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Test Engineer

Career Insights for Mechanical Testing Engineer

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What they do

A Mechanical Testing Engineer designs and runs verification methods, test reports, and assists with troubleshooting for mechanical engineering projects.

$114,969 / year median in California

+5% projected growth

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Job Description

The Test Engineer is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the laboratory, overseeing daily testing activities, staff, equipment, and documentation in support of regulatory and client requirements. This role ensures that all lab work meets internal quality standards, health and safety protocols, and applicable industry and regulatory guidelines. Major Duties & Responsibilities Laboratory Operations-30% Quote, plan, schedule, and oversee daily testing activities (e.g., hydrostatic testing, burst testing, mechanical testing, environmental testing, and other methods governed by QAD 200 directives), ensuring adherence to approved methods and safety requirements. Serve as an operational point of contact for lab‑related questions from internal stakeholders, auditors, and clients, providing technical and procedural information as appropriate. Ensure appropriate sample handling, identification, documentation, and traceability from receipt through testing and reporting, consistent with QAD requirements for sample control. Review and approve test data and laboratory records for completeness, accuracy, and technical validity prior to their use in reports and certifications. Coordinate with operations and quality leadership to prioritize workloads, manage turnaround times, and meet contractual commitments to clients. Quality, Compliance, and Safety-30% Ensure all laboratory operations comply with QAD 100, relevant QAD 200 series testing procedures, and any associated work instructions or SOPs. Implement and maintain document control within the lab, ensuring only current, controlled procedures and forms are in use and obsolete documents are removed from circulation. Support internal and external audits of the laboratory (ISO 17020, regulatory, customer), coordinate responses, and implement corrective and preventive actions related to lab findings. Monitor and enforce laboratory conformance with regulatory and accreditation requirements applicable to the organization (e.g., DoT, Transport Canada, ISO/EN test standards referenced in the QAD). Equipment, Facilities, and Inventory-15% Manage the maintenance, calibration, and verification of laboratory equipment and reference standards, ensuring equipment is fit for use and appropriately documented. Coordinate equipment repairs, validations, and upgrades; evaluate new instruments and software before implementation. Oversee inventory and procurement of lab supplies, consumables, and reagents to prevent shortages while managing costs and budget targets. Implement and enforce laboratory safety and health procedures, including
QAD 100 018
(Safety, Health, Injury Prevention) and related client or site-specific requirements. Ensure proper use of PPE, safe handling and storage of hazardous materials, and appropriate emergency response practices within the laboratory. Conduct or coordinate regular safety inspections, address safety nonconformances, and support incident investigations and corrective actions. Staff Leadership and Competence- 10% Maintain a sufficient number of qualified laboratory personnel to meet operational needs and regulatory expectations for competence. Participate in recruitment, selection, and onboarding of lab staff in coordination with HR and operations. Ensure all laboratory personnel receive initial and ongoing training, including Hazardous Materials Training and method‑specific technical training, and that training/competency records are maintained as required by the QAD. Provide daily supervision, coaching, and performance feedback; conduct periodic performance reviews and support succession planning for key technical roles. Promote professional conduct and ensure staff behavior supports the organizations requirements for independence, impartiality, and integrity. Documentation, Data, and Reporting-10% Ensure laboratory records (raw data, worksheets, instrument logs, calibration certificates, test schedules, etc.) are generated, stored, and retained in accordance with QAD requirements for record storage and retention. Support preparation of test reports so they contain sufficient information and traceability to support legal and regulatory use and verify that only properly authorized personnel sign or release reports. Safeguard confidentiality of client and regulatory data, ensuring that data access, storage, and communication follow QAD confidentiality provisions. Other Duties and Responsibilities as assigned -5% Knowledge & Abilities Understanding of ISO, DOT, TC, CGA, and relevant Special Permit requirements governing cylinder manufacture and inspection.​ Familiarity with calipers, micrometers, ultrasonic thickness devices, thread gauges, and bore gauges, including proper use and basic calibration concepts.​ Ability to read and interpret approved design drawings, work instructions, job safety analyses, and client paperwork.​ Strong understanding of laboratory test methods used by the organization (e.g., hydrostatic, burst, mechanical, environmental), or ability to learn quickly under QAD guidance. Solid working knowledge of quality system elements: document control, calibration, internal audits, nonconforming work, corrective/preventive actions, and management review. Ability to interpret and apply regulatory and standard requirements to daily lab operations. Ability to work safely around sharp edges, flying debris, dust, noise, and material handling hazards while properly using required PPE.​ Ability to recognize inspection or equipment issues (such as out‑of‑calibration tools or inconsistent results) and take appropriate corrective action or escalate as needed.​ Ability to maintain a clean, organized work area and follow established sequences and priorities to support production and inspection flow Effective leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with an emphasis on coaching and teamwork. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and structured corrective action. Proficiency with common office and laboratory information systems; comfort working with electronic document and record systems. Ability to work in a laboratory and industrial environment with exposure to noise, pressure equipment, and hazardous materials, using appropriate PPE. Ability to stand, walk, and perform hands-on work at laboratory benches and test stations for extended periods. Ability to travel occasionally to other facilities or client locations for training, audits, or coordination meetings.
Job Requirements Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in engineering, physical sciences, or related technical field required (or equivalent combination of education and directly relevant laboratory experience). Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, AIS work instructions, and regulatory references (ISO, DOT, TC, CGA, and Special Permits) related to cylinder manufacture and inspection. Proficiency in using and caring for precision measuring instruments and gauges, including following AIS calibration and verification procedures. Completion and maintenance of Hazardous Materials Training and any function-specific training.
Preferred Education and Experience:
3+ Experience in mechanical inspection, dimensional measurement, or quality control in a manufacturing or industrial environment preferred. 3+ years of experience in a testing laboratory environment, preferably involving pressure vessels, compressed gas containers, or similar regulated equipment. Demonstrated experience in a supervisory or management role with responsibility for people, equipment, and compliance.
Pay:
$75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Employee assistance program Health insurance Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Experience:
hydrostatic testing: 1 year (Required) burst testing: 1 year (Required) mechanical testing: 1 year (Required)
Location:
Riverside, CA 92503 (Required) Ability to
Commute:
Riverside, CA 92503 (Required)
Work Location:
In person

Benefits

  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance