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Hardness Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Heat Treat Utility Operator

Union, SC

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

CSV Specialist

Vega Baja, PR · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Hardness tester * Encapsulation machine * Auxiliary equipment Main activities should include: * Verificationof the equipment installed and configured at the vendor site (FAT). * Implementthe ...

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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 ...

CSV Specialist

Vega Baja, PR · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

Hardness tester * Encapsulation machine * Auxiliary equipment Main activities should include: * Verificationof the equipment installed and configured at the vendor site (FAT). * Implementthe ...

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 ...

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 ...

QA Inspector

Fontana, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $21.25/hr

Performs Hardness Testing Inspections. * Performs Calibration Check of Hardness Tester. * Performs Calibration Check of Alscan Instruments. * Fills out Inspection Records and inputs information in ...

QA Inspector

Fontana, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $21.25/hr

Performs Hardness Testing Inspections. * Performs Calibration Check of Hardness Tester. * Performs Calibration Check of Alscan Instruments. * Fills out Inspection Records and inputs information in ...

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Manufacturing Engineer

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

... hardness tester, etc.) - Microsoft Office proficiency (emphasis on Excel). - 3D modeling skill w/ Autodesk Inventor or SolidWorks - possess good communication skills, the ability to multi-task, be ...

Artazn - Technician, Lab

Greeneville, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Performs material property testing such as tensile, Hardness, elongation, thickness, conductivity, and plating thickness using the appropriate tools and standards. * Performs physical measurements ...

Laboratory Technician

Hampshire, IL · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

6am-2pm Monday- FridayPosition Requirements: · Prepare metallographic cross sections for evaluation (cut/mount/polish) · Prepare material for Rockwell hardness testing and perform hardness tests · ...

Showing results 21-40

Hardness Tester information

See salary details

$10

$38

$62

How much do hardness tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardness tester?

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 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.

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.

More about Hardness Tester jobs
Infographic showing various Hardness Tester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 57% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 41% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,791 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Heat Treat Utility Operator

Timken

Union, SC

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Timken rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

309th of 494 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

What Timken makes possible begins with you.
Those who came before us helped land a man on the moon, create the world's infrastructure, and introduce renewable energy alternatives. Now you can join the Timken team to write your own unique story and help drive what's next.

A career at Timken means you can have an immediate impact doing Work That Matters to the world— improving the efficiency of today's industrial equipment and preparing for the future of motion on our planet and beyond. New employees can start contributing right away, and there are many opportunities to advance your career at your own pace. Join our global team of 19,000 people in 45 countries, and start helping our customers push the limits of what's possible in their world of motion.

Position Summary: 

Perform a variety of heat treat operations on production parts.

Essential Responsibilities:  

  • Set-up/operate electric and gas-fired furnaces and associated quenching devices to ensure parts are heat treated to specifications.
  • Tools and equipment:
    • Heat treating furnaces and quenching equipment, shot blast.
    • Inspection such as micrometers, hardness testing equipment, etc.
    • Basic hand tools, natural gas torches, presses & clamps, cranes & floor dies.
    • Carburizing equipment with temperature and atmosphere control instruments.
    • Induction hardening furnace.
  • Set-up/operate production furnaces and associated quenching equipment to ensure correct hardness, size and flatness of all parts. Assignment to a particular furnace will be made by supervision.
  • Perform size and hardness checks.
  • Maintain accurate log for equipment being used.
  • Set-up floor dies and participate in quenching operations.
  • Load/unload spherodizing furnaces & tempering ovens, and completes necessary paperwork. 
  • Assist the HT A in all tasks related to carburizing & hardening, and provide backup for the HT A, as needed.
  • Temporary assignments to other shifts may occur if needed for production requirements.
  • May assist in carburizing operation by loading/unloading fixtures & baskets using standard procedures. 
  • Examine carb fixtures & baskets, and report unserviceable condition to supervision.
  • Participate in charging and quenching operations.
  • Perform straightening operations, as directed by supervision.
  • Responsible for proper care of company tools, observance of safety regulations, and correct reporting of time & production.
  • Responsible for maintaining equipment in good working order and maintaining a neat & orderly work area.

Basic Qualifications:

  • 18 year of age or older.
  • Must be eligible to work in the US.
  • Must be willing to work overtime.
  • Must be willing to work any shift.
  • Able to read, write, and do basic math.
  • Able to accurately follow heat treat standard procedures.
  • Able to satisfactorily perform the job of Induction Hardener, Straightener, and Hardness Tester.+
  • Able to perform work that is physically demanding.
  • Able to satisfactorily perform the job of HT-A and HT-C.

All qualified applicants shall be treated equally according to their individual qualifications, abilities, experiences and other employment standards. There will be no discrimination due to gender or gender identity, race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran/military status or any other basis protected by applicable law.


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About Timken

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Timken Company designs a growing portfolio of engineered bearings and power transmission products that improve the reliability and efficiency of global machinery and equipment to move the world forward. Timken posted $3.8 billion in sales in 2019 and employs more than 17,000 people globally, operating from 42 countries. Why Choose Timken?

Industry

Industrial machinery manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

North Canton, OH, US

Year founded

1899