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Materials Testing Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Virgin Galactic, Inc.

Sr. Engineer, M&P - Test

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

You'll bring your extensive expertise in materials testing to help ensure that novel materials, joints, bonding solutions, and part designs meet exact standards before they are accepted for use on ...

DDL, Inc.

Product & Materials Lab Technician

Irvine, CA · On-site

$24 - $25.75/hr

DDL, Inc. is a third-party testing facility dedicated to helping medical device and pharmaceutical ... As a Product & Materials Lab Technician you will be responsible for the timely and accurate ...

krg technology inc

Packaging Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Materials testing, documentation and ISO 11607 are also preferred for this role. Personal computer skills should include the ability to effectively use Windows word processing, project planning ...

NV5

Lab Technician

Riverside, CA

$20 - $25/hr

This role is part-time. * Perform materials testing on soils, asphalt, concrete, reinforcing steel, high-strength bolts, and structural steel. * Ability to make good decisions using sound ...

NV5

Lab Technician

Riverside, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Perform materials testing on soils, asphalt, concrete, reinforcing steel, high-strength bolts, and structural steel. * Ability to make good decisions using sound, professional judgment with minimal ...

NV5

Lab Technician

Riverside, CA

$20 - $25/hr

Perform materials testing on soils, asphalt, concrete, reinforcing steel, high-strength bolts, and structural steel. * Ability to make good decisions using sound, professional judgment with minimal ...

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All JobsMaterials Testing JobsMaterials Testing Jobs in Riverside, CA

Materials Testing information

See Riverside, CA salary details

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How much do materials testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials testing in Riverside, CA is $23.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.57 and $26.35 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 material testing?

Material testing is a process used by materials testing professionals to evaluate the properties and performance of materials such as metals, plastics, and composites. It involves techniques like tensile, compression, and impact testing to ensure materials meet safety and quality standards, often requiring specialized equipment and certifications.

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.

Is construction material testing a good career?

Construction material testing is a stable career that involves evaluating the quality and safety of building materials, often requiring knowledge of testing methods and certifications such as NDT or ASTM standards. It offers opportunities in construction, engineering, and quality assurance environments with regular schedules and the need for technical skills. Job prospects depend on industry demand and regional construction activity.

How to become a material tester?

To become a materials tester, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, followed by training or an associate degree in materials science, engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience with testing equipment and techniques, such as tensile testers or microscopes, is important, and certifications like NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) can enhance job prospects.

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 highest paying lab technician job?

In materials testing, senior or specialized lab technician roles such as materials testing engineers or quality control managers tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and expertise in testing methods and industry standards, leading to higher compensation compared to entry-level technician roles.
What are popular job titles related to Materials Testing jobs in Riverside, CA? For Materials Testing jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Materials Testing jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Materials Testing jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Materials Testing jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Materials Testing job openings:
Materials Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Testing job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,179 per year, or $23.2 per hour.
Laboratory Applications Specialist

Laboratory Applications Specialist

Nanovea, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

$64K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

New

Job description

DUTIES INCLUDE:
  • Discuss applications and proposed best test solutions with sales team member, lab manager and/or customers.
  • Discuss and explain results to sales team members, lab manager or customers.
  • Perform mechanical, tribological, and profilometry testing/demos on provided samples.
  • Connect with prospective customers and develop new business opportunities.
  • Perform instrument calibration procedures.
  • Analyze and professionally report all test findings.
  • Carry out laboratory maintenance.
  • Maintain the organization of the laboratory.
  • Document incoming samples for testing.
  • Prepare and organize samples for testing.
  • Package samples to be returned to clients.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the manager.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Keen attention to detail and organization.
  • Strong ability of written and verbal communication, and reporting to others.
  • Excellent communications skill with all parties.
  • Excels in critical thinking, dexterity, spatial reasoning, problem-solving and multi-tasking.
  • Succeeds in self-management.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Preferred Bachelor's degree in Material Science / Chemical or Physics studies or/and equivalent 3 to 6 years work experience.
  • Knowledge of mechanical testing and properties is a plus.
  • Knowledge of Nanovea metrology instruments and their use in Materials Testing is a plus.

Apply