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Mechanical Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$102K - $189K/yr

Job title : Mechanical Engineer Client : Aerospace / Aviation / Defense Company Duration ... Support field testing and demonstrations. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams. * Provide ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer As an Astranis Senior Mechanical Engineer you will own the complete ... You must have a strong problem-solving background, hands-on testing skills, and preferably some ...

Mechanical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$100K - $175K/yr

We are responsible for the design, development, testing, and qualification of multiple telemetry products across the ND portfolio. As a Mechanical Engineer, you will contribute to the mechanical ...

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Mechanical Testing information

See California salary details

$13

$24

$37

How much do mechanical testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for mechanical testing in California is $24.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $27.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Mechanical Testing vs Materials Testing?

AspectMechanical TestingMaterials Testing
Primary FocusAssessing mechanical properties like strength, durability, and elasticity of materials or componentsAnalyzing material composition, structure, and chemical properties
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, testing facilitiesLaboratories, research centers, quality control labs
CertificationsASNT, NDT certifications, engineering degreesMaterial science certifications, laboratory technician credentials

Mechanical Testing focuses on evaluating how materials or components perform under physical forces, while Materials Testing examines the material's composition and properties. Both roles often overlap but serve different purposes in quality assurance and research within the industry.

What is a mechanical tester?

A mechanical tester is a professional who evaluates the strength, durability, and performance of materials and components through various testing methods such as tensile, compression, and fatigue tests. They often operate specialized equipment, follow safety protocols, and may require certifications in testing standards. Their work helps ensure products meet quality and safety requirements.

What is mechanical testing?

Mechanical testing refers to a variety of methods used to evaluate the mechanical properties of materials, such as strength, ductility, hardness, toughness, and fatigue resistance. These tests help determine how materials will behave under different types of forces and conditions, ensuring they are suitable for their intended applications. Common mechanical tests include tensile testing, compression testing, impact testing, and hardness testing. The results are crucial for quality control, research, and material selection in engineering and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Mechanical Testing, and why are they important?

To excel in Mechanical Testing, you need a solid background in materials science, engineering principles, and data analysis, usually supported by a degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with testing equipment such as universal testing machines, software like LabVIEW or MATLAB, and relevant certifications (e.g., ASTM or ISO standards) is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate test results, maintaining safety standards, and supporting product development or quality assurance.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Mechanical Testing, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Mechanical Testing often face challenges such as ensuring accurate and repeatable results, managing complex testing equipment, and adhering to strict safety and quality standards. To manage these challenges, it is important to maintain regular calibration of equipment, follow standardized testing protocols, and stay updated on industry best practices. Collaboration with engineering and quality assurance teams also helps in troubleshooting issues and implementing continuous improvements in testing procedures.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership roles or working in high-paying industries.

Can you make $200,000 a year as a mechanical engineer?

Mechanical engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, typically with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in specialized industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or automotive engineering. Achieving this salary often requires advanced degrees, professional certifications, and leadership roles, along with proficiency in CAD software and project management. Salaries vary by location, company, and individual expertise.

Is a testing job a good career?

A mechanical testing job involves evaluating materials and products to ensure quality and safety, often requiring knowledge of testing procedures, equipment, and safety protocols. It can offer stable employment with opportunities for technical skill development and certifications, making it a viable career choice in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and other industries.
What are popular job titles related to Mechanical Testing jobs in California? For Mechanical Testing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Mechanical Testing job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 60% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 9% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,814 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Mechanical Testing Lead Technician

Element Materials Technology

Huntington Beach, CA • On-site

$36 - $45/hr

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago


Element Materials Technology rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Mechanical Lead Technician to lead static and dynamic mechanical testing operations in the Dynamics Lab. This role provides hands-on technical leadership and day-to-day guidance to technicians while maintaining active involvement in test execution, training, documentation, and planning. The Lead Technician is accountable for daily lab performance, technician development, and cross-functional coordination in support of Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) objectives.

Available Shifts:-Shift 1: 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM-Shift 2: 2:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Salary: $36- $45/hr DOE 

Responsibilities

Perform static and dynamic mechanical testing, including fatigue and fracture testing, in accordance with ASTM standards and customer specifications. Set up, operate, and monitor servo-hydraulic and electromechanical test systems to ensure safe, accurate, and repeatable test execution. Prepare and mount test specimens, fixtures, extensometers, and load frames as required for static, fatigue, and fracture test methods. Review, validate, and interpret test data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with quality requirements. Serve as a technical resource for troubleshooting complex test configurations and atypical fatigue or fracture results.

Laboratory Operations & Lead Support

Support daily Dynamics Lab operations by helping prioritize workloads and ensuring testing schedules are met. Provide day-to-day technical guidance and informal leadership to other technicians during assigned shifts. Act as a point of contact for questions related to static and dynamic test execution and servo-hydraulic equipment operation. Assist with onboarding and hands-on training of new technicians on test systems, software, procedures, and lab safety practices.

Training, Documentation & Preventive Maintenance

Lead and support training efforts related to the safe and effective operation of servo-hydraulic testing equipment. Develop, review, and maintain test procedures, work instructions, and equipment documentation. Perform and coordinate preventive maintenance activities for servo-hydraulic testing systems. Document maintenance activities, equipment issues, and corrective actions in accordance with quality requirements. Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and equipment vendors to improve system reliability.

Quality & Compliance

Ensure all testing, training records, and maintenance documentation comply with company quality systems. Maintain clear, traceable records to support internal and external audits. Identify and assist in resolving nonconformances, data discrepancies, and equipment concerns.

Skills / Qualifications

Education

Associate's or bachelor's degree in engineering, Materials Science, or equivalent technical training or experience preferred.

Experience

Minimum of 3-7 years of hands-on experience in static and/or dynamic mechanical testing, including fatigue and fracture testing.knowledge of preventative maintenance and calibration a plus

Technical Skills

Experience with servo-hydraulic testing systems and controllers. Working knowledge of ASTM static, fatigue, and fracture testing standards. Ability to interpret engineering drawings and test specifications. Experience with test software and data acquisition systems.

Company Overview

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to 'Make tomorrow safer than today'.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming "the world's most trusted testing partner".

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c) 

"If you need an accommodation filling out an application, or applying to a job,  please email Recruitment@element.com"

Employment Type: OTHER

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