipline.
1+ years of industrial, academic, or research experience using AFM, Nanoindentation, or related materials characterization techniques.
Experience designing analytical protocols and conducting independent scientific investigations.
Experience interpreting experimental data and applying findings to solve practical engineering or materials challenges.
Experience writing technical reports and communicating scientific results.
Preferred Technical Skills
Strong preference for experience with:
Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), including modes such as SCM, SSRM, sMIM, KPFM, MFM and mechanical testing modes
Nanoindentation / Nanomechanical testing
Optical Profilometry / White Light Interferometry
Surface roughness and topography measurements
Thin film characterization
Mechanical and electrical property characterization
Failure analysis and root cause investigations
Semiconductor, advanced materials, or microelectronics characterization
Highly Desired AFM Experience
Experience with one or more advanced AFM modes is highly desirable:
PF-QNM (PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping)
SCM (Scanning Capacitance Microscopy)
SSRM (Scanning Spreading Resistance Microscopy)
sMIM (Scanning Microwave Impedance Microscopy)
Conductive AFM
Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM)
Additional Preferred Experience
Experience with any of the following techniques is a plus:
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Focused Ion Beam (FIB) /Dual Beam (DB)
TEM/STEM
Raman Spectroscopy
FTIR
XPS
NanoIR
Materials and surface analysis techniques
Skills & Competencies
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team.
Customer-focused mindset with the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Physical Requirements:
The person in this position needs to move about inside the office or laboratory to access file cabinets, machinery, equipment etc.
Ability to continuously operate a personal computer or lab equipment for extended periods of time (4 or more hours).
Physical dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms, and shoulders repetitively to operate a keyboard and other lab equipment, use a telephone, access file cabinets and other items stored at various levels, including overhead.
Must be able to remain in a stationary position 90% of the time.
Ability to speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably with sufficient volume to ensure an accurate exchange of information in normal conversational distance, over the telephone online, and in a group setting.
Learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, make timely decisions in the context of a workflow, ability to communicate with visitors, ability to complete tasks in situations that have a speed or productivity quota.
The essential physical and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
We will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability or special need, we would like to know how we can better accommodate you.

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
No