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Materials Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Elve Inc

Test Engineer

Davis, CA

$85K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

... materials processing, and working on a small and energetic team - we can't wait to meet you! A Test ... Bachelors engineering degree OR associates degree in a technical field with equivalent work ...

Elve Inc

Test Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

... materials processing, and working on a small and energetic team - we can't wait to meet you! A Test ... Bachelors engineering degree OR associates degree in a technical field with equivalent work ...

Elve Inc

Test Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

... materials processing, and working on a small and energetic team - we can't wait to meet you! A Test ... Bachelors engineering degree OR associates degree in a technical field with equivalent work ...

Apex Informatics

Thermal Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Setup and maintain lab space, tools, and materials of a hardware R&D lab; Responsible for inventory management of prototype devices. Assist engineers for the test scripting and executing test ...

Virgin Galactic, Inc.

Sr. Engineer, M&P - Test

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

As a Senior Materials Test Engineer in the Materials & Process Department, you will focus on the activities surrounding the test of composite components and assemblies for our spaceships by defining ...

Virgin Galactic

Sr. Engineer, M&P - Test

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

As a Senior Materials Test Engineer in the Materials & Process Department, you will focus on the activities surrounding the test of composite components and assemblies for our spaceships by defining ...

Swift Engineering

UAV Test Engineer

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a highly motivated UAV Test Engineer to plan, execute, and analyze test activities ... materials identified on Material Safety Data Sheets, working on unprotected heights or around ...

Coreshell Technologies

Test Engineer

San Leandro, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Coreshell's Si anode material is lower than the cost of graphite and utilizes the largest abundant ... This Battery Test Engineer role owns the battery testing infrastructure that underpins Coreshell ...

Coreshell Technologies

Test Engineer

San Leandro, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Coreshell's Si anode material is lower than the cost of graphite and utilizes the largest abundant ... This Battery Test Engineer role owns the battery testing infrastructure that underpins Coreshell ...

Prescient Edge

Test Engineer I

San Diego, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Job Title Test Engineer I Location San Diego, CA 22400 US (Primary) Category Research, Development ... materials, such as petroleum and natural gas, develop new materials that both improve the ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsMaterials Test Engineer JobsMaterials Test Engineer Jobs in California

Materials Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$37.5K

$99.4K

$155.9K

How much do materials test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials test engineer in California is $99,419.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the role of a materials test engineer?

A materials test engineer is responsible for evaluating the properties and performance of materials used in manufacturing and construction. They conduct tests such as tensile, hardness, and corrosion testing, often using specialized equipment, to ensure materials meet safety and quality standards. Their work supports product development, quality assurance, and compliance with industry regulations.

What are some typical challenges faced by materials test engineers and how can they be addressed?

Materials Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as interpreting ambiguous test results, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring precise calibration of testing equipment. To address these issues, it’s important to develop strong analytical skills, maintain clear communication with cross-functional teams like design and manufacturing, and adhere strictly to quality assurance protocols. Staying updated on industry standards and continually refining testing methodologies also helps in overcoming these common hurdles and ensuring accurate, reliable results.

Are materials test engineers in high demand?

Materials test engineers are in steady demand across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing, where quality control and material integrity are critical. Employment opportunities often require knowledge of testing methods, materials science, and relevant certifications, with job growth driven by technological advancements and safety standards.

What does a materials test engineer do?

A Materials Test Engineer is responsible for evaluating the properties and performance of various materials, such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, to ensure they meet required standards for specific applications. They design and conduct experiments to test characteristics like strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors. Their work helps determine if materials are suitable for use in products or structures and may involve analyzing test data, preparing reports, and recommending improvements. Materials Test Engineers play a crucial role in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and construction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a materials test engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Materials Test Engineer, you typically need a degree in materials science, engineering, or a related field, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment, materials characterization tools (such as SEM, XRD), and relevant quality standards or certifications (like ISO 17025) is important. Attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These capabilities ensure accurate testing, reliable data analysis, and successful collaboration with cross-functional teams to support product development and quality assurance.

What is the difference between Materials Test Engineer vs Materials Quality Engineer?

