Mechanical Test Engineer

Foster City, CA

$68–$78.37 Per Hour
Instant Apply

29 days ago

Job Description

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

TOP 3 SKILLS:

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.

POSITION SUMMARY:
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, and 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 close 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:

3-5 years of experience in mechanical testing, laboratory, or Vehicle Development role
Strong attention to detail and disciplined lab documentation habits.
Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced engineering environment

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

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.

PREFERRED 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.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor s or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering/Materials Engineering or equivalent

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.

IND123

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.

FAIR CHANCE POLICY:
Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, qualified applicants will be considered for assignment with arrest and conviction records. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness, meet client expectations, standards, and accompanying requirements, and safeguard business operations and company reputation.

Numbers & Facts

Location	Foster City, CA
Salary	$68–$78.37 Per Hour

Skills

3D Modelingunmatched
Aerospace and Defenseunmatched
Bond Marketunmatched
Business Operationsunmatched
CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing)unmatched
CATIA CADunmatched
Communication Skillsunmatched
Compensation Managementunmatched
Composite Materialsunmatched
Data Analysisunmatched
Data Qualityunmatched
Detail Orientedunmatched
Documentationunmatched
Documentation Standardsunmatched
Failure Analysisunmatched
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)unmatched
Laboratory Testingunmatched
Manufacturingunmatched
Materials Engineeringunmatched
Materials Testingunmatched
Mechanical Engineeringunmatched
Mechanical Testingunmatched
Polishingunmatched
Polymersunmatched
Quality Assurance Methodologyunmatched
Sample/Specimen Processingunmatched
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)unmatched
Standards Developmentunmatched
Technical Supportunmatched
Test Dataunmatched
Test Designunmatched
Test Fixturesunmatched
Test Labunmatched
Testingunmatched

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