Materials Engineering Mechanical Test Engineer

JOB TITLE: Materials Engineering Mechanical Test Engineer
LOCATION: Foster City, CA (Onsite)
PAY RANGE: $68 - $78/hr.
DURATION: 6 Months

TOP 3 SKILLS:

• 3-5 years of hands-on experience in mechanical testing or laboratory environments, with proficiency operating Instron or equivalent universal testing machines (UTMs)
• Strong knowledge and practical experience with ASTM and ISO mechanical test standards, including tensile, compression, shear, bend, peel, and fatigue testing
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (CATIA) for designing custom mechanical test fixtures, combined with disciplined lab documentation and attention to detail

Job Description:
We are seeking a Mechanical Test Engineer to support materials characterization, failure analysis, and component-level testing for our Materials & Failure Analysis Lab. This role is highly hands-on and lab-focused, requiring strong technical judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable running an Instron, designing custom fixtures, and executing standardized ASTM/ISO test methods, while also thinking critically when a test does not fit a textbook standard.

Responsibilities:

• Operate Instron Universal Testing Machines (UTMs) for tensile, compression, shear, bend, peel, fatigue, and custom tests.
• Set up and execute ASTM and ISO standard tests (e.g., tensile, lap shear, peel, fracture, compression, bend).
• Develop non-standard or custom test setups when existing standards are insufficient.
• Select appropriate load cells, grips, extensometers, and fixturing for each test, ensuring accurate execution, data integrity, and repeatability.
• Design custom mechanical test fixtures using CATIA (3D CAD) and create clear, manufacturable designs for in-house or vendor fabrication.
• Using basic tools for cutting, polishing, torqueing, fabrication to prepare test specimens/articles for laboratory testing
• Operate optical microscopes to document fracture surfaces and tested components, capturing high-quality images to support failure analysis.
• Record test conditions, deviations, and observations with high attention to detail, and assist in correlating fracture features with test results.
• Analyze test data and synthesize findings into clear, concise reports that effectively communicate results and recommendations to engineering teams.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), test methods, and detailed technical reports, to ensure the accuracy and repeatability of all testing activities.
• Maintain lab organization, safety, and equipment readiness while supporting engineers across materials, design, manufacturing, and quality teams.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor s or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering/Materials Engineering or equivalent
• 3-5 years of experience in mechanical testing, laboratory, or Vehicle Development role
• Hands-on experience operating Instron or equivalent UTM systems.
• Working knowledge of ASTM and ISO mechanical test standards.
• Proficiency in CAD (CATIA) for 3D modeling of mechanical fixtures.
• Experience setting up custom or non-standard mechanical tests.
• Experience using optical microscopes and cameras for fracture or component inspection.
• Strong attention to detail and disciplined lab documentation habits.
• Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced engineering environment.

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience with polymers, composites, metals, or adhesive bonds.
• Familiarity with DIC extensometry, strain measurement, or fatigue testing.
• Prior experience in automotive, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing labs.

BENEFITS SUMMARY: Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate or annual salary only, unless otherwise stated. In addition to base compensation, full-time roles are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Commuter and 401K benefits with company matching.

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