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Material Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Comply with ASTM, ACI, AASHTO, and Caltrans specifications for sampling and testing construction materials * Organize a concrete break schedule and plant testing equipment recertification process to ...

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 ...

Comply with ASTM, ACI, AASHTO, and Caltrans specifications for sampling and testing construction materials * Organize a concrete break schedule and plant testing equipment recertification process to ...

Perform quality control testing and placement inspection of: soil, aggregate, hot mix asphalt (HMA), Portland cement concrete (PCC), and material used in pavement recycling and soil stabilization ...

Comply with ASTM, ACI, AASHTO, and Caltrans specifications for sampling and testing construction materials * Organize a concrete break schedule and plant testing equipment recertification process to ...

Comply with ASTM, ACI, AASHTO, and Caltrans specifications for sampling and testing construction materials * Organize a concrete break schedule and plant testing equipment recertification process to ...

Comply with ASTM, ACI, AASHTO, and Caltrans specifications for sampling and testing construction materials * Organize a concrete break schedule and plant testing equipment recertification process to ...

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Material Testing information

What is material testing?

Material testing is the process of evaluating the physical and mechanical properties of materials, such as metals, plastics, or composites, to determine their suitability for specific applications. This testing can include assessing strength, durability, hardness, flexibility, and resistance to various stresses. Material testing ensures that materials meet quality standards, safety regulations, and performance requirements in industries like construction, manufacturing, and aerospace. It helps prevent product failures and supports the development of safer, more reliable products.

What is the difference between Material Testing vs Material Inspection?

AspectMaterial TestingMaterial Inspection
CertificationsASTM, ACI, NDT certificationsVisual inspection certifications, NDT certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, testing facilities, construction sitesConstruction sites, manufacturing plants, quality control labs
Primary FocusAssessing material properties and performanceVerifying material quality and compliance
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, aerospaceConstruction, manufacturing, infrastructure projects

Material Testing involves analyzing material properties through laboratory tests to determine strength, durability, and performance. Material Inspection focuses on visually and non-destructively verifying that materials meet specified standards and quality requirements. Both roles are essential in ensuring safety and compliance in construction and manufacturing industries.

What are the five types of material testing?

Material testing involves various methods to evaluate the properties and performance of materials. The five common types are mechanical testing (such as tensile, compression, and hardness tests), chemical testing, thermal testing, non-destructive testing (NDT) like ultrasonic and radiographic testing, and microstructural analysis. These tests help ensure materials meet safety, quality, and performance standards in manufacturing and construction environments.

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

To thrive as a Material Testing Technician, you need a solid understanding of material properties, laboratory testing procedures, and relevant industry standards, typically supported by a degree or certification in materials science or engineering. Familiarity with testing equipment such as universal testing machines, spectrometers, and data analysis software is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help ensure accuracy and effective reporting of results. These competencies are vital for maintaining quality control and ensuring materials meet safety and performance requirements in various industries.

Is there a legit product tester job?

Material testing jobs are legitimate roles that involve evaluating the properties and quality of materials such as metals, plastics, or textiles. These positions often require knowledge of testing procedures, tools, and safety protocols, and may involve working in labs or manufacturing environments. Certification or training in quality assurance can enhance job prospects.

How to become a material tester?

To become a material tester, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by training or an associate degree in materials science, engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience with testing equipment and techniques, such as tensile testing or microscopy, is important, and certifications like NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) can enhance job prospects.

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

Professionals in material testing often face challenges such as ensuring sample integrity, meeting tight deadlines, and interpreting complex test results accurately. Maintaining precise environmental conditions and following standardized procedures are crucial to avoid compromised data. Collaboration with engineers and quality assurance teams is common, requiring strong communication skills to translate test findings into actionable insights. Staying updated with new testing methodologies and industry standards also helps address these challenges and ensures reliable results.

What is the highest paying lab technician job?

The highest paying lab technician roles are often in specialized fields such as clinical, industrial, or research laboratories, with positions like biomedical or chemical lab managers earning higher salaries. Advanced certifications, extensive experience, and working in high-demand industries can also increase earning potential for lab technicians.
What cities in California are hiring for Material Testing jobs? Cities in California with the most Material Testing job openings:
Infographic showing various Material Testing job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Construction Materials Testing Technician

Construction Materials Testing Technician

Kleinfelder Inc

San Diego, CA • On-site

$21.08 - $35.11/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Kleinfelder rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 368 rated engineering


Job description


Take Your Construction Career to the Next Level!
Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive!
Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Kleinfelder's Construction Services team is looking for you! From construction management and observation/inspection services to laboratory testing and materials and forensic engineering, our Construction Services market helps to develop and maintain America's infrastructure and supply chain and is a recognized industry leader with more than 25 accredited laboratories.
Step into Your New Role
Kleinfelder's San Diego office seeks experienced construction materials testing technicians to join our team. Kleinfelder offers:
  • Competitive wages.
  • Benefits, including medical, dental, vision, & life insurance; HSA & FSA; 401K; paid holidays; and paid time off (PTO);
  • Certification training and professional development (ICC, ACI, AWS, Caltrans, etc.);
  • Employee referral bonuses.
  • Career advancement opportunities with one of the largest and most respected firms in the industry.

We're looking for individuals with strong initiative, who will perform construction observation and materials testing services on various projects to verify conformance to construction plans and specifications.
Specific responsibilities include:
  • Following proper procedures
  • Completing work in a timely manner
  • Prepare daily field observation reports and materials testing data sheets
  • Performing accurate computations
  • Maintaining cordial relationships with coworkers, clients, contractors, etc.

This position may require travel from time to time.
Consideration for this position requires the following certifications or experience:
  • 2 year minimum of construction materials testing or inspection experience
  • ACI Concrete Field-Testing Technician - Grade 1
  • Radiation safety training for the operation of a nuclear density gauge
  • 2 year minimum of soils observation and testing
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Valid driver's license with a good driving record
  • Able to use a company provided laptop or tablet computer and a working knowledge of MS Office programs (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
  • A good work ethic and high level of personal integrity
  • Authorization to work in the United States

In addition to the above required certifications, hiring preference will be given to those with any of the following desired certifications:
  • ICC Reinforced Concrete
  • Caltrans Testing Certifications

Move Forward with Kleinfelder
Kleinfelder has been connecting great people to the best work since 1961. We are engineers, scientists, and construction professionals providing solutions that improve our clients' transportation, water, energy, and other private infrastructure. As a responsive, cross-disciplinary team of bright, curious, and innovative problem-solvers, we are dedicated to doing the right thing, every day, on every project from over 85 offices in the US, Canada, and Australia. Connecting great people to the best work is our purpose - together, we deliver.
Progress with an Employer that Values You
Kleinfelder is an inclusive organization free from discrimination. We are a stronger organization when we are a diverse workforce and believe that throughdiversity, equity, and inclusion comes creativity, innovation, and unity. We are proud to offer the following:
Benefits: Kleinfelder offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays. The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with California Pay Scale Disclosure Law. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Salary range: $21.08 - $35.11 per hour.
Career Development: We are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, offering each employee every opportunity to grow, develop, and take control of their career paths. We support these efforts through reimbursements for continuing education as well as many of the expenses associated with trainings and certifications, and opportunities for career development through our internal Mentoring Program.
Equal Opportunity: Kleinfelder is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules)
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES
Please note that Kleinfelder does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Kleinfelder will not consider or agree to payment for any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Kleinfelder explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resume, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Kleinfelder.

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