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Characterization Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$120 - $170/hr

Provide technical mentorship and guidance to a growing team of engineers and technicians. Optical Characterization and Metrology * Design optical systems for high volume screening and ...

Set up optical and electrical test benches, working closely with Test & Characterization Engineers and Technicians to develop new characterization tools and methodology, as well as to quickly learn ...

NY · On-site

$48 - $83/hr

GlobalFoundries in Malta NY is looking for a Sr. Lab Technician who has a 2-year associate's degree with up to 5 years of experience working in a characterization lab. Responsibilities include ...

$116 - $151/hr

Sr Characterization Engineer Experience Level: Professional Job Type: Regular Location: San Jose ... Mentor Technicians on new software and laboratory equipment in development. Required Qualifications

New

Sr Characterization Engineer Experience Level: Professional Job Type: Regular Location: San Jose ... Mentor Technicians on new software and laboratory equipment in development. Required Qualifications

New

R&D Technician 4 A leading electronics testing company is seeking an R&D Technician 4 to support prototype testing and characterization, collaborating with R&D Engineers and NPI Technicians in an ESD ...

New

Execute automated performance characterization tests on prototypes at temperature and humidity, and collect and document data to support engineering analysis R&D Technician 4 Qualifications: * 3-5 ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Characterization Technician information

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$12

$24

$48

How much do characterization technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for characterization technician in the United States is $24.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a characterization technician?

Characterization Technicians are professionals who specialize in analyzing and assessing the physical and chemical properties of materials, components, or products. They use specialized instruments and techniques to measure attributes such as composition, structure, and performance. Their work is crucial in research and development, quality control, and manufacturing environments to ensure materials meet required standards. Characterization Technicians often collaborate with engineers and scientists to interpret data and support product improvement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a characterization technician?

To thrive as a Characterization Technician, you need a solid background in materials science, chemistry, or a related field, often supported by an associate's or bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation such as SEM, TEM, XRD, and spectroscopic tools, as well as experience with data analysis software, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are vital for accurate reporting and collaboration. These skills ensure precise material analysis, reliable results, and smooth workflow in research or manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by characterization technicians in a laboratory setting?

Characterization Technicians often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting analytical instruments, maintaining sample integrity during testing, and accurately interpreting complex data. Working under tight deadlines and adhering to strict safety protocols can also be demanding, especially when managing multiple projects simultaneously. Effective communication with scientists, engineers, and other technicians is essential to ensure that test results are reliable and meet project requirements.
More about Characterization Technician jobs

What job categories do people searching Characterization Technician jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Characterization Technician jobs are:

Senior Materials Characterization Technician, Machine Shop, Second Shift

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$31.20 - $46.80/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Other

PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Relativity Space rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

At Relativity Space, we're building rockets to serve today's needs and tomorrow's breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that's just the start. Achieving commercial success with Terran R will unlock new opportunities to advance science, exploration, and innovation, pioneering progress that reaches beyond the known.
Joining Relativity means becoming part of something where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level. Here, you're not just executing tasks; you're solving problems that haven't been solved before, helping develop a rocket, a factory, and a business from the ground up. Whether you're in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or a corporate function, you'll collaborate across teams, shape decisions, and see your work come to life in record time. Relativity is a place where creativity and technical rigor go hand in hand, and your voice will help define the stories we're writing together. Now is a unique moment in time where it's early enough to leave your mark on the product, the process, and the culture, but far enough along that Terran R is tangible and picking up momentum. The most meaningful work of your career is waiting. Join us.
About the Team:
The Materials and NDE (Non-Destructive Evaluation) team plays a central role in enabling Terran R to fly, re-fly, and scale: developing, characterizing, and inspecting materials and processes across all parts of the vehicle. From welding and additive manufacturing to advanced composites, the team works at the intersection of innovation and execution, balancing performance and reliability with cost, quality, and schedule. As we move toward first flight and beyond, the challenges become more exciting, offering opportunities to shape how we design and develop for re-use. With ownership across products, systems, and disciplines, engineers gain broad exposure and drive key decisions across design, manufacturing, and operations.
This is a second-shift position with a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. PT. In addition to base pay, employees receive a 10% shift differential.
About the Role:
  • Set up and operate CNC mills and lathes, performing first article inspections including programming, setups, dry runs, and program edits for accuracy, to produce precision aerospace metal alloy components and materials test coupons
  • Program and edit G-code and utilize CAD/CAM software to create, modify, and refine CNC programs
  • Design and build custom fixturing to support machining operations, and follow established setup sheets covering fixtures, tooling, and inserts
  • Inspect finished parts and verify dimensions using precision measuring instruments to ensure compliance with engineering specifications and aerospace industry standards
  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate machining equipment, and communicate effectively with engineering teams and cross-functional stakeholders to translate project requirements into machining solutions
  • Develop and enforce standardized workflows for machine shop operations, including shift hand-offs and documentation of machining procedures

About You:
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience setting up and operating CNC mills and lathes, including routine maintenance and troubleshooting; wire EDM experience is a plus
  • Proven ability to perform first article inspections, including programming, setups, dry runs, and editing programs for accuracy
  • Ability to design and build custom fixturing and follow setup sheets for fixtures, tooling, and inserts
  • Working knowledge of G-code programming, with the ability to read, understand, and edit existing programs
  • Proficiency with common inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, etc.) to inspect parts and verify dimensions against engineering drawings and specifications
  • Ability to adapt in fast paced environments and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications

Nice to haves but not required:
  • Experience in machine maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration to ensure optimal performance
  • Solid understanding of machining best practices for aerospace materials
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Strong understanding of tolerancing and measurement techniques in accordance with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) standards

At Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
Compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more! To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.
Hiring Range:
$31.20-$46.80 USD
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@relativityspace.com.
Please note: Relativity Space does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate profiles, or referrals from recruitment agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited submission - via email, our website, social media, or directly to an employee - will be deemed the property of Relativity Space, and no fee will be owed absent a current, fully executed agreement with Talent Acquisition that specifically authorizes submissions for the applicable role.

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