Materials Test Technician

Vertical Laboratories; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401k match

Paid time off

Bonus program

Ongoing training

Job summary

Vertical Laboratories in Glendale, CA is seeking a Materials Test Technician to perform ASTM E595 outgassing tests on space and aerospace materials. You will weigh specimens, operate thermal vacuum equipment, and calculate TML, CVCM, and WVR, contributing to flight hardware qualification.

This role requires 2+ years in a lab, experience with microbalances and cleanroom practices, and proficiency with Word/Excel and Google Workspace.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; degree preferred in chemistry or materials science.
• 2+ years in a laboratory setting with outgassing, vacuum systems, or analytical chemistry.
• Experience with analytical microbalances and cleanroom practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Wiring, soldering, or crimping experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, condition, and weigh material specimens per ASTM E595.
• Operate thermal vacuum outgassing equipment and temperature-controlled systems.
• Perform microbalance weighings and calculate TML, CVCM, and WVR.
• Maintain vacuum systems, pumps, and balances with routine checks.
• Wire and prepare connector test samples and perform mating durability testing.
• Photograph samples and document testing results.
• Record results in datasheets under ISO/IEC 17025.

Skills

2+ years lab experience

Microsoft Office (Word/Excel)

Google Workspace

Cleanroom practices

Analytical chemistry background

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's or bachelor's degree in chemistry or materials science

Tools

Microbalances

Vacuum systems

Wiring/Crimping

Job description

Materials Test Technician (Outgassing / ASTM E595)

Vertical Laboratories LLC | Glendale, CA | Full-Time, Day Shift | $24.00–$30.00/hr

Qualify the materials that go to space.

Every material used in a spacecraft has to prove it won’t outgas and contaminate sensitive optics and electronics. At Vertical Laboratories, you’ll run ASTM E595 outgassing tests on space and aerospace materials. It’s precise work with microbalances and vacuum systems, and the results are relied on for flight hardware. You’ll also support connector testing across our lab.

What You’ll Do:

• Prepare, condition, and weigh material specimens per ASTM E595 using clean-handling practices.
• Operate thermal vacuum outgassing equipment, including heated specimen compartments and temperature-controlled collector plates.
• Perform microbalance weighings and calculate Total Mass Loss (TML), Collected Volatile Condensable Materials (CVCM), and Water Vapor Regained (WVR).
• Maintain vacuum systems, pumps, and balances and perform routine verification checks.
• Wire and prepare connector test samples and perform mating durability testing.
• Photograph samples and setups to document testing.
• Record results in controlled datasheets under our ISO/IEC 17025 quality system.

What You Bring:

• 2+ years of laboratory experience; outgassing, vacuum systems, or analytical chemistry experience preferred.
• Experience with analytical microbalances and clean-handling or cleanroom practices.
• High school diploma or GED; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in chemistry, materials science, or a related field preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and Google Workspace.
• Wiring, soldering, or crimping experience is a plus.

Growth & Training:

You’ll get hands-on training on our systems and procedures during your first weeks, followed by continuing education throughout your career. As you build expertise, there’s room to grow into more advanced testing and technical roles.

Work Environment:

Controlled laboratory setting with clean-handling requirements, within a larger active test facility with periodic elevated noise levels; hearing protection provided where required. Work involves both standing and sitting, handling small specimens and components, and lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. PPE provided and required where applicable.

Why Vertical Labs?

Vertical Laboratories is an independent aerospace and subsea environmental simulation laboratory, accredited by A2LA to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, DLA-approved, and Nadcap-accredited. We specialize in R&D and qualification testing, and we take on the programs other labs won’t. We’re a smart, scrappy team that values doing things right.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with 4% company match.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• Employee bonus program.
• Ongoing training and continuing education.

Eligibility:

This position requires access to export-controlled information. Applicants must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)). All offers are contingent upon a standard background check and drug test.

Vertical Laboratories LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.