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Associate Materials Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bosch Group

Associate Process Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

An Associate Process Engineer is an individual contributor responsible for applying knowledge of ... Work on advanced materials and integration processes, such as compound semiconductors or new ...

Bosch Group

Associate Process Engineer

Roseville, CA

$80K - $90K/yr

An Associate Process Engineer is an individual contributor responsible for applying knowledge of ... Work on advanced materials and integration processes, such as compound semiconductors or new ...

Adecco

Materials Coordinator

Santa Clara, CA

$34 - $36/hr

... engineering, lab operations, logistics, shipping/receiving, suppliers, and project teams to ensure ... In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other ...

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All JobsAssociate Materials Engineer JobsAssociate Materials Engineer Jobs in California

Associate Materials Engineer information

Are associate materials engineers in high demand?

Associate materials engineers are in steady demand due to their role in developing and testing materials for industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and construction. Employment opportunities often depend on industry growth, technical skills, and certifications in materials analysis and testing tools.

What is the difference between Associate Materials Engineer vs Materials Engineer?

AspectAssociate Materials EngineerMaterials Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in materials science or engineering; some roles may require internshipsBachelor's or master's degree; professional certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects in manufacturing or R&D labsMore independent roles, overseeing projects and testing in labs or production facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industries for entry-level rolesCommon in similar industries, often with more responsibilities and project oversight

The main difference is experience and responsibility level. Associate Materials Engineers are typically entry-level, focusing on supporting roles, while Materials Engineers have more experience, overseeing projects and making technical decisions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Materials Engineers often hold professional certifications and have greater independence in their work.

What is an associate materials engineer?

Associate Materials Engineers are early-career professionals who assist in the development, testing, and evaluation of materials used in a variety of products and industries. They work under the supervision of more experienced engineers and help analyze the properties of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites to ensure they meet specific engineering requirements. Their responsibilities typically include conducting experiments, collecting data, preparing reports, and supporting the design and improvement of new materials. This role is often a stepping stone to more senior engineering positions and provides foundational experience in materials science and engineering applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate materials engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Materials Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, chemistry, and engineering principles, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in materials engineering or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, CAD software, and materials characterization techniques—such as SEM or XRD—is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help you excel in problem-solving and cross-functional projects. These competencies are crucial for developing, testing, and improving materials that meet industry standards and project requirements.

What types of projects does an associate materials engineer typically work on, and how do they collaborate with other departments?

Associate Materials Engineers often work on projects involving material selection, testing, and analysis for new or existing products. They regularly collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to ensure materials meet performance and safety standards. Day-to-day tasks may include conducting laboratory experiments, preparing technical reports, and troubleshooting material-related issues in production. This collaborative environment allows for ongoing learning and provides exposure to various stages of product development, supporting career growth within multidisciplinary teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Materials Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Materials Engineer jobs in California? For Associate Materials Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Materials Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Materials Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Associate Materials Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Associate Materials Engineer job openings:
Associate Materials Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Materials Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Materials Technician (ASTM/Tensile Test)

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA

$35 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

As a Materials Engineering Technician at Impulse, you will anchor our mechanical testing capabilities. In this role, you will be hands-on in the lab, executing critical testing on a wide variety of materials including advanced metals, polymers, composites, and ceramic that make up our orbital vehicles and propulsion systems. You will be responsible for ensuring that all testing adheres to strict industry standards, managing test setups, and guaranteeing the integrity of the data that drives our engineering decisions.

  • Set up and operate universal testing machines to perform tensile, compression, flexural, shear, and fatigue testing across diverse material groups
  • Interpret and strictly adhere to ASTM, ISO, and custom internal testing standards for aerospace applications
  • Manage the end-to-end specimen preparation process, ensuring precise dimensional tolerances and surface finishes are met prior to testing
  • Select, install, and align appropriate gripping and fixturing for complex test setups, including high-temperature, cryogenic, or non-standard geometries
  • Record, process, and compile test data into clear, concise reports for the materials and design engineering teams
  • Perform routine maintenance, calibration checks, and troubleshooting on laboratory equipment to minimize downtime
  • Maintain a highly organized, safe, and efficient laboratory environment
  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate 
  • 3+ years of direct experience operating mechanical testing equipment in a structured laboratory environment
  • Proven hands-on experience testing a broad range of material classes: metals, polymers, composites, and ceramics
  • Deep functional knowledge of mechanical testing standards (e.g., ASTM E8, D3039, D638, C1161) and specimen geometry requirements 
  • Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to safely handle high-load testing equipment and delicate sensors (extensometers, strain gauges)
  • Excellent meticulousness regarding data entry, traceability, and documentation
  • Associate's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related technical field (or equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience)
  • 5+ years of demonstrated experience with prior experience working environmental mechanical testing, such as testing in cryogenic chambers, elevated temperature furnaces, or vacuum
    environments within in the aerospace or defense industries
  • Hands-on experience with basic machining (mills, lathes, band saws) to fabricate or modify custom test fixtures on the fly
  • Knowledge of advanced strain measurement techniques, including Digital Image Correlation (DIC)
  • Familiarity with metallographic preparation or basic failure analysis post-testing
  • Experience performing fracture toughness and fatigue crack growth rate tests

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space's spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.  
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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