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Hardness Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stellantis

Technician - Plant Lab

Kokomo, IN

$16.50 - $22/hr

... hardness tester. The MLT will assist in the daily Heat Treat checks from the Heat Treat Department. In addition to this the MLT will perform Engineering testing as required by the Engineers ...

Stellantis

Technician - Plant Lab

Kokomo, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

... hardness tester. The MLT will assist in the daily Heat Treat checks from the Heat Treat Department. In addition to this the MLT will perform Engineering testing as required by the Engineers ...

ORBIS Inc

Operation of hardness testers, electronic plating thickness gauges, surface finish analyzers g. Data entry into computer programs, such as Product Data Reporting and Evaluation Program (PDREP ...

ORBIS, Inc.

Receipt Inspectors

Kittery, ME · On-site

Operation of hardness testers, electronic plating thickness gauges, surface finish analyzers g. Data entry into computer programs, such as Product Data Reporting and Evaluation Program (PDREP ...

Howmet Aerospace

Quality Inspector

Berea, OH

... hardness tester, etc. ' Review work order for completion of operations and required documentations ' Review ERP (JD Edwards) system for required retained information ' Review raw material ...

ORBIS Inc

Operation of hardness testers, electronic plating thickness gauges, surface finish analyzers g. Data entry into computer programs, such as Product Data Reporting and Evaluation Program (PDREP ...

ORBIS, Inc.

Receipt Inspector Supervisor

Kittery, ME · On-site

Operation of hardness testers, electronic plating thickness gauges, surface finish analyzers g. Data entry into computer programs, such as Product Data Reporting and Evaluation Program (PDREP ...

Timken

Heat Treat Utility Operator

Union, SC · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Inspection such as micrometers, hardness testing equipment, etc. * Basic hand tools, natural gas torches, presses & clamps, cranes & floor dies. * Carburizing equipment with temperature and ...

The Timken Company

Heat Treat Utility Operator

Union, SC · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Inspection such as micrometers, hardness testing equipment, etc. * Basic hand tools, natural gas torches, presses & clamps, cranes & floor dies. * Carburizing equipment with temperature and ...

Anderson Shumaker

Be Seen First

Heat Treat Furnace Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Perform Brinell hardness (BHN) testing and process test bars as required. * Review heat treat charts to verify materials were processed according to specifications. * Prepare customer heat treat ...

JSW Steel USA

Tester

Baytown, TX · On-site

$20/hr

The Tester is responsible for safely performing material testing (tensile, hardness, bend, drop weight, and coating tests), preparing samples to precise specifications, maintain equipment, and report ...

Driv-Lok, Inc.

Quality Inspector

Sycamore, IL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

The employee will be working with scientific calculator, copy machine, scales, micrometer, caliper, arbor press, rockwell hardness tester, micro-hardness tester, mounting equipment, optical and ...

Timken

Dimensional Inspector

Los Alamitos, CA

$29/hr

Inspectors will use specialized tooling (dial indicators, mikrokators, calipers, gage blocks, sunnen gage, federal gage, hardness tester etc.) for measuring ID's and OD's. Each bearing has part ...

Timken

Dimensional Inspector

Los Alamitos, CA

$29/hr

Inspectors will use specialized tooling (dial indicators, mikrokators, calipers, gage blocks, sunnen gage, federal gage, hardness tester etc.) for measuring ID's and OD's. Each bearing has part ...

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Hardness Tester information

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$10

$38

$62

How much do hardness tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for hardness tester in the United States is $38.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $50.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Hardness Tester?

A Hardness Tester is a professional who operates equipment to measure the hardness of materials, such as metals, plastics, or rubber. They use various testing methods, including Rockwell, Brinell, or Vickers, to determine a material's resistance to deformation. This information is crucial in quality control and ensuring materials meet required specifications for manufacturing and construction. Hardness Testers often work in industrial, laboratory, and manufacturing environments.

Do product testers get paid well?

Hardness testers are typically paid an hourly wage or salary that aligns with industry standards for quality control roles, often ranging from entry-level to experienced positions. Compensation can vary based on experience, certifications, and the industry sector, with specialized skills potentially leading to higher pay.

What does a hardness tester do?

A hardness tester is a professional who uses specialized equipment to measure the hardness of materials, such as metals and plastics. This helps determine material properties, quality, and suitability for specific applications, often requiring knowledge of testing standards and calibration procedures.

What is the difference between Hardness Tester vs Metallurgical Technician?

