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Materials Testing Jobs in California (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)

Vast

Materials Test Specialist I

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Support testing of metals, polymers, adhesives, coatings, composites, elastomers, and other materials used in spacecraft hardware * Execute testing according to engineering test plans, work ...

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How much do materials testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials testing in California is $21.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $24.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is materials testing?

Materials testing is the process of evaluating the properties and behavior of materials under various conditions to determine their suitability for specific applications. This can involve testing for strength, durability, hardness, flexibility, and other characteristics. The results help engineers and manufacturers select the right materials for their products and ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with industry standards. Common methods include tensile testing, impact testing, and fatigue testing.

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

To thrive as a Materials Tester, you need a solid understanding of materials science, quality control procedures, and data analysis, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment, industry standards (such as ASTM or ISO), and relevant certifications like ACI or ASNT are typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication are critical soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for ensuring accurate test results, maintaining safety standards, and supporting product quality and compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in materials testing, and how can they be addressed?

Materials testing professionals often encounter challenges such as ensuring the accuracy of test results, managing tight project deadlines, and staying updated with evolving testing standards and technologies. Addressing these issues involves maintaining meticulous attention to detail, continuously calibrating equipment, and participating in ongoing training. Effective communication with engineers and project managers is also vital, as it helps clarify testing requirements and deadlines, ensuring that results are both reliable and timely.

What is the difference between Materials Testing vs Materials Laboratory Technician?

AspectMaterials TestingMaterials Laboratory Technician
CertificationsOften requires certifications like NDT or ASTM standardsMay hold similar certifications, focusing on lab procedures
Work EnvironmentTesting labs, industrial sites, manufacturing facilitiesLaboratories, quality control departments
Job FocusPerforming tests to evaluate material propertiesPreparing samples, conducting tests, recording data
Industry UsageConstruction, aerospace, automotive, manufacturingManufacturing, quality assurance, research labs

Materials Testing and Materials Laboratory Technicians both work in testing environments and require similar certifications. Materials Testing professionals often focus on performing specific tests to assess material properties, while Laboratory Technicians handle sample preparation and data recording. Both roles are essential in quality control and research across various industries.

How to become a materials testing professional?

To become a materials testing professional, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by a degree in materials science, engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions and obtaining certifications such as NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) can enhance job prospects; familiarity with testing equipment and safety protocols is also important.

Is construction materials testing a good career?

Construction materials testing is a stable career that involves evaluating the quality and safety of building materials using tools like microscopes and testing machines. It often requires certifications and knowledge of industry standards, with opportunities in construction, engineering, and quality assurance fields.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Materials Testing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Materials Testing job openings:

Infographic showing various Materials Testing job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Contract, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,577 per year, or $21.9 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 15 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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