AspectMaterials Test EngineerMaterials Quality Engineer
CertificationsASQ Certified Materials & Corrosion Specialist, NDT certificationsASQ Certified Quality Engineer, Six Sigma
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, testing facilities, manufacturing plantsQuality departments, manufacturing sites, supplier audits
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturingManufacturing, aerospace, defense
Primary FocusTesting material properties, failure analysisEnsuring material quality, process improvement

Materials Test Engineers focus on testing and analyzing material properties to ensure compliance and performance, while Materials Quality Engineers concentrate on maintaining quality standards and improving processes related to materials. Both roles are essential in manufacturing industries but differ in their primary responsibilities and focus areas.

What are popular job titles related to Materials Test Engineer jobs in California?

For Materials Test Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Materials Test Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Materials Test Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Materials Test Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Materials Test Engineer job openings:

Materials Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Test Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,419 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Test Engineer

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$25K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Test Engineer
Job Summary:
ESAero is seeking a self-motivated Test Engineer to join our team in San Luis Obispo, CA. The engineer will assist in the multi-functional product development of new designs, while collaborating with other engineering disciplines and project personnel.Engineer will work on multiple platforms and vehicles.
Responsibilities and Duties:
  • Primary responsibility is to provide testing support for company projects.
  • Develop and maintain testing documentation to high quality standards
  • Work with design engineers to develop engineering test strategies and specific test procedures for new and existing products
  • Work with assembly and engineering personnel to test prototype units and ensure that testing is properly carried out and documented
  • Work with field service personnel and engineers to create test procedures which address specific product issues seen in the field
  • Act as engineering interface to resolve production test issues
  • Help train personnel in proper testing techniques
  • Look for improvements throughout the testing process which will reduce cost or improve test coverage
  • Creating system requirements, trade studies, sub-component and flight test plans.
  • Coordinating with suppliers, internal and external integrated product teams.
  • Providing manufacturing, component test and ground/flight test support.
  • Investigating and determining root cause and recommending corrective actions for component failures.
  • May assist project leadership role managing the system performance, budget, and schedule.
  • Develop engineering drawings, schematics, and design specifications.
  • Circuit protection including isolation, redundancy, and fault tolerance for flight systems.
  • Create and perform test procedures.
  • Work with assembly and engineering personnel to test prototype units and ensure that testing is properly carried out and documented
  • Investigating and determining root cause and recommending corrective actions for component failures.
  • Present results of your work with technical drawings, written reports, and oral presentations to customer and senior project management.

Required Qualifications and Skills:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent.
  • 2-5 years of relevant engineering experience.
  • Hands-on experience in a testing environment.
  • Familiarity with electronics testing.
  • Fundamental understanding of other disciplines including stress, dynamics, thermal analysis, production, electronics, systems engineering, etc.
  • Proven understanding of structures, mechanisms, system layout, materials and processes.
  • Experience with data collection and reduction software (LabView, MatLab)
  • Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Willing to relocate to San Luis Obispo, CA
  • Ability to work on DoD projects.
  • ship Required

Desirable Qualifications and Skills:
  • Master's degree in electrical or mechanical engineering or equivalent and/or 5+ years of experience
  • Experience with power distribution systems theory, design, test, or analysis.
  • Experience with electric motor and controller/inverter theory, design, test, or analysis.
  • Able to work with high voltage (>500V)
  • Experience with digital communication protocols such as SPI,Ethernet, andCAN bus.
  • Familiaritywith Military standards relating to the design of high-power/voltage electrical system and electromagnetic compatibilityfor aircraft.
  • Experience in UAS design
  • Experience with design for manufacturing
  • Hands-on experience working with machine shops, integrating prototype designs, and conducting validation tests.
  • Experience with Risk Management.
  • Familiarity with Military standards relating to the mechanical design of aircraft.
  • Experience with supplier management and procurement (such as SOWs, RFPs, and/or vendor management).

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks:
  • Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.
  • Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day off.
  • Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
  • Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
  • Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
  • Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
  • Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
  • Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!

Company Overview:
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services.
At ESAero, we don't just build products, we engineer solutions that propel
the aerospace industry forward.
**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA**
ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.
E-Verify participation required for employment.
All ESAero positions require ship or US resident status.
Must be able to pass background check and drug screening
Hiring Range: $90k-120k Salary/Exempt

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