Construction Materials Testing Technicians | Levels I–IV

Universal Engineering Sciences • Pineville, NC

21d

About The Position

Universal Engineering Sciences (UES) is hiring Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Technicians at levels I through IV. Opportunities are available for entry-level candidates and experienced, certified technicians, with placement and compensation based on qualifications, certifications, experience, and branch requirements. Technicians work at active construction sites on projects such as roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, commercial developments, and other infrastructure. Training and opportunities to earn industry certifications may be available, particularly for entry-level candidates.

The role involves field testing and inspection of construction materials, documenting results, supporting quality assurance and quality control, and working with contractors, engineers, project managers, and construction teams. Depending on level and qualifications, technicians may take on more complex assignments, provide technical guidance, mentor junior technicians, and contribute field leadership and quality oversight. The position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% of the time, and work in outdoor and operational environments.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable or clean driving record.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and on active construction sites, performing hands-on fieldwork.
• Strong attention to detail, ability to follow safety procedures, and ability to accurately document work and complete field-testing paperwork.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, documents, and technical specifications.
• Ability to perform general civil engineering calculations and detailed figures.
• Knowledge of construction materials testing methods, ASTM standards, and soil classifications.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment; the description specifies lifting up to 50 lbs in the qualifications and regular lifting up to 40 lbs, frequent lifting up to 60 lbs, and occasional movement of items over 100 lbs in the physical demands section.
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods, drive long distances, and perform repetitive bending, twisting, reaching, stooping, pulling, kneeling, lifting, carrying, and pushing.
• Ability to travel extensively, approximately up to 70% of the time.
• Relevant CMT or related field experience; the posting gives varying level guidelines, including 0–1 years for Technician I, 1–3 years for Technician II, 3+ years for Technician III, and 5+ years for Technician IV, while the qualifications section states 3 years of relevant field experience.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively in outdoor, noisy, and operational environments.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree or relevant technical training.
• Experience with construction materials testing, concrete testing and inspections, soil compaction and density testing, asphalt testing and inspections, or geotechnical field testing.
• ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician certification.
• Nuclear Density Gauge certification or authorization.
• ICC Special Inspector certifications.
• NICET certifications.
• State DOT testing certifications.
• Multiple relevant industry certifications, such as ACI, ICC, NICET, or DOT-related credentials, for higher-level roles.
• Advanced industry certifications, specialized testing or technical troubleshooting experience, and field leadership experience for Technician IV.
• Experience supporting complex or multiple construction projects and providing technical guidance or mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Perform field testing and inspections of concrete, soils, asphalt, aggregates, and other construction materials.
• Conduct soil compaction and density testing, concrete sampling, slump testing, air-content and temperature testing, and other materials testing procedures.
• Conduct density testing using nuclear gauges or sand cone methods.
• Observe construction activities and verify compliance with project specifications and applicable standards, including ASTM and AASHTO.
• Collect samples for laboratory testing and deliver them to the laboratory following chain-of-custody protocols.
• Document test results, prepare clear and concise daily field reports, and submit documentation in a timely manner.
• Communicate field findings and potential issues to project managers, engineers, contractors, and other project stakeholders.
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and properly use specialized field testing equipment in accordance with quality control standards.
• Support quality assurance and quality control activities.
• Comply with safety regulations and company safety protocols, including required PPE, and maintain a safe work environment on-site and in the lab.
• Maintain and inspect vehicles and follow applicable vehicle safety policies and procedures.
• Assist with complex inspections and provide technical guidance or mentorship to less experienced technicians as experience grows.
• Travel to job sites, field locations, or regional offices as required; travel may be scheduled or on short notice.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Training and certification support or opportunities, depending on position and location.
• Career development opportunities, including potential advancement into advanced technical, supervisory, or project management roles.
• Professional development and learning through work with experienced technicians, engineers, and project managers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED