Fabrication & Test Technician - Mechanical Testing

Cambium; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High competitive salary

Excellent medical/dental/vision benefits

401(k) matching plan

Professional development reimbursement

Job summary

A biotech and materials science firm is looking for a Fabrication & Test Technician in Los Angeles, CA, to conduct mechanical testing and physical characterization of composite materials. The role demands 3-5 years of experience in a lab, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. Working hands-on, you will operate testing equipment, prepare samples, and contribute to R&D problem-solving activities. Competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) plan are offered.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of experience in a laboratory or mechanical testing environment.
• Detail-oriented with strong ownership of tasks and projects.
• Ability to complete complex tasks on time.
• Detail-oriented with strong ownership of tasks.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and destructively test composite coupons for physical and mechanical characterization.
• Operate electromechanical load frame for destructive testing.
• Cut and machine test coupon edges precisely.
• Cut and machine test coupon edges with tile saw, grinders, and rotary tools.
• Bond composite tabs with adhesives; prepare samples for DSC, DMA, TGA, and microscopy.
• Follow safety protocols and contribute to Cambium’s safety culture.
• Collaborate with R&D and product teams to demonstrate Cambium’s work and growth.

Skills

Mechanical testing

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication skills

Safety protocols

Destructive testing

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

CNC equipment

Extensometers

Tile saw

Surface grinder

Rotary tools

CNC equipment

Job description

* Due to the nature of our work you must be a U.S. Citizen *

Cambium works at the interface of biotech and materials science to build sustainable next-generation defense products. We integrate computational chemistry, product design, and advanced manufacturing methods to solve difficult challenges like hardening UAVs against laser attack, protecting payloads during hypersonic flight, and streamlining the defense product manufacturing supply chain. Our people come from places like SpaceX, Anduril, Scaled Composites, Lockheed Martin Skunkworks, and US DoD Research Labs. We are seeking motivated and exceptional people to join our team.

Cambium is seeking a Fabrication & Test Technician – Mechanical Testing to join our growing team in El Segundo, CA. The successful candidate will be curious with a desire to learn and will help us build a work culture of open-mindedness that embraces creativity. At Cambium we’re willing to do things differently.

THE ROLE

Cambium is seeking a Fabrication & Test Technician – Mechanical Testing to join our composite materials team. You’ll work closely with engineers to prepare and destructively test composite coupons for physical and mechanical characterization. This will be a hands‑on role and you will be involved in the entire process. We will provide training and mentorship every step of the way. As Cambium experiences rapid growth, the responsibilities of this role are expected to evolve.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follow written instructions, including test plans, standard operating procedures, and specifications, to test advanced materials
• Operate electromechanical load frame for destructive testing of advanced materials in tension, compression, and shear
• Set up and operate strain measurement systems such as clip‑on/video extensometers and foil strain gages
• Cut and machine test coupon edges precisely using equipment such as a tile saw, surface grinder, and rotary tools
• Bond composite tabs for testing using paste and film adhesives
• Learn how to prepare samples for analytical testing, such as DSC, DMA, TGA, and optical microscopy.
• Follow all safety protocols and contribute to our culture of safety
• Participate in a wide range of R&D problem‑solving activities with an open mind and desire to learn
• Create and contribute to the product demonstration and engineering teams in a manner consistent with Cambium’s mission and values and the growth of Cambium’s business

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 3-5+ years experience in a laboratory or mechanical testing environment
• Have a strong desire to learn and be willing to work in a hands‑on role
• Detail oriented and strong ownership of tasks and projects
• Ability to complete complex tasks on time
• Due to the nature of the work, you must have US citizenship
• Strong communication skills and team‑oriented mindset

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Mechanical testing of organic polymer composites in accordance with ASTM standards
• Machine shop experience operating CNC equipment

BENEFITS

Cambium offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits plan. This includes excellent medical/dental/vision benefits, and a matching 401(k) plan, professional development reimbursement, and an opportunity for equity for most full time positions.

As a condition of employment, the candidate may need to successfully complete a medical evaluation and obtain clearance to wear respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134