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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 ...

Test Technician

San Diego, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Execution of material testing and qualification activities * Generation and documentation of accurate test data and reports * Calibration and compliance programs for testing equipment * Testing ...

Test Technician

San Diego, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Execution of material testing and qualification activities * Generation and documentation of accurate test data and reports * Calibration and compliance programs for testing equipment * Testing ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Material Testing information

What is material testing?

Material testing is a process used by material testing professionals to evaluate the properties and quality of materials such as metals, plastics, and composites. It involves techniques like tensile, compression, and hardness testing, often using specialized equipment, to ensure materials meet safety and performance standards before use in manufacturing or construction.

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 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.

How to become a construction materials testing technician?

To become a construction materials testing technician, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or certification in materials testing methods. Many technicians gain experience through on-the-job training or technical programs, and certifications such as those from the American Concrete Institute or the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies 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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs in the materials testing field are rare and typically require specialized skills, certifications, and experience. Most roles in this industry pay significantly less than $2000 per day, but senior positions such as project managers or consultants working on large-scale projects may reach or exceed this level with overtime or contractual work. Such roles often involve extensive expertise in materials analysis, testing procedures, and industry standards.

What is the highest paying lab technician job?

In the field of material testing, specialized roles such as senior laboratory technicians, quality control managers, or materials engineers tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and expertise in testing methods and industry standards. Salaries can vary based on industry, location, and level of responsibility.
What job categories do people searching Material Testing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Material Testing jobs in California are:
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 76% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution.
Mechanical Materials Test Engineer Level 5

Mechanical Materials Test Engineer Level 5

NORTHROP GRUMMAN

Sunnyvale, CA

$161K - $241K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 339 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!
Northrop Grumman's Marine Systems Materials Engineering and Test Laboratory (METL) department is looking to hire a Materials Process Engineer, Level 5. This is a fast-paced environment where the team provides materials engineering support to design engineering and on-site production activities. This team supports all programs within Marine Systems. These include missile launch systems and Propulsion and Power Generation (PPG) across Virginia, Columbia, Ford, Zumwalt, and upcoming platforms.
An individual in this role will analyze, research, design, and develop materials and their related fabrication and application processes to develop and optimize materials for use in engineering design of and/or application in structures, systems and subsystems. They will apply principles of chemistry, physics, and material behavior to develop metallic, non-metallic and composite material and processing specifications, fabrication and assembly processes. They will develop, analyze and apply material properties and design allowables, processing processes and quality engineering specifications. This role will require frequent authoring of test plans and review of work product of more junior members of staff. May review and approve subcontractor material processing procedures.
An ideal candidate will be comfortable both in and out of the laboratory environment. They will need to demonstrate subject matter expertise with mechanical material testing processes, laboratory management, and physical inspection activities. Leadership of specific laboratory areas will be expected. Strong knowledge of Naval and commercial testing standards expected. Experience with DoD processes and lifecycle management processes are also beneficial.
Due to the physical nature of the work, this position requires a full-time presence at the Sunnyvale, CA location.
Active clearance preferred. Ability to obtain/ maintain a Secret-level clearance once hired.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 12 years relevant work experience; or Master's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 10 years relevant work experience; or Ph.D in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with 7 years pf relevant work experience.
  • Laboratory Environment experience required.
  • Subject matter expertise with industrial material testing processes is required.
  • Experience with mechanical static and dynamic testing of materials.
  • Knowledge of common commercial testing standards and material specs.
  • Expertise in rigging, crane operation, stacker/forklift operation.
  • Ability to lift 25 pounds.
  • US Citizenship required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Mastery of hydraulic and servo control MTS load frames.
  • Industrial fabrication skills.

Primary Level Salary Range: $161,000.00 - $241,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939