Materials & Mechanical Test Engineer

Expected compensation: 76.00 USD Per Hour

HireArt is helping our client find a Materials & Mechanical Test Engineer to support materials characterization, failure analysis, and component-level testing within the Materials & Failure Analysis Lab.

In this role, you’ll be highly hands-on and lab-focused, applying strong technical judgment, attention to detail, and adaptability to support a wide range of testing needs. You’ll work closely with engineering teams to execute both standardized and custom mechanical tests, helping generate high-quality data that supports product development and failure investigations.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable operating Instron testing systems, designing custom fixtures, and executing standardized ASTM and ISO test methods. This person is also capable of thinking critically when testing requirements extend beyond standard methodologies.

As a Materials & Mechanical Test Engineer, You'll

Operate Instron Universal Testing Machines (UTMs) to perform tensile, compression, shear, bend, peel, fatigue, and custom mechanical tests.
Set up and execute ASTM and ISO standard tests, including tensile, lap shear, peel, fracture, compression, and bend testing.
Develop and execute custom or non-standard test setups when existing standards do not fully address the testing objective.
Select appropriate load cells, grips, extensometers, and fixturing to ensure accurate execution, data integrity, and repeatability.
Design custom mechanical test fixtures using CATIA (3D CAD) and produce clear, manufacturable designs for in-house or vendor fabrication.
Prepare test specimens using basic lab tools for cutting, polishing, torquing, and fabrication.
Use optical microscopes to document fracture surfaces and tested components, capturing images to support failure analysis.
Record test conditions, observations, and deviations with high attention to detail, supporting accurate correlation between fracture features and test results.
Analyze test data and generate clear, concise reports that communicate findings and recommendations to engineering teams.
Develop and maintain documentation including standard operating procedures (SOPs), test methods, and technical reports to ensure consistent and repeatable testing practices.
Maintain lab organization, safety, and equipment readiness while supporting engineers across materials, design, manufacturing, and quality teams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, or a related field
3+ years of experience in mechanical testing, laboratory engineering, or vehicle development environments
Hands-on experience operating Instron or equivalent universal testing machines
Working knowledge of ASTM and ISO mechanical test standards
Proficiency with CAD tools such as CATIA for designing mechanical fixtures
Experience developing custom or non-standard mechanical test setups
Experience using optical microscopes and imaging systems for fracture or component inspection
Strong attention to detail and disciplined lab documentation practices
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced engineering environment
Ability to travel locally in the Bay Area as required

Bonus Qualifications

Experience working with polymers, composites, metals, or adhesive bond testing
Familiarity with digital image correlation (DIC), strain measurement techniques, or fatigue testing

Benefits

Pre-tax commuter benefits
Employer (HireArt) Subsidized healthcare benefits (eligibility begins on the first of the month following 60 days of service)
Flexible Spending Account for healthcare-related costs
HireArt covers all costs for short and long-term disability and life insurance
401k package

Commitment: This is a full-time, ongoing contract position staffed via HireArt. It will be onsite and available to candidates who are local to the Foster City, CA area.

HireArt values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. Unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor visas or employ corp-to-corp.

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