Mechanical Test Engineer

Element Materials Technology•Daleville, IN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Element has an opportunity for a Mechanical Test Engineer to join its operations team. The position performs routine and non-routine testing assignments and ensures timely, accurate results under minimal direct supervision. The role is based in a laboratory supporting advanced materials testing for aerospace, defense, and critical manufacturing customers. Work involves hands-on interaction with testing equipment, materials, and laboratory processes, with a strong focus on safety, accuracy, and quality. The engineer plans and executes mechanical testing and metallurgical evaluations of metallic materials and components, develops test plans and procedures, interprets results, prepares technical reports, and supports customer material qualifications and process validation. Testing must comply with applicable standards, customer requirements, and laboratory quality systems. The engineer also operates and troubleshoots laboratory equipment, supports audits and continuous improvement, and provides technical guidance to laboratory technicians and junior engineering personnel. Element Materials Technology will not consider applicants who require sponsorship to work in the United States. Candidates must be lawfully eligible to work in the U.S. as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Salary is $27–$32 per hour, depending on experience.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Chemistry, Physics, or a related science/testing discipline.
At least 2 years of pertinent post-degree engineering experience in mechanical testing, materials evaluation, metallurgy, or laboratory testing; advanced academic qualifications or equivalent professional experience may be considered.
Understanding of mechanical properties of metals and alloys, including strength, ductility, toughness, fatigue, creep, and fracture behavior.
Experience interpreting engineering drawings, material specifications, test standards, and customer requirements.
Ability to analyze technical data and prepare clear, concise engineering reports.
Strong attention to detail and demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and data integrity.
Lawful eligibility to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) organization, materials testing laboratory, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, or other regulated industry environment.
Familiarity with ASTM standards related to mechanical testing and metallurgical evaluation.
Experience with metallographic sample preparation, microscopy, and microstructural analysis.
Knowledge of welding processes, weld qualification requirements, and weld inspection methods.
Experience supporting failure analysis investigations.
Familiarity with laboratory quality systems such as ISO/IEC 17025.
Experience with mechanical testing equipment operation and data interpretation, materials characterization, metallography and optical microscopy, metallurgical evaluation of metals and alloys, technical report writing and engineering documentation, and data analysis and problem-solving.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and execute mechanical testing programs for ferrous and non-ferrous metallic materials and components.
Perform and oversee tensile testing at room and elevated temperatures; hardness testing; Charpy and Izod impact testing; stress rupture and creep rupture testing; weld testing and welder qualification support; metallographic preparation and microstructural evaluation; macroetch and weld macro examination; heat treatment processing and verification; and metallurgical failure analysis support.
Develop test plans, procedures, and technical reports based on customer specifications, industry standards, and laboratory capabilities.
Analyze test data, identify trends, and provide engineering interpretation of results.
Support metallurgical evaluations, including grain structure analysis, phase identification, weld characterization, and material condition assessments.
Assist customers with material qualifications, process validation, and product performance evaluations.
Ensure testing complies with ASTM, ISO, customer-specific requirements, and laboratory quality systems.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot mechanical testing equipment and laboratory instrumentation.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on laboratory efficiency, safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Maintain accurate documentation and support internal and external audits.
Provide technical guidance and support to laboratory technicians and junior engineering personnel.