Construction Materials Testing Technicians | Levels I–IV

About the role

At Universal Engineering Sciences (UES), a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection with over 4,000 team members, we're hiring Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Technicians at multiple experience levels — from entry-level through advanced. Technicians work on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and commercial development, performing field testing and inspections on active construction sites including roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and major infrastructure.

We offer four technician levels with placement based on experience, certifications, and branch needs:

• Technician I (Entry-Level & Career Changers) — 0–1 years experience, no certifications required. Ideal for construction laborers, concrete workers, tradespeople, recent graduates, or motivated candidates seeking hands-on training and certification opportunities.
• Technician II (Developing Field Professionals) — 1–3 years experience, ACI or Nuclear Gauge certifications preferred. For candidates with hands-on experience in concrete, soils, asphalt, or construction inspections who understand basic field testing and documentation.
• Technician III (Experienced & Certified Technicians) — 3+ years experience, multiple industry certifications required (ACI, ICC, NICET, DOT-related). Professionals who can independently perform testing, communicate results, support complex projects, and mentor junior technicians.
• Technician IV (Advanced Technical Professionals) — 5+ years experience, advanced certifications and leadership experience. For experts with extensive CMT experience, specialized testing skills, field leadership ability, and confidence communicating with contractors, engineers, and stakeholders.

Experience ranges are general guidelines; final level placement and compensation are based on qualifications, certifications, experience, and branch requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform field testing and inspections of concrete, soils, asphalt, aggregates, and other construction materials
• Conduct soil compaction testing, concrete sampling, slump testing, air content, temperature, and cylinder sampling
• Conduct density testing using nuclear gauges or sand cone methods
• Observe construction activities and verify compliance with project specifications and applicable standards (e.g., ASTM, AASHTO)
• Document test results, prepare clear and concise daily field reports, and submit documentation in a timely manner
• Collect samples for laboratory testing and deliver them following proper chain-of-custody protocols
• Communicate field findings and potential issues with project managers, engineers, and contractors
• Operate and maintain specialized field testing equipment; ensure equipment is calibrated and used properly per quality control standards
• Support quality assurance and quality control activities
• Assist with more complex inspections and mentor junior technicians as experience grows
• Comply with safety regulations and maintain a safe work environment on-site and in the lab
• Perform vehicle maintenance, inspection, and adhere to safety policies and procedures
• Other duties may be assigned

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate's degree or relevant technical training preferred
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and on active construction sites
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow safety procedures
• Ability to communicate professionally and document work accurately
• Willingness to work flexible hours based on project needs
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, work in outdoor conditions, and travel between job sites

Experience & Certifications (varies by level)

• Construction materials testing (CMT)
• Concrete testing and inspections
• Soil compaction and density testing
• Asphalt testing and inspections
• Geotechnical field testing
• ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician
• Nuclear Density Gauge certification or authorization
• ICC Special Inspector certifications
• NICET certifications
• State DOT testing certifications

Additional Competencies

• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, technical specifications, and construction documents
• Ability to perform general civil engineering calculations
• Ability to accurately complete field-testing paperwork and detailed figures
• Knowledge of construction materials testing methods, ASTM standards, and soil classifications
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the general public

Travel Requirements

This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Work is normally performed outside and includes exposure to weather conditions such as precipitation, extreme cold or heat, dusty and noisy work environments. Physical requirements include:

• Ability to lift and/or carry up to 40 lbs
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods as well as drive long distances
• Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, telephone
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, lift, carry, and push repetitively
• Ability to speak and hear effectively to communicate, sometimes in noisy environments
• Ability to see, smell, hear, and touch as well as reach, climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel, and sit
• Ability to regularly lift and/or move/shake up to 40 lbs (soil and/or concrete tests and related apparatus)
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 60 lbs (soil and sand samples, and nuclear density equipment)
• Occasionally move more than 100 lbs (such as a loaded wheelbarrow of concrete samples)

Benefits

• Career growth from entry-level technician into advanced technical, supervisory, or project management opportunities
• Training and certification support to earn industry credentials (ACI, ICC, NICET, DOT, etc.)
• Work on meaningful projects — roads, bridges, commercial developments, schools, and infrastructure serving local communities
• Learn from experienced technicians, engineers, and project managers
• Expand technical expertise through exposure to different materials, testing procedures, and project environments
• Team culture valuing safety, quality, collaboration, and getting the job done right