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Material Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Materials R&D Technician

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$35 - $44/hr

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 ...

SpaceX

Materials R&D Technician - Level 4/5

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$45.50 - $58/hr

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 ...

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All JobsMaterial Testing JobsMaterial Testing Jobs in California

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 are popular job titles related to Material Testing jobs in California? For Material Testing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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:
Material Testing jobs near you
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.

Scientist - Thermal Management Materials

Talent Connection

Watsonville, CA • Hybrid

$91K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Company Description

About the Company

Talent Connection's client is a leader in manufacturing technology, specializing in thermal management materials for high-power semiconductor applications. They are at the forefront of advanced material innovation, developing porous tungsten composites, diamond, and graphite-based solutions to enhance performance and reliability.

Job Description

Scientist - Thermal Management Materials

Location: Watsonville, CA
Position Type: Full-Time
Education Level: Graduate Degree (MS/PhD preferred)
Salary Range: $91,000 - $105,000
Travel: Up to 25%
Industry: Manufacturing Technology

About the Role

We are seeking a Scientist to join the Thermal Management Division, working closely with the Technology Manager to lead materials research, process development, and product innovation. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in materials science, metallurgy, and process engineering with hands-on expertise in analytical testing and manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct research and development on thermal management materials, focusing on porous tungsten composites, diamond, and graphite-based solutions.

  • Innovate manufacturing processes to improve material performance, yield, and cost-efficiency.

  • Utilize advanced testing and characterization techniques such as SEM/EDX, metallography, XRF, thermomechanical analysis, and optical profilometry.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams in Quality, Process Engineering, and Business Development to drive product advancements.

  • Partner with external research labs and the parent company's R&D team to expand testing capabilities.

  • Benchmark against competitors to improve product quality, throughput, and waste reduction.

  • Support customer interactions, business development efforts, and industry events to showcase technology advancements.

  • Manage engineering projects, competitive analysis, failure mode analysis (FMEA), and Design of Experiments (DOE).

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • PhD/MS in Materials Science, Engineering, Chemistry, or Physics (or a Bachelor's degree with significant industry experience).

  • Expertise in powder metallurgy, thin film deposition, solid-state synthesis, and material characterization.

  • Hands-on experience with vacuum systems, plating, machining, and inspection metrology.

  • Strong understanding of thermomechanical/material testing and troubleshooting complex systems.

  • Proficiency in DOE, SPC, and failure analysis methodologies.

  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

  • Ability to work independently while excelling in a collaborative, cross-departmental environment.

Additional Information

This is an exciting opportunity to lead cloud innovation at a major retailer while shaping the future of their technology infrastructure

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive salary: $91,000 - $105,000 per year.

  • Full benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with employer match.

  • Professional growth opportunities through industry conferences, external research collaborations, and publications.

  • Work-life balance with flexible scheduling and occasional remote work options.

Application Details

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. This company participates in E-Verify.

Interested? Apply today!

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