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Mechanical Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

Familiarity with mechanical testing under conditions such as vibration, fatigue, shock, vacuum, and thermal loads * Experience collaborating across disciplines (e.g., fluids, avionics, manufacturing ...

Mechanical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

Familiarity with mechanical testing under conditions such as vibration, fatigue, shock, vacuum, and thermal loads * Experience collaborating across disciplines (e.g., fluids, avionics, manufacturing ...

Reliability Tester

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$40 - $45/hr

In this role, the qualified candidate will be a hands on, skilled electro-mechanical testing engineer capable of supporting the testing for engineering and compliance team to conduct internal testing ...

Mechanical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

Familiarity with mechanical testing under conditions such as vibration, fatigue, shock, vacuum, and thermal loads * Experience collaborating across disciplines (e.g., fluids, avionics, manufacturing ...

Engineer III

Poway, CA ยท On-site

$81K - $141K/yr

The supervisor acts as a primary technical focal point for lab-based mechanical testing and may represent the organization as a technical contact with internal stakeholders and external customers.

Perform software and mechanical testing and qualification of OEM supplied robots. Design & build physical test stands and develop testing software in support of qualification activities. * Maintain ...

Showing results 21-40

Mechanical Testing information

See California salary details

$13

$24

$37

How much do mechanical testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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.

How to become a mechanical testing engineer?

To become a mechanical testing engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field is required. Gaining experience with testing methods, materials, and tools such as CAD software and laboratory equipment is important, and obtaining certifications like ASQ Certified Mechanical Inspector can enhance job prospects.

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 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?

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 is a mechanical testing professional?

A mechanical testing professional conducts tests on materials, components, or products to evaluate their strength, durability, and performance under various conditions. They use specialized equipment and follow industry standards to ensure quality and safety, often working in laboratories or manufacturing environments. Certification and knowledge of testing procedures are important in this role.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 14% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,814 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Research & Development Mechanical Engineer

SPECTRA TECH INC

Livermore, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

What your job will be like

The Telemetry (TM) team at the National Laboratories in Livermore, CA is seeking an R&D Mechanical Engineer to join our dynamic team! 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 design, conduct full product environmental testing, and verify requirements in support of qualification and product delivery. Your role will also include fixture development, documentation, hardware assembly, and managing fabrication processes. Our telemetry units are highly integrated electro-mechanical designs that must operate effectively in severe environments. Success in this role requires the ability to collaborate with a multi-faceted engineering team.

A successful candidate would have skills and experience with the following:

Mechanical Testing (Shock, Vibration, Temperature, Pressure, Humidity) and data analysis

Strong design skills in CAD (CREO preferred)

Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) knowledge

Experience designing for multiple manufacturing processes including machined aluminum, sheet metal and 3D printing (FDM)

Demonstrated strong documentation related to product development within a quality management system

Mentorship and leadership ability

Strong, methodical approach to problem-solving

Collaborate with stakeholders to understand and document system needs and requirements for Telemetry hardware

Work with a cross-functional team to establish long-term visions and short-term priorities for the mechanical engineering team

Utilize critical thinking to troubleshoot both mechanical and electromechanical issues, providing solutions within programmatic constraints

Engage in hands-on work with the Telemetry product through fabrication and testing activities

Use CREO and PDMLink to design and model the Telemetry product\

Perform and analyze fine element analysis (FEA) simulations for stress, strain, modal and thermal environments

Work with vendors and Sandia buyers to procure development parts

Work with MCAD and the product definition team to create and authorize product drawings

The position requires an ability to travel up to 25% to support the mission.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite 100% of the time at the Livermore, CA facility.

Qualifications we Require

A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development.

Demonstrated experience with Creo, Solidworks, or similar MCAD design tool.

Demonstrated experience developing or executing procedures associated with high value hardware (flight, customer deliverable, production).

Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance.

Qualifications we Desire:

The ideal R&D S&E Mechanical Engineer candidate for the National Laboratories will in addition possess the following:

Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).

Experience with mechanical engineering and product realization in the NNSA complex.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

Demonstrated breadth of knowledge in Mechanical Engineering and other engineering fields through school projects or work experience.

Demonstrated experience drafting drawings using GD&T per ANSI Y14.5.

Experience in roles that required leadership and/or mentorship.

Employment Type: Full-Time Employee