ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Material Testing Laboratory Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vast

Test Technician (Second Shift)

Long Beach, CA

... testing, laboratory, manufacturing, or related field * High school Diploma or equivalency ... Experience with ballistic testing, hypervelocity impact testing, or materials testing operation

Siemens

R&D Laboratory Technician

Livermore, CA · On-site

Proficiency in standard analytical techniques (e.g., material testing, high voltage testing ... laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or scientific data software, and reporting.

Prolim Global

Laboratory Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

PROLIM Global Corporation (www.prolim.com) is currently seeking Laboratory Engineer for location ... from Atlas Material Testing Preferred Skills Shock towers, such as from Lansmont brand ...

Twining

Staff Engineer - Ventura

Ventura, CA · On-site

$75K - $88K/yr

Support management on materials testing and inspection services * Provide support in geotechnical operations * Review daily field reports and laboratory test results for different projects * Develop ...

Twining

Staff Engineer - Ventura

Ventura, CA

Support management on materials testing and inspection services * Provide support in geotechnical operations * Review daily field reports and laboratory test results for different projects * Develop ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsMaterial Testing Laboratory JobsMaterial Testing Laboratory Jobs in California

Material Testing Laboratory information

See California salary details

$42

$45

$47

How much do material testing laboratory jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for material testing laboratory in California is $45.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.89 and $46.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a material testing laboratory?

A Material Testing Laboratory job involves analyzing and evaluating the physical and chemical properties of materials such as metals, plastics, concrete, and composites. Technicians and engineers perform tests to ensure materials meet quality and safety standards for industries like construction, aerospace, and manufacturing. Responsibilities may include conducting mechanical tests, operating specialized equipment, and documenting results. These professionals play a critical role in quality control, product development, and compliance with industry regulations.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in a material testing laboratory?

In a Material Testing Laboratory, your daily tasks usually include preparing and testing material samples, recording and analyzing data, troubleshooting equipment issues, and maintaining laboratory records according to strict protocols. You may collaborate closely with engineers, quality assurance teams, and sometimes clients to interpret test results and ensure materials meet required specifications. Depending on the industry, your workload might also involve researching new testing methods or helping to validate process improvements. This role requires meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to following safety standards, making it a dynamic environment for individuals who enjoy hands-on technical work. Working in a team-oriented lab setting also offers frequent opportunities to learn from specialized colleagues and advance your expertise over time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the material testing laboratory position?

To thrive in a Material Testing Laboratory, you need a background in materials science or engineering, experience with laboratory testing methods, and attention to detail. Familiarity with equipment such as universal testing machines, spectrometers, and industry standards like ASTM or ISO certifications is often required. Strong analytical thinking, communication skills, and the ability to follow precise protocols set candidates apart in this field. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate test results, maintaining laboratory safety, and supporting research and quality assurance efforts.

What are the most commonly searched types of Material Testing Laboratory jobs in California?

The most popular types of Material Testing Laboratory jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Material Testing Laboratory jobs in California?

For Material Testing Laboratory jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Material Testing Laboratory jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Material Testing Laboratory jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Material Testing Laboratory jobs?

Cities in California with the most Material Testing Laboratory job openings:

Material Testing Laboratory jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Testing Laboratory job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,755 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

Lead Materials R&D Technician (Materials Lab - Characterization)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$35 - $44/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
LEAD MATERIALS R&D TECHNICIAN (MATERIALS LAB - CHARACTERIZATION)
This individual will be a key team member focusing on daily lab operations to support material & process developments, failure investigations, process control validation, and more. Hands-on lab experience in an aerospace testing laboratory setting is required along with strong skills in setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment. The ideal candidate is highly skilled in assigning daily work, conducting team training, enforcing safety standards, and complete complex testing as needed. Success in this role will require being hands-on, flexible, a quick learner, organized, detail-oriented, and having a collaborative, can-do attitude.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Daily assignment of work, ensuring proper balancing and bandwidth across the team
  • Directly interface, coordinate, and align with area supervisor on weekly testing goals
  • Conduct training to advance skillset of team members
  • Enforce area safety and organization requirements and standards of work
  • Be proactive in auditing the lab for hazards, create safety nets, and follow through in bringing solutions to completions
  • Model correct behaviors for taking care of the physical lab space and equipment and enforce this across the team
  • Coordinate calibration and maintenance to minimize tool/test downtime
  • Work with Supervisor on the team's personnel training and development plans
  • Identify and remove blockers that impact daily and weekly testing goals (i.e. stepping in to help, reverse shadowing, providing direct guidance, escalating, etc.)
  • Propose and develop improvement projects (i.e. shop aids, potential process changes, tooling modifications, etc.) that improve testing efficiency, general safety, data quality, reliability, asset integrity and utilization, etc.
  • Coordinate with internal customers to ensure that work is prioritized appropriately
  • Complete personal queue of complex and advanced testing requests as necessary to support customers/team's workload

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 3+ years of experience working in an aerospace testing laboratory performing characterization testing with a focus on thermal instrumentation (i.e. DMA, TMA, DSC, TGA, LFA, etc.)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Proficient with computers with the ability to use MS Office, shop floor management software (ERP) and related programs
  • Experience scheduling work and coordinating competing priorities
  • Experience managing a team, people, or projects
  • Familiarity with multiple departments within SpaceX
  • Familiarity with ASTM standard testing
  • Leadership or mentoring experience

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Willing to work overtime and weekends as needed
  • Able to travel for short trips as needed
  • Able to wear appropriate PPE for mechanical testing and machine shop environment
  • Able to lift 30 lbs. unassisted
  • Standing for long periods of time, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching are generally required to perform the functions of this position

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $26.00 - $32.00 + $2.00/hour lead differential
Level 2: $30.00 - $38.00 + $2.00/hour lead differential
Level 3: $35.00 - $44.00 + $2.00/hour lead differential
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX 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.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

SpaceX logo

About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

View All SpaceX Jobs

Apply