Materials Technician (ASTM/Tensile Test)

Job description

As a Materials Engineering Technician at Impulse, you will anchor our mechanical testing capabilities. In this role, you will be hands-on in the lab, executing critical testing on a wide variety of materials including advanced metals, polymers, composites, and ceramic that make up our orbital vehicles and propulsion systems. You will be responsible for ensuring that all testing adheres to strict industry standards, managing test setups, and guaranteeing the integrity of the data that drives our engineering decisions. Set up and operate universal testing machines to perform tensile, compression, flexural, shear, and fatigue testing across diverse material groups Interpret and strictly adhere to ASTM, ISO, and custom internal testing standards for aerospace applications Manage the end-to-end specimen preparation process, ensuring precise dimensional tolerances and surface finishes are met prior to testing Select, install, and align appropriate gripping and fixturing for complex test setups, including high-temperature, cryogenic, or non-standard geometries Record, process, and compile test data into clear, concise reports for the materials and design engineering teams Perform routine maintenance, calibration checks, and troubleshooting on laboratory equipment to minimize downtime Maintain a highly organized, safe, and efficient laboratory environment High school diploma or equivalency certificate 3+ years of direct experience operating mechanical testing equipment in a structured laboratory environment Proven hands-on experience testing a broad range of material classes: metals, polymers, composites, and ceramics Deep functional knowledge of mechanical testing standards (e.g., ASTM E8, D3039, D638, C1161) and specimen geometry requirements Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to safely handle high-load testing equipment and delicate sensors (extensometers, strain gauges) Excellent meticulousness regarding data entry, traceability, and documentation