Materials Engineering Mechanical Test Engineer

Expected compensation: 79.50 USD Per Hour

HireArt is helping an on-demand, autonomous ride-hailing company find a Materials Engineering Mechanical Test Engineer to support materials characterization, failure analysis, and component-level testing within its Materials & Failure Analysis Lab.

In this role, you’ll perform hands-on mechanical testing and laboratory analysis, executing standardized ASTM and ISO test methods while developing custom approaches for testing needs that fall outside established standards. You’ll work closely with materials, design, manufacturing, and quality engineers to generate accurate, repeatable test data and support technical investigations.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, detail-oriented test engineer with experience operating Instron or equivalent universal testing machines, designing custom fixtures, and executing standardized mechanical test methods. You bring strong technical judgment and can adapt testing approaches when established methods do not fully address the engineering problem.

As a Materials Engineering Mechanical Test Engineer, You'll

• 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.

Requirements

• 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 adapt quickly in a fast-paced engineering environment
• Ability to travel within the Bay Area as needed

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience testing polymers, composites, metals, or adhesive bonds
• Familiarity with DIC extensometry, strain measurement, or fatigue testing
• Previous experience in automotive, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing laboratories

Benefits

• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Employer (HireArt) subsidized healthcare benefits (eligibility begins on the first of the month following 60 days of service)
• Flexible Spending Account for healthcare-related costs
• HireArt covers all costs for short- and long-term disability and life insurance
• 401k package

Commitment: *This is a full-time, ongoing contract position staffed via HireArt. It will be onsite and available to candidates who are local to the Foster City, CA area.

HireArt values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. Unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor visas or employ corp-to-corp.*