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Metallurgy Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MATERIALS LAB, GENERAL HELPER - 2nd SHIFT Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that ... Perform metallurgical sample preparation including cutting, grinding, polishing, acid etching, and ...

MATERIALS LAB, GENERAL HELPER - 2nd SHIFT Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that ... Perform metallurgical sample preparation including cutting, grinding, polishing, acid etching, and ...

... metallurgy, metal matrix composites, materials processing, or conductor materials * Experience designing, executing, and documenting experiments in a lab, pilot, or manufacturing environment

Senior Process Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$150K - $350K/yr

... chemicals, metallurgical, electrochemical, or related). * Demonstrated success scaling processes from lab/pilot to commercial scale. * Experience managing and communicating effectively with ...

The ideal candidate has deep metallurgical expertise in steels, practical knowledge of light metals ... lab and failure analysis report data. * Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as stamping ...

Materials Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$86K - $137K/yr

... lab work and cross-functional collaboration. Responsibilities Powder & Feedstock Materials * Own incoming qualification and lot acceptance of metallic feedstocks (PSD, morphology, chemistry ...

Showing results 41-60

Metallurgy Lab information

What is the difference between Metallurgy Lab vs Metallurgical Technician?

AspectMetallurgy LabMetallurgical Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in materials science, metallurgy, or related fieldOften requires an associate degree or certification in metallurgy or materials testing
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting with testing and analysis of metals and alloysLaboratory or manufacturing environment assisting with testing and data collection
Industry UsageUsed by research institutions, manufacturing companies, and quality control labsEmployed in manufacturing plants, quality assurance, and testing facilities

While both roles involve working with metals and testing, the Metallurgy Lab typically refers to the laboratory environment focused on detailed analysis and research, often requiring higher education. The Metallurgical Technician supports testing processes, assisting with data collection and analysis in industrial settings. Both roles are essential in metallurgy but differ mainly in education requirements and scope of responsibilities.

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For Metallurgy Lab jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Metallurgy Lab jobs in California look for?

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Cities in California with the most Metallurgy Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various Metallurgy Lab job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Senior Materials Engineer (Metals, Forming & Castings)

Zoox

Foster City, CA • On-site

$187K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a Senior Materials Engineer to lead failure analysis, metallurgical investigation, and root-cause corrective action for our Materials & Failure Analysis team. This is a senior, independent contributor role for someone who owns investigations end-to-end; from initial part triage through mechanical testing, metallurgical analysis, and cross-functional resolution with Design, Manufacturing, and Supplier Quality. The ideal candidate has deep expertise across metals and metal manufacturing processes; forming, stamping, and castings, and is comfortable authoring the specifications that govern them, working at the microscope, running mechanical tests in the lab, and presenting findings to program leadership.
In this role, you will:
  • Lead failure investigations for metallic components across development, production, and field releases; execute mechanical testing and metallurgical characterization (SEM/EDS, metallography, fractography) to determine root cause and mitigations.

  • Advise Design, Manufacturing, and Quality teams on metal selection, process capability, and process-induced failure modes for forming, stamping, and casting operations (DFMEA/PFMEA).

  • Draft and maintain material and process specifications, quality acceptance criteria, and ASTM/ISO/SAE test procedures.

  • Support supplier material and process qualification for formed, stamped, and cast metal components, including review of PPAP submissions and material certifications.

  • Manage lab test plans, equipment calibration, SOPs, and safety standards while directing external vendor labs and mentoring junior engineers. 

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

  • 8+ years of experience in materials engineering, failure analysis, or metallurgical engineering, ideally in automotive, aerospace, or heavy equipment.

  • Deep, hands-on expertise with metals across forming/stamping and casting processes, and their common failure modesDeep, hands-on expertise with metals across forming/stamping and casting processes, and their common failure modes as well as writing and reviewing processes. 

  • Strong experience with mechanical testing (Instron/UTM systems) and failure analysis techniques (fractography, SEM/EDS, metallography, hardness testing).

  • Demonstrated track record independently leading root cause investigations and driving corrective actions to closure with cross-functional teams.

  • Working knowledge of ASTM/ISO/SAE test standards and experience developing test specifications.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical findings for non-materials audiences and leadership.

  • Experience mentoring or directing the work of junior engineers or technicians.

Bonus Qualifications
  • Experience with polymers, composites, adhesives/bonded joints, or coatings failure analysis.

  • Familiarity with forming/stamping simulation tools (e.g., AutoForm, LS-DYNA), casting simulation, or DFMEA/PFMEA processes.

  • Experience with supplier quality engineering, PPAP, or material certification review.

  • Prior experience in high-volume automotive manufacturing or a vehicle development environment.

  • Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Materials Science or Metallurgy.

Base Salary Range


There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.


Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.

 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.