Hands-on Materials Test Engineer (UTMs & Fixtures)

HireArt; Foster City (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pre-tax commuter benefits

Employer health benefits

Flexible Spending Account

Disability and life insurance covered

401k package

Job summary

HireArt is seeking a Materials Engineering Mechanical Test Engineer in Foster City, CA to support materials characterization, failure analysis, and component testing in its Materials & Failure Analysis Lab. You’ll perform hands-on mechanical testing, develop custom test approaches, and generate clear data reports.

The role requires operating Instron UTMs, designing fixtures in CATIA, and executing standardized test methods with rigorous documentation.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, or a related discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical testing, laboratory testing, or vehicle development.
• Hands-on experience operating Instron or equivalent UTM systems.
• Working knowledge of ASTM and ISO mechanical test standards.
• Proficiency with CATIA for 3D modeling and mechanical fixture design.
• Experience developing and 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 laboratory documentation practices.
• Ability to travel within the Bay Area as needed.

Responsibilities

• Operate Instron Universal Testing Machines (UTMs) to perform tensile, compression, shear, bend, peel, fatigue, and other mechanical tests.
• Set up and execute ASTM and ISO test methods while developing custom or non-standard test approaches when established standards are insufficient.
• Select appropriate load cells, grips, extensometers, and fixturing to ensure accurate, repeatable testing and reliable data.
• Design custom mechanical test fixtures in CATIA, creating manufacturable designs for in-house or vendor fabrication.
• Prepare test specimens and articles using basic cutting, polishing, torquing, and fabrication tools.
• Use optical microscopes and cameras to document fracture surfaces and tested components and correlate observed fracture features with test results.
• Analyze test data and document test conditions, deviations, observations, findings, and recommendations in clear technical reports.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and test methods while supporting lab organization, safety, equipment readiness, and cross-functional engineering needs.
• Travel within the Bay Area for support as needed.

Skills

Hands-on testing

Attention to detail

Lab documentation

Cross-functional work

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering

Tools

Instron Universal Testing Machines

CATIA

Job description

HireArt is seeking a Materials Engineering Mechanical Test Engineer in Foster City, CA to support materials characterization, failure analysis, and component testing in its Materials & Failure Analysis Lab. You’ll perform hands-on mechanical testing, develop custom test approaches, and generate clear data reports.

The role requires operating Instron UTMs, designing fixtures in CATIA, and executing standardized test methods with rigorous documentation.