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Materials Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Prescient Edge

Test Engineer III

San Diego, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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

DivIHN Integration Inc

Test Engineer 1

San Diego, CA · On-site

Test Engineer 1 Duration: 6 Months Location: San Diego, CA Only W2 candidates are eligible for this ... You will conduct feasibility testing, developmental testing, characterization testing, material ...

Hermeus

Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$114K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will play a pivotal role in developing, building, analyzing and ... Strong working knowledge of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mechanics of materials, and mechanical ...

Hermeus

Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$114K - $180K/yr

As a Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will play a pivotal role in developing, building, analyzing and ... Strong working knowledge of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mechanics of materials, and mechanical ...

DivIHN Integration Inc

Test Engineer 1

San Diego, CA · On-site

Test Engineer 1 Duration: 6 Months Location: Onsite at San Diego, CA Only W2 candidates are ... You will conduct feasibility testing, developmental testing, characterization testing, material ...

Hermeus

Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$114K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will play a pivotal role in developing, building, analyzing and ... Strong working knowledge of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mechanics of materials, and mechanical ...

Subsense

Test Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The Opportunity We are looking for a hands-on Test Engineer to help build, validate, and improve ... materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not ...

Subsense

Test Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The Opportunity We are looking for a hands-on Test Engineer to help build, validate, and improve ... materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not ...

Hermeus

Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$114K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will play a pivotal role in developing, building, analyzing and ... Strong working knowledge of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mechanics of materials, and mechanical ...

LTA Research

Senior Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$130K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Select, test, and qualify systems, parts, assemblies, materials, and processes. * Work with Design Engineers to identify failure modes and create verification/validation and qualification tests for ...

LTA Research

Senior Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Select, test, and qualify systems, parts, assemblies, materials, and processes. * Work with Design Engineers to identify failure modes and create verification/validation and qualification tests for ...

LTA Research

Senior Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Select, test, and qualify systems, parts, assemblies, materials, and processes. * Work with Design Engineers to identify failure modes and create verification/validation and qualification tests for ...

LTA Research

Senior Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$130 - $150/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Select, test, and qualify systems, parts, assemblies, materials, and processes. * Work with Design Engineers to identify failure modes and create verification/validation and qualification tests ...

PPG

Calibration Test Engineer

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$82K - $137K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform complex material and environmental tests that require fabrication of test fixtures and ... Draft engineering reports and qualification test procedures to support product certification ...

PPG Industries Inc

Calibration Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$82K - $137K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform complex material and environmental tests that require fabrication of test fixtures and ... Draft engineering reports and qualification test procedures to support product certification ...

PPG Industries, Inc.

Calibration Test Engineer

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$82K - $137K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform complex material and environmental tests that require fabrication of test fixtures and ... Draft engineering reports and qualification test procedures to support product certification ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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 III

Prescient Edge

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Test Engineer III
Location
San Diego, CA 22400 US (Primary)
Category
Research, Development, and Engineering
Job Type
Full-Time
Career Level
Staff
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Travel
Security Clearance Required
Secret
Job Description
Prescient Edge is seeking a Test Engineer III to support a federal government client.
Please note that the availability of this position is contingent upon.
Benefits:
At Prescient Edge, we believe that acting with integrity and serving our employees is the key to everyone's success. To that end, we provide employees with a best-in-class benefits package that includes:
  • A competitive salary with performance bonus opportunities.
  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, vision, dental, and orthodontia coverage.
  • A substantial retirement plan with no vesting schedule.
  • Career development opportunities, including on-the-job training, tuition reimbursement, and networking.
  • A positive work environment where employees are respected, supported, and engaged.

Description:
  • Engineers apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to research and develop economical solutions to technical problems.
  • Their work is the link between perceived social needs and commercial applications.
  • Engineers design products, machinery, implement improved ways to extract, process, and use raw materials, such as petroleum and natural gas, develop new materials that both improve the performance of products and take advantage of advances in technology.
  • Engineers analyze the impact of the products they develop or the systems they design on the environment and on the people using them.
  • In addition to design and development, many engineers work in testing, production, or maintenance by supervising production in factories, determining the causes of breakdowns, and the testing of manufactured products to maintain quality.
  • They also estimate the time and cost to complete projects.

Job Requirements
Experience:
  • 5 years of experience designing, executing, reporting, and directing operational tests, including unmanned systems.
  • 2 years of experience analyzing and reporting on the test results of side scan sonar Automated Target Recognition (ATR) algorithms used on unmanned underwater vehicles.

Education:
  • Bachelor of Science degree.

Security clearance:
  • Secret.

Location:
  • San Diego, CA.

Prescient Edge is a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) founded as a counterintelligence (CI) and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) company in 2008. We are a global operations and solutions integrator delivering full-spectrum intelligence analysis support, training, security, and RD&E support solutions to the Department of Defense and throughout the intelligence community. Prescient Edge is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by law. We strive to foster equity and inclusion throughout our organization because we believe that diversity of thought is critical for creating a safe and engaging work environment while also enabling the organization's success.
Prescient Edge logo

About Prescient Edge

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Prescient Edge is a prominent name in the global security industry, based out of McLean, VA, US. Established with the primary mission of harnessing science and technology for safety and security purposes, the company specializes in providing a wide range of products and services. This includes research and development, consulting, global operations support, intelligence evaluation, and advanced data solutions. These offerings make Prescient Edge an integral factor in national defense and commercial innovations.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

2008

Social media

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