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Material Testing Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Preferred: · Associate degree in Materials Science, or a related lab/technical field OR relevant work experience. · Prior laboratory or product testing experience (a plus, but not required). · ...

Material Testing Technician

Pelham, AL · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

Subsidiary Vulcan Steel Products Overview Vulcan Lab Technicians perform heat treated and cold ... CNC machine operation and maintenance, material testing. Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated ...

Material Testing Technician

Dickinson, ND · On-site

$18.50 - $25/hr

Prior experience with construction materials testing in either a field or lab setting * Ability to repeatedly lift up to 50 pounds * Valid driver's license Preferred Qualifications Preference will be ...

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Preferred: · Associate degree in Materials Science, or a related lab/technical field OR relevant work experience. · Prior laboratory or product testing experience (a plus, but not required). · ...

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Material Testing Technician

Pelham, AL

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

Vulcan Steel Products Vulcan Lab Technicians perform heat treated and cold drawn sample machining ... CNC machine operation and maintenance, material testing. Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated ...

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Material Testing Lab information

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How much do material testing lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for material testing lab in the United States is $22.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Material Testing Lab vs Material Inspector?

AspectMaterial Testing LabMaterial Inspector
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in materials testing, quality control, or related fieldsOften requires certifications in inspection, quality assurance, or specific industry standards
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting with testing equipment and controlled conditionsOn-site inspections at construction sites, manufacturing plants, or facilities
Employer & IndustryTesting laboratories, construction, manufacturing, and engineering firmsConstruction companies, manufacturing plants, quality assurance departments

While both roles focus on ensuring material quality, Material Testing Lab professionals primarily conduct laboratory tests to analyze material properties, whereas Material Inspectors perform on-site inspections to verify compliance with standards. Both roles are essential for quality assurance in construction and manufacturing industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Material Testing Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Material Testing Lab Technician, you need a solid understanding of material science, laboratory procedures, and quality control standards, often backed by a degree or certification in materials engineering or a related field. Familiarity with testing equipment such as universal testing machines, spectrometers, and data analysis software is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure accurate testing, reliable results, and clear reporting, which are vital for maintaining product quality and safety standards.

What is a Material Testing Lab?

A Material Testing Lab is a specialized facility where various materials—such as metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites—are tested to determine their physical and mechanical properties. These tests help ensure that materials meet required standards for strength, durability, safety, and performance before they are used in manufacturing or construction. Common tests include tensile strength, hardness, impact resistance, and chemical analysis. Material Testing Labs are essential in industries like construction, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing to verify quality and compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a material testing lab, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in material testing labs often encounter challenges such as handling tight project deadlines, maintaining the accuracy and calibration of testing equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Staying organized and following detailed procedures are key to managing workloads efficiently and producing reliable results. Effective communication with engineers, production teams, and quality assurance staff is essential for interpreting results and troubleshooting issues. Regular training and keeping up with advancements in testing technology can also help address these challenges and support career growth in the field.
More about Material Testing Lab jobs
What cities are hiring for Material Testing Lab jobs? Cities with the most Material Testing Lab job openings:
Infographic showing various Material Testing Lab job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,864 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
Material Testing and Certification Analyst

Material Testing and Certification Analyst

Vulcan Steel Products

Pelham, AL • On-site

$24.25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

SubsidiaryVulcan Steel ProductsOverview

Certify product lots to industry standards (ASTM, ASME, ISO, etc.) and customer specification based on test results and applicable processing parameters.

Responsibilities
  • Evaluate standards and specifications and promptly respond to inquiries.
  • Process incoming raw material certificate data.
  • Verify accuracy and completion of internal and external tensile, hardness, and Charpy impact test results and other applicable information.
  • Identify, alert, and resolve incorrect or missing report data.
  • Assist with metallographic sample preparation and evaluation using light microscopy.
  • Contribute to troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and calibration/ verifications (as applicable) of the material testing lab's sample preparation and testing equipment.
  • Maintain the Lab Information Management System (LIMS).
  • Active involvement in the company's ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 system including internal audits, required document revision and development, equipment verification/calibration, and other applicable tasks as necessary.
  • Aid Operations and Quality in troubleshooting and identifying root cause(s) of material quality issues and/or test failures.
Qualifications
  • Prior experience working in material testing lab, prior experience with CNC equipment, ERP systems, Quality Assurance, product certifications, and/or different grades or types of steel is required.
  • Attention to detail is a must.
  • Ability to identify, extract, and accurately enter required data from different types of material certificates.
  • Clear communication skills, verbal and written.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
  • BS in Metallurgical Engineering is preferred.
  • Experience with implementing and/or maintaining ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17025:2017 systems.

Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers. 

Employment Type: FULL_TIME