1

Material Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Operate mechanical test frames (static or hydraulic) and familiar with reporting on the core material testing data generated (UTS, YS, Modulus, etc.) OR operate characterization instruments (SDT, TGA ...

Engineering Lab Technician

Livermore, CA · On-site

$22.95 - $32.40/hr

Perform materials sampling and construction materials testing of soils, reinforced steel, concrete, masonry, fireproofing and hot mix asphalt using scientific equipment to determine their properties.

Quality Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

$84K - $109K/yr

Provide technical guidance on material testing and acceptance strategies, including chemical analysis, positive material identification, tensile testing, impact testing, hardness testing ...

Quality Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

$84K - $109K/yr

Provide technical guidance on material testing and acceptance strategies, including chemical analysis, positive material identification, tensile testing, impact testing, hardness testing ...

Verifies outside construction materials testing laboratory results and maintains accurate, timely records of test data, product quality, and defective materials. * Assists and trains QC technicians.

Coordinate 3rd-party special material testing inspections. * Measure and record pay quantities * Monitor time & material (T&M) work. * Prepare comprehensive and concise daily reports that reflect the ...

Showing results 41-60

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a material testing technician?

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.

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 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.

How do you become a material testing professional?

To become a material testing professional, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by a degree or certification in materials science, engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience with testing methods, laboratory equipment, and safety protocols is essential, and some roles may require professional certifications such as NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) certifications or specific industry licenses.

Is construction material testing a good career?

Construction material testing is a stable career that involves evaluating the quality and safety of building materials using laboratory and field tests. It requires knowledge of materials, testing equipment, and safety protocols, often supported by certifications such as NICET or ASTM standards. The field offers steady employment opportunities in construction, engineering, and quality assurance sectors.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Construction Materials Testing Laboratory Technician (Flex)

Kleinfelder Inc

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago


Kleinfelder rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

266th of 449 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 is seeking a Laboratory Construction Materials Testing Technician to join our San Diego, California team on a flex basis.

This position supports the laboratory testing of construction materials for conformance with applicable project plans, specifications, and engineering requirements. The selected candidate will perform laboratory testing on soils, asphalt, aggregates, and concrete materials, and assist with general laboratory operations as assigned.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual interested in developing a career in construction materials testing, geotechnical engineering support, and laboratory operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Perform routine to moderately complex laboratory testing on construction materials, including:
    • Soils
    • Asphalt
    • Aggregates
    • Concrete
  • Prepare, label, and organize test specimens and samples
  • Accurately document and record test data and results
  • Maintain laboratory equipment, tools, and testing areas in clean and operational condition
  • Assist with receiving, handling, and tracking incoming samples
  • Follow applicable laboratory procedures, standards, and safety requirements
  • Support additional laboratory and project-related tasks assigned by the supervisor or laboratory management

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must possess the following qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
  • Ability to pass a drug screening
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Willingness to learn and develop technical skills
  • Ability to work construction-related schedules, including occasional night shifts and weekends as needed
  • Ability to travel locally to support project assignments when required

Preferred Qualifications

The following certifications are preferred but not required at the time of hire. Candidates must be willing and able to obtain them as part of their professional development:

  • ACI Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician
  • Caltrans Certifications

Technical Skills

Candidates should possess basic computer proficiency and general working knowledge of:

  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook

Work Environment

This position is primarily based in the San Diego Office Laboratory. Work may occasionally require local travel to support project needs. The role may involve standing for extended periods, lifting and handling testing materials, and working in a laboratory and construction-related environment.

Professional Development

Kleinfelder is committed to supporting employee growth and career advancement. The selected candidate will have opportunities to expand technical knowledge and obtain industry certifications through:

  • Company-supported training
  • On-the-job mentoring
  • Professional development opportunities

This position offers a strong foundation for a long-term career within a highly successful and growing team.

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 through diversity, 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 hourly pay range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Pay Scale Disclosure Law. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Hourly range: $17.25 - $24.30 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.


What Kleinfelder employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom