Richard Slade Email and Phone Number

As Technical Director, I am responsible for overseeing all technical aspects of the company's operation and working with department managers to ensure we meet our customer’s needs. As Senior Metallurgist, I oversee all failure analysis projects and act as technical lead for the Material Science area. As a AWS Certified Welding Inspector, I provide on-site inspection services for customers and hold additional ASNT ACCP Level II and ASNT Level III certifications for Visual Inspection, and Dye Penetrant Inspection. As Quality Manager, I oversee the daily operation and ensure conformance to our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements and the additional requirements of our AWS Accredited Test Facility for both Welder Qualification Testing and AWS new MT and PT endorsements. I also supervise United Technical’s Business Development team and develop additional quality standards as needed.

• Develop and perform specialized testing for research purposes• Develop and perform image analysis for research projects• Perform testing using scanning electron microscope, confocal microscope, tensile testing, and other materials testing equipment• Train GM employees and interns on laboratory operations and usage of equipment• Selected new capital laboratory equipment to increase the department’s capabilities• Compile data from testing for presentation and publication for researchers and technical fellows

• Responsible for overseeing testing and quality• Prepare for and achieve both GE S400 and Nadcap accreditation in the laboratory• Ensuring department performance• Supervising employees• Scheduling workflow• Reviewing of department test results• Authoring procedures testing in accordance with standard practices• Programming advanced and custom routines for image analysis system• Maintain laboratory daily operation while offsite at General Motors Research and development center for up to half time• Oversee up to three Element employees stationed at GM R&D to ensure customer satisfaction with both technical and project timing

• Server setup and maintenance including patches and server support applications• Planned and implemented a server migrations• Installed and modified premise wiring for network and phone systems• Setting up, troubleshooting, and maintaining desktop computer systems • Network troubleshooting and configuration• Setting up network printers• Peripheral support

• Performed tests in accordance with A2LA certified procedures• Metallographic sample preparation of ferrous and non-ferrous materials• Microstructural evaluation of prepared samples• Clemex Microhardness, Image Analysis and Paxit systems setup and operation• Macrography and micrography using digital and Polaroid film• Perform grain size measurements, case depth, and decarburization• Performing analysis utilizing a scanning electron microscope and EDS analysis• Hardness testing including Rockwell, Brinell, and macro Vickers using manual and automated equipment• Sectioning of components for further testing• Basic machining including milling, turning, and grinding• Application of strain gauges for residual stress analysis