Test Engineer

Lancesoft; Foster City (CA); On-site; USD 224,549,000 - 231,437,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancesoft is seeking a Mechanical Test Engineer for our Materials & Failure Analysis Lab in Foster City, CA. This hands-on role focuses on materials characterization, failure analysis, and ASTM/ISO test methods using Instron UTMs and custom fixtures.

You will design fixtures in CATIA, prepare specimens, document test conditions, and communicate findings through clear technical reports to support engineering and quality teams.

Qualifications

• Degree in mechanical or materials engineering and 3–5 years in mechanical testing or lab work.
• Hands-on experience operating Instron or equivalent UTM systems.
• Working knowledge of ASTM and ISO mechanical test standards.
• CAD skills in CATIA for 3D modeling of fixtures.
• Experience setting up non-standard tests and documenting results.

Responsibilities

• Operate Instron UTMs for tensile, compression, shear, bend, and fatigue tests.
• Set up and execute ASTM/ISO standard tests such as tensile, lap shear, and fracture.
• Develop non-standard test setups when standards are insufficient.
• Select load cells, grips, extensometers, and fixturing for tests.
• Design custom fixtures in CATIA and prepare manufacturable designs.
• Prepare specimens and use optical microscopes to document fracture surfaces.
• Record test conditions and deviations with high attention to detail.
• Analyze data and summarize findings in concise reports for teams.
• Develop SOPs and maintain lab documentation for repeatability.
• Maintain lab organization, safety, and equipment readiness.

Skills

Instron operation

Fixture design

Test method development

Data analysis

Lab documentation

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Materials Engineering

Tools

Instron UTMs

CATIA

Optical microscopes

Job description

Job Title: Manufacturing Operations - Test Engineer Location: Foster City, CA Duration: 6+ months Pay Rate: $78.37/hour

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, torquing, 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 high 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

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering/Materials Engineering or equivalent 3-5 years of experience in mechanical testing, laboratory, or Vehicle Development role
• Hands‑on experience operating Instron or equivalent UTM systems.
• Working knowledge of ASTM and ISO mechanical test standards.
• Proficiency in CAD (CATIA) for 3D modelling of mechanical fixtures.
• Experience 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 lab documentation habits.
• Ability to adapt quickly in a fast‑paced engineering environment.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with polymers, composites, metals, or adhesive bonds.
• Familiarity with DIC extensometer, strain measurement, or fatigue testing.
• Prior experience in automotive, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing.