Materials Engineering Mechanical Test Engineer

Location: Onsite in Foster City, CA | 5 days in office Travel within the Bay Area will be required Salary Range: $70 - $78.37/hr on W2 Introduction 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.

Required Skills & 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 modeling of mechanical fixtures Prior work experience at client or in client's Industry Applicants must be able to work directly for Artech on W2 Preferred Skills & Qualifications Experience with polymers, composites, metals, or adhesive bonds Familiarity with DIC extensometry, strain measurement, or fatigue testing Prior experience in automotive, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing labs Day-to-Day 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 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 Maintain lab organization, safety, and equipment readiness while supporting engineers across materials, design, manufacturing, and quality teams Company Benefits & Culture Competitive salary and benefits package Opportunities for professional growth and development Collaborative and innovative work environment For immediate consideration please click APPLY to begin the screening process with Alex