1

Metallurgical Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... for metallurgical analysis/investigations. * Work with and give written directions to QA and ... Understand and be familiar with Ultrasonic Testing Techniques and procedures. * Prepare ...

Lab Tech/Metallographer 1

Fontana, CA · On-site

$22 - $23.50/hr

... for metallurgical analysis/investigations. * Work with and give written directions to QA and ... Understand and be familiar with Ultrasonic Testing Techniques and procedures. * Prepare ...

Practical knowledge of metallurgy for ferrous and nonferrous alloys, including heat treatment basics, corrosion and fatigue fundamentals, and common materials testing methods. * Hands-on exposure to ...

Showing results 41-60

Metallurgical Testing information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$92.8K

$143.6K

How much do metallurgical testing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for metallurgical testing in California is $92,798.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $107,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is metallurgical testing?

A Metallurgical Testing job involves analyzing metals and alloys to assess their composition, properties, and performance. Professionals in this field conduct tests such as hardness, tensile strength, and microstructural analysis to ensure materials meet industry standards. They work in industries like manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive to improve material quality and reliability. Their findings help in product development, failure analysis, and quality control.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities for someone working in metallurgical testing?

Professionals in Metallurgical Testing typically spend their days preparing and analyzing metal samples, conducting tests to determine material properties such as hardness, strength, and composition, and meticulously recording results. They often collaborate with engineers, quality control teams, and production staff to diagnose material failures or validate material specifications. Additionally, they are responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment and ensuring all testing procedures comply with industry and safety standards. This role involves a blend of hands-on laboratory work, data analysis, and technical reporting, making attention to detail and teamwork essential components of the job.

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

Success in Metallurgical Testing requires a solid background in materials science, analytical testing methods, and experience with laboratory equipment, often supported by at least a bachelor's degree in metallurgy, materials engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with instruments such as spectrometers, hardness testers, and microscopes, as well as quality management systems like ISO 17025, is frequently required, alongside relevant safety and technical certifications. Attention to detail, problem-solving aptitude, and effective communication skills distinguish top candidates in this role. These abilities ensure accurate test results, safe laboratory practices, and clear reporting essential for supporting manufacturing quality and compliance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Metallurgical Testing jobs in California? The most popular types of Metallurgical Testing jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Metallurgical Testing jobs in California? For Metallurgical Testing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Metallurgical Testing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,798 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Structural Engineer/Sr. Structural Engineer (Metallics)

The Aerospace Corporation

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers' portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

In Vulcan Development and Operations (VDO), we are seeking a Structural Engineer/Sr. Structural Engineer (Metallics) who will act as a senior technical authority, consultant, primary investigator, and team leader in evaluating launch vehiclestructures (metallics, etc.) in support of National Security Space (NSS) missions. You'll lead andorganize interactions between the customer (Space Force/OSL), Aerospace technical staff, and contractors, and will coordinate large-scale multidisciplinary activities to support recurring operations and non-recurring design validation activities for the Vulcan launch vehicle program.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA

What You'll Be Doing

  • Provide systems engineering for a broad range of technical and launch operation activities primarily related to launch vehicle structures (including metallic structures)
  • Coordinate multi-disciplinary engineering teams to ensure that launch vehicle designs,analysis, testing, and documentation are compliant with Space Force requirements
  • Lead and facilitate collaborative efforts between the Space Force and launch vehicle providers to evaluate their operational capability
  • Provide technical advice and recommendations to resolve or mitigate risk associated with structures usedon vehicles to launch NSS missions
  • Effectively communicate status and progress of technical activities, issues, and accomplishments through reportsand briefings to Aerospace, Space Force/OSL, and contractor teams
  • Build and maintain close working relationships with the Aerospace team, Space Force counterparts, contractors, and representatives from other government agencies
  • Work with management to develop resource allocations plans and schedules

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements - Project Engineer, Aerospace Structural Engineering (Metallics):

  • B.S in mechanical engineering/structural mechanics or related field from a recognized institution
  • 8 or more years of applicable experience with increasing responsibility
  • Familiarity with systems engineering and/or technical project management
  • Experience with and strong knowledge of launch vehicle structures systems design, development, test, and operations
  • Must have experience coordinating and/or participating in multi-disciplinary technical efforts
  • Extensive knowledge of structures systems engineering standards
  • Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site approximately 25% of the time
  • This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer - Aerospace Structural Engineering (Metallics) include:

  • 12 or more years of experience in applicable experience with increasing responsibility
  • Track record of interfacing effectively with senior Aerospace management, customer, or contractor teams
  • Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems, forge well-founded technical recommendations, and balance technical and programmatic perspectives

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

  • Advanced degree in mechanical engineering/structural mechanics from a recognized institution
  • Experience with testing/analysis of structures used on launch vehicles
  • Experience with systems engineering and verification of requirements
  • Knowledge and experience with Aerospace launch verification processes for both recurring operations and non-recurring design validation

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$117,300.00 - $226,900.00Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

  • Relocation assistance

  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

  • Education assistance programs

  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailatpeoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.