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Materials Testing Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VOLT

Materials Testing Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$40 - $44.77/hr

As a Materials Testing Engineer, you will: * Perform and coordinate mechanical testing of materials, including: Thermophysical; Tensile and Stress-Strain Characterization; Low Cycle Fatigue (LCF)

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Materials Testing Engineer information

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$38K

$100.7K

$158K

How much do materials testing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials testing engineer in the United States is $100,738.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a materials testing engineer do?

A Materials Testing Engineer is responsible for evaluating the properties and performance of materials such as metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. They conduct tests to determine how materials respond to stress, heat, corrosion, and other factors, ensuring they meet safety and quality standards. These engineers often work in industries like construction, manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive, where understanding material properties is critical to product reliability and safety. Their work helps guide material selection, quality control, and product development.

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

To thrive as a Materials Testing Engineer, you need a solid understanding of materials science, engineering principles, and typically a degree in materials, mechanical, or civil engineering. Proficiency with laboratory testing equipment, data analysis software, and familiarity with industry standards and certifications such as ASTM or ISO are essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong problem-solving and communication skills set exceptional candidates apart. These skills ensure accurate testing, reliable results, and effective collaboration to maintain safety and performance standards in engineering projects.

What are some common challenges materials testing engineers face when working on multiple projects simultaneously?

Materials Testing Engineers often juggle several projects at once, each with different testing protocols, deadlines, and client requirements. Effective time management and strong organizational skills are crucial for balancing sample preparation, testing schedules, and data analysis across projects. Coordinating with cross-functional teams, such as design engineers and quality assurance, can also present challenges, especially when priorities shift or urgent issues arise. Staying adaptable and communicating clearly with all stakeholders helps ensure testing accuracy and project success.

What is the difference between Materials Testing Engineer vs Materials Quality Control Technician?

CriteriaMaterials Testing EngineerMaterials Quality Control Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in materials science, engineering, or related field; certifications like ASQ CQEAssociate's or bachelor's in quality assurance, materials, or related field; certifications like Six Sigma or CQCT
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, manufacturing plantsManufacturing lines, inspection stations, quality labs
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, research institutions, testing labsFactories, production companies, quality assurance departments

Materials Testing Engineers focus on analyzing material properties through testing and research, often developing new testing methods. Materials Quality Control Technicians primarily perform routine inspections and tests to ensure materials meet quality standards. While both roles require knowledge of materials and testing procedures, Testing Engineers are more involved in analysis and development, whereas Quality Control Technicians focus on inspection and compliance.

What cities are hiring for Materials Testing Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Materials Testing Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Materials Testing Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Materials Testing Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Materials Testing Engineer jobs?

For Materials Testing Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Materials Testing Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Testing Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,738 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Materials Testing Engineer

San Diego, CA • On-site

VOLT
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about VOLTexternal

$40 - $44.77/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Move Forward with Volt!
Volt is immediately hiring a Materials Testing Engineer in San Diego, CA.
As a Materials Testing Engineer, you will:
  • Perform and coordinate mechanical testing of materials, including: Thermophysical; Tensile and Stress-Strain Characterization; Low Cycle Fatigue (LCF); High Cycle Fatigue (HCF); Creep and Stress Rupture; Fatigue/Creep Crack Growth
  • Partner with test labs, materials engineers, and design engineers to define testing requirements. Work with design teams to ensure material data supports analysis needs.
  • Take ownership in relationships with external labs and indirect purchasing to ensure testing is conducted per company's requirements and suppliers are paid timely.
  • Own and maintain Materials & Processes Engineering (M&PE) Testing and Data Quality Guidance Notes, ensuring alignment with current turbomachinery OEM standards and
    industry best practices.
  • Develop and implement component-specific pedigree requirements based on end-use classification (e.g., rotating, static, combustion/hot-section) to
    ensure appropriate material selection, processing controls, and qualification rigor.
  • Generate comprehensive technical reports and engineering documentation, clearly summarizing test results, analyses, methodologies, and conclusions.
  • Develop and deliver technical presentations to communicate complex material behavior, test outcomes, and engineering insights. Develop and deliver executive-level presentations summarizing program progress, technical outcomes, and business impact of material testing investments to take ownership in funding approval for the following year.
  • Lead and advance next generation material characterization strategies, enabling deeper understanding of process/microstructure/property relationships for critical
    turbomachinery materials. Collaborate closely with alloy owners and materials subject matter experts to define targeted studies evaluating the impact of microstructure, heat
    treatment, and processing variations on mechanical properties and performance.

This is a full-time, temp to hire opportunity!
Schedule: Monday to Friday from 8am - 5pm, with the flexibility of starting earlier
The ideal candidate will have:
  • Good communication skills
  • Strong mechanical test experience
  • Strong working knowledge of the following alloy systems and how processing affects their resulting mechanical properties (in order of importance); solid solution and precipitation strengthen nickel alloys; austenitic, ferritic and martensitic stainless steels; and low/medium carbon and low
  • Ability to pass a 7-year criminal background check and drug screen

Pay Rate*: $40.00 to $44.77 per hour DOE
*Pay range offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors, including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc.
Qualified candidates should APPLY NOW for immediate consideration! Please hit APPLY to provide the required information, and we will be back in touch as soon as possible.
Benefits: Volt offers benefits (based on eligibility) that include the following: health, dental, vision, term life, short term disability, AD&D, 401(k), Sick time, and other types of paid leaves (as required by law), Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Volt is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits any kind of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Volt is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national origin, citizenship, social or ethnic origin, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by the statutes, rules, and regulations in the locations where it operates. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, please email hr_dept@volt.com or call (866) -898-0005. Please indicate the specifics of the assistance needed.
Volt does not discriminate against applicants based on citizenship status, immigration status, or national origin, in accordance with 8 U.S.C. § 1324b. The company will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner that complies with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws.
By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Innova Solutions and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at volt-information-sciences-privacy-policy.pdf
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About Volt Workforce Solutions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Volt Workforce Solutions is a recognized leader in the staffing industry, proudly serving the United States and headquartered in Parsippany, NJ. Starting with its humble beginnings in the late 1950s as a publishing company, Volt has grown exponentially to provide quality staffing solutions within a plethora of industries like Technology, Engineering, Accounting, Administrative, Call Centre, and much more. This evolution is concrete proof of the company's dedication to adapt and thrive, embodying its core values of Integrity, Respect, Excellence, Innovation, and Success. Volt’s mission is to make businesses successful by providing what they need most – talented people.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Parsippany, NJ, US

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