Materials Testing Specialist

Westmoreland Mechanical Testing & Research, Inc.; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Life Insurance and AD&D

Employee Assistance Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Voluntary benefits

Job summary

Westmoreland Mechanical Testing & Research, Inc. in Youngstown, PA is seeking a hands-on technical specialist to perform destructive tests on aerospace materials in our lab. This entry-level role emphasizes learning on the job with full training provided and opportunities to grow in a high-tech environment.

You will set up equipment, conduct material tests, document results meticulously, and maintain the lab thoroughly in a multi-shift operation including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship required for national defense/aerospace compliance.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Mechanical aptitude with ability to work from blueprints/technical drawings is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail, time management, and organization are essential.
• Ability to work independently and in a team; on-the-job training provided.

Responsibilities

• Set up and calibrate lab instrumentation for specialized testing and process control.
• Perform material tests to determine strength, stability, purity, and characteristics.
• Gain hands-on exposure to Tensile Testing, Metallography, Stress & Creep Testing, Composite Testing, Fracture Analysis, Corrosion Testing.
• Safely operate lab prep tools: band saws, grinders, sanders, polishers, mounting equipment.
• Maintain meticulous digital and physical records of test results.
• Organize, clean, and maintain the testing laboratory environment.

Skills

US Citizenship

High School Diploma

Blueprints

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Teamwork

Manual dexterity

Willingness to Learn

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Join a Global Leader in Aerospace & Advanced Materials Testing

At Westmoreland Mechanical Testing & Research, Inc., the work you do matters. Our testing ensures the safety, reliability, and performance of materials used in commercial aircraft, national defense systems, space rockets, medical devices, and automotive innovations worldwide.

We are internationally recognized for high-volume, rapid-turnaround materials testing. If you are dependable, detail-oriented, and eager to build a high-tech career, we will train you from the ground up!

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Youngstown, PA 15696 (In-person)
Shifts Available: Daylight, Evening, Night, and Weekend schedules (Initial training occurs on daylight shift).

What You Will Do (Day-to-Day Responsibilities)

As a hands-on technical specialist, you will perform specialized, destructive tests to evaluate the strength, durability, and chemical composition of advanced aerospace and industrial materials.

• Equipment Setup: Set up and calibrate laboratory instrumentation required for specialized testing and process control.
• Materials Testing: Perform customized tests to determine material strength, stability, purity, and chemical characteristics.
• Lab Environments: Gain hands‑on exposure to advanced techniques including Tensile Testing, Metallography, Stress & Creep Testing, Composite Testing, Fracture Analysis, and Corrosion Testing.
• Tool Operation: Safely operate laboratory prep tools including band saws, grinders, sanders, polishers, and mounting machinery.
• Documentation: Maintain meticulous, detailed digital and physical records of test results to catch potential reliability issues.
• Lab Maintenance: Organize, clean, and maintain the testing laboratory environment.

Qualifications & Skills We Are Looking For

• Citizenship: US Citizenship is strictly required for national defense and aerospace compliance.
• Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Technical Aptitude: Mechanically inclined individuals are highly preferred. Experience working with blueprints or technical drawings is a plus.
• Core Competencies: Strong attention to detail, excellent time management, organizational skills, and the ability to multitask.
• Teamwork: Ability to work independently as well as collaborate efficiently in a team environment.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, sit, or move around the lab floor for prolonged periods.
• Mindset: A strong willingness to learn—no prior experience is necessary; we provide complete on-the-job training!

What We Offer (Benefits & Perks)

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with a competitive Company Match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance and AD&D Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement for ongoing education
• Additional Voluntary Benefits

Westmoreland Mechanical Testing & Research, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job categories without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or other status protected by applicable law.

Behaviors

Team Player

Works well as a member of a group

Enthusiastic

Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest

Detail Oriented

Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Motivations

Preferred

Growth Opportunities

Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility

Job Security

Inspired to perform well by the knowledge that your job is safe

Flexibility

Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals

Education

Required

High School or better.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.