Description
Assist engineers and scientists by preparing specimens and operating mechanical, thermal, chemical, and nondestructive testing instruments to characterize metals, polymers, composites, concrete, and other materials. Analyze test data, document results, and support quality control and R&D in laboratory, manufacturing, and construction environments.
- • Test and analyze material samples to determine mechanical, physical, and chemical properties using laboratory equipment.
- • Collect, label, and prepare material specimens for testing.
- • Compile and log test data in LIMS or spreadsheets for review and analysis.
- • Prepare test notes, sketches, and simple diagrams of fixtures, sample geometry, or test setups.
- • Support field or plant sampling campaigns and on-site materials evaluations for construction, manufacturing, or infrastructure projects.
- • Prepare or review technical reports summarizing sampling methods, test results, and recommendations.
- • Calibrate, adjust, and perform minor repairs on testing instruments and fixtures.
- • Review standards (ASTM, ISO) and technical documents to plan and document test procedures.
- • Gather background information from engineers, vendors, and databases to define test requirements.
- • Plot and visualize test results, stress-strain curves, and material performance trends.
- • Maintain organized records, certificates of analysis, and material traceability documentation.
- • Operate and adjust laboratory equipment such as universal testing machines, hardness testers, microscopes, ovens, furnaces, and environmental chambers.
- • Coordinate or direct technician activities to run test cells and collect data.
- • Set up or oversee instrumented tests, including sensors, strain gauges, extensometers, and data acquisition systems.
- • Record instrument readings, environmental conditions, and machine settings to ensure repeatability and traceability.
- • Capture photographic documentation and micrographs of samples, fractures, or defects.
- • Measure dimensions, mass, density, hardness, and surface finish using precision instruments.
- • Assist in evaluating material suitability for specific applications or design requirements.
- • Assess effects of environmental exposure (temperature, humidity, UV, chemicals) on materials through conditioning and durability tests.
- • Evaluate and interpret test results, fracture surfaces, and microstructures to identify failure modes.
- • Support quality control during production runs or construction materials placement, including sampling and acceptance testing.
- • Inspect parts for wear, corrosion, cracks, or other defects using visual or nondestructive methods such as dye penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, or radiography.
- • Collaborate with engineers and scientists to design experiments and interpret findings.
- • Apply new testing technologies and automation, such as digital image correlation or advanced ultrasonic NDT, to improve data quality and throughput.
- • Collect permeability, porosity, and durability data relevant to materials used in energy, aerospace, or infrastructure projects.
- • Test and document materials for renewable energy systems or advanced manufacturing applications.
- • Compile data to address compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations and customer specifications.
- • Perform nondestructive evaluations of structures or components to determine fitness for service.
- • Analyze and interpret test data using software; generate summaries, charts, and dashboards.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
