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Materials Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Special Inspecton/Material Testing - East Bay, CA

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Professional Engineer

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$125K - $170K/yr

Professional Engineer (PE) - Special Inspection & Testing SF Bay Area (East Bay ) Independent and privately held established Special Inspection & Material Testing firm seeking a licensed Professional ...

SpaceX

Materials R&D Technician

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$35 - $44/hr

MATERIALS R&D TECHNICIAN This individual will be a key team member focusing on daily lab operations ... Perform mechanical testing (tensile, fatigue, compression, etc.) with metals, polymers, or ...

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All JobsMaterials Testing JobsMaterials Testing Jobs in California

Materials Testing information

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$31

How much do materials testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 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 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 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.

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 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 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:
Materials Testing jobs near you
Associate Engineer, Packaging/Materials Testing - Hybrid (JP12256)

Associate Engineer, Packaging/Materials Testing - Hybrid (JP12256)

3 Key Consulting

Thousand Oaks, CA • Hybrid

$30 - $35/hr

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Associate Engineer, Packaging/Materials Testing - Hybrid (JP12256)
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA. 91320. Hybrid
Business Unit: Design group
Employment Type: Contract
Duration: Initial 3 months with possible extensions or conversion to FTE
Rate: $30 - $35/hour
Posting Date: 2/13/2024.
Notes: Only qualified candidates need apply. 50% onsite/50% remote. Regular hours and minor OT
3 Key Consulting is hiring! We are recruiting an Associate Engineer for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biotechnology company.
Job Description:
  • Position involves support of senior staff in the initiation, design, and delivery of projects, particularly for automation related scope.
  • Employ basic engineering skills and practices to gather user requirements and translate them into technical documentation for execution by third party firms.
  • Assist with project definition by performing engineering studies and assessment for automation system installations.
  • Perform field evaluations of existing systems and provide engineering design recommendations

Top Must Have Skill Sets:
  • Some packaging experience is needed (work, internship, education)
  • Familiarity with Material Testing standards, requirements and equipment, technical writing
  • B.S. in Packaging Engineering.BS Packaging, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Life Sciences
  • Must be able to be on site and do physical work, up to 35 lbs.

Day to Day Responsibilities:
  • Support for testing and evaluation leading to recommendation and selection of primary
  • and secondary packaging materials.
  • Familiarity with Material Testing standards, requirements and equipment is essential.
  • Writing of test protocols, perform technical evaluations and testing to support reports
  • used to justify the use of selected materials and packaging components.
  • Writing technical specifications, creating engineering drawings, and developing artwork
  • templates.
  • Competent with AutoCAD, Illustrator, or similar software application to create, modify and approve engineering drawings.
  • Support line trials and packaging validation activities prior to introduction of any new or
  • change in components/processes.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (i.e. Quality, Device Engineering, Supply Chain,
  • Artwork, Manufacturing, Regulatory, etc.) in pre-commercial and commercial activities.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Previous intern experience is a plus.
  • Experience with automation is a plus, as well as experience with computer programming, systems, and/or robotics.
  • Bachelor degree OR Associate degree and 4 years of experience OR High school diploma / GED and 6 years of experience

Why is the Position Open?
Supplement additional workload on team.
Red Flags:
  • History of short job stints - Job jumping (3-6 months).
  • Must have a B.S. in Packaging Engineering (Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Life Sciences)

Interview Process:
One phone and one virtual panel interview.
We invite qualified candidates to sendyour resume toresumes@3keyconsulting.com. Ifyou decide that you're not interested in pursuing this particular position, please feel free to take a look at the other positions on our websitewww.3keyconsulting.com/careers. You are also welcome to sharethis opportunity withanyone you think might be interested in applying for this role.

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