ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Material Testing Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Atlas

Construction Materials Tester

Seattle, WA · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

Knowledge of materials testing and construction practices. * Ability to travel for Western Washington per diem projects. * Flexibility to adjust work schedule to coincide with contractor activities ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMaterial Testing JobsMaterial Testing Jobs in Seattle, WA

Material Testing information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$10

$25

$35

How much do material testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for material testing in Seattle, WA is $25.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.35 and $28.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are popular job titles related to Material Testing jobs in Seattle, WA? For Material Testing jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Material Testing jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Material Testing jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Material Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Testing job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,556 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Construction Material Testing Tech-Tacoma, WA

Certerra Northwest, LLC.

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Certerra is a nationally recognized provider of engineering, testing, inspection, and certification services supporting innovation, quality assurance, and resilient infrastructure. With over 1,800 professionals nationwide, we combine technical expertise with practical field knowledge to ensure the communities we serve are built to last.

We have opened a new lab/office in Tacoma to serve our continually expanding projects in the South Puget Sound Region and are seeking experienced Materials Testing Technicians.

If you’re looking for a company that invests in your career growth, and gives you consistent, long-term work on a variety of technically challenging projects, we want to talk to you.

Duties:

Perform inspection and testing on Federal, Commercial, and Infrastructure new-construction projects in the Tacoma Region, supporting safe, code-compliant, and high-quality project delivery. This role requires sound technical judgment, the ability to interpret construction documents, and clear communication with project managers, contractors, and clients to ensure compliance with approved plans and applicable codes.

  • Conduct required field testing and inspections within your certification scope
  • Perform field tests in accordance with applicable ASTM or AASHTO test methods
  • General working knowledge of current codes including IBC, ACI, AICS, ASTM, AASHTO
  • Familiarity with USACE and/or NAVFAC specifications preferred
  • Prepare accurate and detailed reports daily
  • Communicate effectively with project managers, contractors, and internal staff
  • Maintain relevant certifications, and continue to earn new credentials in alignment with career goals
  • Always maintain safe work practices
  • Participating in continuing education and professional development

Compensation within stated range determined by your experience and certifications

Education/Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent, and able to meet background and identity verification requirements for Federal site access

Certifications/Licenses:

Materials Testing Technicians required to have one or more of the following categories

  • ACI Field Tech Grade I
  • NICET-Construction Material Testing/Soils Level 1 & 2
  • Geologist-in-Training (GIT)

Candidates are not required to hold all listed certifications. Certerra enthusiastically supports new certifications and ongoing professional development for motivated team members.


Puget Sound, Fife, Federal Way, Edgewood, Puyallup, Lakewood, Milton, Midland, Summit, Seattle, Washington, WA



We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This Company is dedicated to both the letter and the spirit of the equal opportunity employment laws. All applicants and all employees will be evaluated on the basis of their ability, competence, and performance of the essential functions of their positions. There will be no discrimination on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, age 40 and over, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other classification which may be protected by federal, state, or local laws. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we specifically offer equal opportunity for all employees or job applicants who may have a physical or mental disability. Such persons will be hired on the basis of their ability to perform the essential functions of the job in question. Likewise, their work will be evaluated on their performance of these essential functions. We will offer reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities, to the extent that Company resources allow without undue hardship. As part of our equal employment policy, there will be no wage differentials based on gender, between men and women employed in the same establishment, on jobs that require equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and which are performed under similar working conditions.