Materials Testing Technician

Materials Testing Technician

On Line Design, Inc. is looking for a part-time Materials Testing Technician to run mechanical property tests on Instron universal testing machines in Cincinnati, Ohio. In this role, you will prepare specimens, run tensile, compression, flexural, and peel tests to industry standards, and produce accurate, traceable data for product development, quality control, and customer certification. Hours are flexible, making this a good fit for students, semi-retired professionals, or anyone seeking a reduced schedule.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate Instron universal testing systems (electromechanical and/or servohydraulic) for tensile, compression, flexural, shear, peel, and cyclic tests.
• Select and install the correct load cells, grips, fixtures, and extensometers for each test method and material.
• Create, modify, and run test methods in Instron Bluehill (or equivalent) software, and verify parameters match the governing standard or customer specification.
• Prepare and condition specimens per standards such as ASTM E8/E8M, ASTM D638, ASTM D790, ISO 527, and ISO 6892, including cutting, machining, and dimensional measurement with calipers and micrometers.
• Record, review, and report results such as yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, modulus, and elongation, and flag out-of-specification results to engineering.
• Perform verification checks, routine cleaning, and basic preventive maintenance on test equipment, and coordinate annual calibration with service providers.
• Maintain accurate test records, sample logs, and chain-of-custody documentation under the lab's quality system (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025 or ISO 9001).
• Follow all lab safety procedures, including proper guarding, PPE, and safe handling of high-load and fracture testing.
• Hand off work-in-progress clearly between shifts, since flexible scheduling means tests may span multiple technicians.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1–3 years of experience in a mechanical testing, materials, or quality lab.
• Hands-on experience operating universal testing machines, preferably Instron.
• Proficiency with precision measuring tools and basic computer skills (Excel, data entry).
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow written procedures exactly.
• Ability to work independently.

Preferred

• Associate's degree or technical certificate in materials science, engineering technology, or a related field.
• Experience with Instron Bluehill software and test method creation.
• Working knowledge of ASTM and ISO mechanical testing standards.
• Familiarity with environmental chambers, video or clip-on extensometers, or fatigue testing.

Schedule and Working Conditions

• Part-time, approximately 15-30 hours per week, with flexible start and end times set with the Lab Supervisor.
• Hours may flex up or down with testing volume; additional hours may be available during peak periods.
• Laboratory and light manufacturing environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Required PPE includes safety glasses and safety-toe shoes; hearing protection may be needed in some areas.

On Line Design, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.