The Senior Test Technician is responsible for executing and overseeing advanced mechanical testing procedures, with a primary focus on tensile testing. This role ensures critical data collection that supports compliance with customer specifications and regulatory standards, contributing to flight safety and structural integrity in aerospace applications.

Compensation: $35-35/hour depending on experience 

• Lead and perform tensile, shear, and compression testing per ASTM, ISO, and AMS standards (e.g., ASTM E8/E21, D3039).

• Set up and operate universal testing machines (Instron, MTS) for metallic and composite materials.

• Train and mentor junior technicians on testing protocols, safety procedures, and data analysis.

• Review work orders, test plans, and blueprints to ensure proper test setup for aerospace component compliance.

• Maintain testing records, analyze data, and generate accurate, detailed test reports.

• Support calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of test equipment.

• Interface with engineering, QA, and customers to clarify requirements and communicate results.

• Ensure lab adherence to NADCAP, ISO 17025, and customer-specific compliance (e.g., Boeing, Lockheed, Airbus standards).

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and participate in internal and external audits.

Required:

• High school diploma or GED required; technical diploma or associate degree in mechanical engineering tech, materials science, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in mechanical testing with at least 3 years in aerospace or defense sectors.

• Strong understanding of material behavior under tensile loads and test standard requirements.

• Hands-on experience with Instron, MTS, or equivalent testing systems.

• Familiarity with NADCAP and ISO 17025 laboratory practices.

Preferred:

• Certification in mechanical or materials testing (e.g., ASNT Level II, NAS410).

• Experience with elevated temperature testing and composite material evaluation.

• Proficiency with data acquisition and analysis tools (e.g., Bluehill, LabVIEW).

Work Environment:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.

• Manual dexterity to handle precise specimen preparation and testing fixtures.

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.