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Mechanical Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Mechanical Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$145K - $195K/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 ...

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Materials Lab Technician

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Perform mechanical testing, including tensile and compression tests, hardness, shear, torque, and bend testing per ASTM standards. * Prepare test specimens, including documenting, measuring ...

Sr. Engineer, M&P - Test

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

Knowledge of mechanical testing and physical characterization methods * Familiarity with statistical analysis methods of treating test data * Conversant in non-destructive inspection methods ...

Mechanical Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Hands-on prototyping skills and comfort in the lab with machining, fabrication, assembly, and mechanical testing * Experience working cross-functionally with electrical, software, manufacturing, and ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

R&D Mechanical Engineer

JGMS Government Services LLC

Livermore, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Description


Application Deadline:


6/29/2026


Position Summary


JGMS Government Services is seeking an R&D Mechanical Engineer to join our dynamic team! 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 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.


This position is full-time, on-site, for a contract duration of 2-3 years.


Job Duties and Responsibilities

On any given day, you may: ย ย ย 

  • 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 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.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

  • 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.
  • 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)ย ย ย 
  • Demonstrated strong documentation related to product development within a quality management system ย ย ย 
  • Mentorship and leadership ability
  • Strong, methodical approach to problem-solving

Desired Qualifications

  • 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.
  • Demonstrated experience working with and across a broad range of stakeholders.
  • Active DOE Q-Level Security Clearance or other transferable U.S. Government Clearance.
  • Understanding of nuclear weapons and Joint Test Assembly design principles.
  • Demonstrated experience designing, testing, or fabricating aerospace hardware.
  • Demonstrated experience with testing in the following fields or similar: vibration, shock, thermal, vacuum, centrifuge.
  • Demonstrated experience developing test plans for validation or verification ofย requirement sets.

Security Clearance


The ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Security Clearance - Q is required.


Background Check and Screenings


A pre-employment drug screening and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verification is required.


Benefits


We take pride in promoting a healthy work-life balance, family-friendly benefits, servant leadership, team values and professional growth. Our competitive benefits package includes:

  • Medical Insurance - 100% company paid premiums for employees.
  • Dental and Vision Insurance.
  • 401k plan with company match.
  • 24 hours of paid community service a year!
  • Up to 4 weeks paid time off a year.
  • 10 paid floating holidays.
  • Life insurance, short- and long-term disability.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Professional development opportunities.

JGMS Family of Companies


Ethically minded, mission driven.


We provide applied technology, engineering, science, and management services to government and private sector clients nationwide. As a diverse team of professionals, we are focused on meeting the needs of our clients and following through with real solutions that effectively and efficiently meet all budgetary and scheduling requirements. As a member of the team, you will be involved in a growing, dynamic organization that is developing new client solutions to benefit our environment and economy.


Equal Opportunity Employer


JGMS Government Services LLC (JGMS-GS) is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity (EEO) in any term, condition, or privilege of employment. The Company prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age (40 and over), race, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all applicants, employees, including managers, supervisors, co-workers, and non-employees such as customers, clients, vendors, consultants, or any other entity in professional contact with the Company.


Due to the nature of the government contract requirements and/or clearance requirements, US citizenship may be required.

Interested candidates should submit an application through the JGMS Careers page by the application deadline listed in this posting. Applications may include a current resume and any other materials identified in the posting. Applicants may redact information from application materials that identifies age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.


If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance completing the online application, please call (970) 254-1354.ย 

Alternatively, an email may be sent to HR@jgmsgovservices.com with the subject line 'Applicant Accommodation' in the email.