AspectHardness TesterMetallurgical Technician
CredentialsTypically requires technical certifications or training in material testingRequires an associate's or bachelor's degree in materials science or metallurgy
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, quality control settingsLaboratories, research facilities, manufacturing environments
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and quality assuranceInvolved in material analysis, failure investigation, and process improvement

The main difference is that Hardness Testers focus on measuring material hardness using specialized equipment, while Metallurgical Technicians perform broader material analysis, including hardness testing, microstructure examination, and failure analysis. Both roles are essential in quality control and materials research, but they differ in scope and required qualifications.

What are some common challenges faced by Hardness Testers in maintaining accuracy and consistency in measurements?

Hardness Testers often encounter challenges such as ensuring proper calibration of testing equipment, preparing samples correctly, and interpreting results accurately, especially when working with materials of varying properties. Environmental factors like temperature and cleanliness can also affect test outcomes. To overcome these issues, it's essential to follow standardized procedures, conduct regular equipment maintenance, and stay updated on the latest testing protocols. Collaboration with quality control and production teams is common, ensuring that testing aligns with manufacturing standards.

Which testing career is best?

The best testing career depends on individual interests and industry demand. Quality assurance and software testing are popular fields requiring attention to detail, analytical skills, and knowledge of testing tools. Certifications like ISTQB can enhance job prospects in testing roles across various industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hardness Tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hardness Tester, you need a solid understanding of material properties, experience with hardness testing methods (such as Rockwell, Brinell, or Vickers), and often a high school diploma or technical training in materials science. Familiarity with testing instruments, calibration procedures, and quality control systems is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills help ensure accurate results and efficient workflow. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining product quality and meeting industry standards in manufacturing environments.

What jobs pay 250 an hour?

Hardness testers typically do not earn $250 an hour; such high rates are usually associated with specialized consulting roles, executive positions, or highly skilled freelance professionals. Jobs that pay this rate often require advanced expertise, certifications, or significant experience in fields like consulting, law, medicine, or executive management.
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Hardness Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardness Tester job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,791 per year, or $38.4 per hour.
Technician - Plant Lab

Technician - Plant Lab

Stellantis

Kokomo, IN

$16.50 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Stellantis rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 44 rated automakers

Job description

The FCA Quality Organization is currently seeking a Metallurgical Laboratory Technician professional to join our Quality team in Kokomo, Indiana. This position offers the selected candidate an opportunity to be an internal part of a company whose focus is to change the automotive landscape. The Metallurgical Laboratory Technician is responsible for assisting Metallurgical Engineers and Material Scientists in day-to-day lab operations. The Metallurgical Lab Technician (MLT) will perform routine technical tasks, including operating and maintaining equipment and conducting analysis and experimental procedures. Metallurgical laboratory technicians maintain computerized records of experimental data and operate a variety of specialized equipment, including x-ray machines, spectrometers, electrolytic analyzers, pH meters, centrifuges, cut off saws, mounting press, polisher, microscope and automatic micro-hardness tester. The MLT will assist in the daily Heat Treat checks from the Heat Treat Department. In addition to this the MLT will perform Engineering testing as required by the Engineers, including fatigue tests, torsional (twist) tests and others as needed.


Specific responsibilities of the role are:

  • Provide Quality data to support the plant for Automatic Transmission Manufacturing Operating and maintaining equipment in the metallurgical lab
  • Maintain computerized records of experimental data
  • Assist in the daily Heat Treat checks from the Heat Treat Department
  • Perform Engineering testing as required by the Engineers, including Fatigue tests; Torsional tests, and others as required
  • Operate a variety of specialized equipment, including x-ray machines, spectrometers, electrolytic analyzers, pH meters, centrifuges, cut off saws, mounting press, polisher, microscope and automatic micro-hardness tester
  • Coordinate with SQA, 3rd party service provider, Production Control and Manufacturing Operations for Receiving Inspection, In-line inspection and sorting, Teardown and Forensic
  • Candidate should be flexible to work on a pattern Crew schedule over three shifts, and weekend schedule will be required
  •  Collaborating with other team members on tasks/projects

Basic Qualifications

  • Associates degree in Metallurgy, Material Science, or related field and 3+ years of laboratory experience
  • Knowledge of Excel, Word, Google Sheets
  • Basic understanding of metallurgy and chemistry
  • Willingness to work on all 3 shifts when required
  • Willingness to work a lot of overtime including weekends as required
  • Strong interpersonal skills with ability to work in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Material Science, or another related field

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