Materials Engineering Mechanical Test Engineer

Location:Onsite in Foster City, CA | 5 days in officeTravel within the Bay Area will be requiredSalary Range:$70 - $78.37/hr on W2IntroductionWe 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.Required Skills & QualificationsBachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering/Materials Engineering or equivalent3-5 years of experience in mechanical testing, laboratory, or Vehicle Development roleHands-on experience operating Instron or equivalent UTM systemsWorking knowledge of ASTM and ISO mechanical test standardsProficiency in CAD (CATIA) for 3D modeling of mechanical fixturesPrior work experience at client or in client's IndustryApplicants must be able to work directly for Artech on W2Preferred Skills & QualificationsExperience with polymers, composites, metals, or adhesive bondsFamiliarity with DIC extensometry, strain measurement, or fatigue testingPrior experience in automotive, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing labsDay-to-Day ResponsibilitiesOperate Instron Universal Testing Machines (UTMs) for tensile, compression, shear, bend, peel, fatigue, and custom testsSet 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 insufficientSelect appropriate load cells, grips, extensometers, and fixturing for each test, ensuring accurate execution, data integrity, and repeatabilityDesign custom mechanical test fixtures using CATIA (3D CAD) and create clear, manufacturable designs for in-house or vendor fabricationOperate optical microscopes to document fracture surfaces and tested components, capturing high-quality images to support failure analysisRecord test conditions, deviations, and observations with high attention to detail, and assist in correlating fracture features with test resultsAnalyze test data and synthesize findings into clear, concise reports that effectively communicate results and recommendations to engineering teamsDevelop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), test methods, and detailed technical reportsMaintain lab organization, safety, and equipment readiness while supporting engineers across materials, design, manufacturing, and quality teamsCompany Benefits & CultureCompetitive salary and benefits packageOpportunities for professional growth and developmentCollaborative and innovative work environmentFor immediate consideration please click APPLY to begin the screening process with Alex