Construction Materials Testing Technician - Levels I-IV

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

Your Experience. Your Skills. Your Next Opportunity.

New to construction materials testing? Already experienced in the field? We have opportunities for both!

At Universal Engineering Sciences (UES), we're looking for motivated individuals at all experience levels to join our growing Construction Materials Testing (CMT) teams.

Whether you're looking to break into the construction industry, bring hands-on experience from the trades, or take the next step as a certified technician, we want to hear from you.

Our technicians work on projects that shape the communities around us — from roads and bridges to schools, hospitals, commercial developments, and major infrastructure.

No CMT experience? We'll help you build your skills.

Already certified? Let's put your experience to work.

With opportunities ranging from Technician I through Technician IV, we'll work to match your experience, certifications, and career goals with the right opportunity.

Find Your Fit — We're Hiring at Multiple Levels!

Not sure which level you qualify for? Here's a general guide to help you identify where your experience fits.

Technician I | Entry-Level & Career Changers

Experience: 0–1 years | No industry certifications required

Ready to learn a skilled trade and build a career with long-term growth potential?

This level is ideal for:

• Individuals with little or no construction materials testing experience

• Construction laborers, concrete workers, and tradespeople looking to develop specialized skills

• Recent graduates or individuals interested in construction, engineering, or infrastructure

• Motivated candidates who enjoy hands-on work and learning new skills

What to expect: Hands-on training, exposure to field testing procedures, and opportunities to earn industry certifications while developing your technical skills.

Technician II | Developing Field Professionals

Experience: 1–3 years | ACI or Nuclear Gauge certifications preferred

Have some experience in construction, inspections, or materials testing? Ready for more independence and responsibility?

This level is ideal for candidates who:

• Have hands-on experience with concrete, soils, asphalt, or construction inspections

• Understand basic field testing procedures and documentation

• Hold or are working toward industry certifications

• Are comfortable working independently with appropriate supervision and support

What to expect: Greater field responsibility, expanded technical skills, and opportunities to earn additional certifications.

Technician III | Experienced & Certified Technicians

Experience: 3+ years | Multiple industry certifications required

You've developed your technical skills, gained field experience, and know what it takes to deliver quality results.

We're looking for professionals who:

• Have strong experience in construction materials testing and inspections

• Hold multiple relevant certifications such as ACI, ICC, NICET, or DOT-related credentials

• Can independently perform testing and communicate results

• Have experience supporting complex or multiple construction projects

• Can provide technical guidance to less experienced technicians

What to expect: More complex assignments, opportunities to mentor others, and continued professional development.

Technician IV | Advanced Technical Professionals

Experience: 5+ years | Advanced certifications and leadership experience

Ready to take your technical expertise to the next level?

This level is designed for experienced professionals who:

• Bring extensive CMT and construction inspection experience

• Hold advanced industry certifications relevant to their discipline

• Have experience with complex projects, specialized testing, or technical troubleshooting

• Can provide field leadership, guidance, and quality oversight

• Are confident communicating with contractors, engineers, and project stakeholders

What to expect: Advanced technical responsibilities, challenging projects, and opportunities to influence field quality and mentor developing technicians.

Experience ranges are general guidelines. Final level placement and compensation will be based on qualifications, certifications, experience, and branch requirements.

What You'll Be Doing

As a CMT Technician, you won't be stuck behind a desk. You'll be out in the field, working on active construction sites and helping ensure projects are built to the required standards.

Depending on your experience and certifications, your responsibilities may include:

• Performing field testing and inspections of concrete, soils, asphalt, aggregates, and other construction materials

• Conducting soil compaction testing, concrete sampling, slump testing, and other materials testing procedures

• Observing construction activities and verifying compliance with project specifications

• Documenting test results, preparing field reports, and communicating findings

• Working alongside contractors, engineers, project managers, and construction teams

• Operating and maintaining specialized field testing equipment

• Supporting quality assurance and quality control activities

• Assisting with more complex inspections and mentoring junior technicians as your experience grows

Every project is different, and every day brings an opportunity to learn something new.

What We're Looking For

We value a strong work ethic, reliability, and a willingness to learn just as much as technical experience.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions

• Comfortable working on active construction sites and performing hands-on fieldwork

• 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

Experience & Certifications

Depending on the level, relevant experience or certifications may include:

• 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

Don't have these certifications yet? Entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply. Training and certification opportunities may be available based on the position and location.

Why Build Your Career with UES?

At UES, we believe great careers are built through experience, opportunity, and continued learning.

When you join our team, you'll have the opportunity to:

Grow Your Career: Develop from an entry-level technician into advanced technical, supervisory, or project management opportunities.

Earn Industry Certifications: Expand your qualifications through training and certification support.

Work on Meaningful Projects: Contribute to roads, bridges, commercial developments, schools, and infrastructure that serve your community.

Learn from Experienced Professionals: Work alongside knowledgeable technicians, engineers, and project managers.

Expand Your Technical Expertise: Gain exposure to different materials, testing procedures, and project environments.

Be Part of a Team: Join professionals who value safety, quality, collaboration, and getting the job done right.

One Opportunity. Multiple Career Paths.

Maybe you're a construction worker looking for something more specialized.

Maybe you're starting your career and want to learn a valuable technical skill.

Or maybe you're an experienced CMT Technician ready for better opportunities, new challenges, and continued professional growth.

Whatever stage you're at, there's an opportunity to build on your experience at UES.

Ready to Build What's Next?

Apply today!

Tell us about your experience, skills, and certifications. Our recruiting team will help determine which technician level may be the best fit for your background.

From your first day in the field to your next career milestone, build what's next with UES.

Responsibilities

• Perform field testing on construction materials including soil compaction, concrete slump, air content, temperature, and cylinder sampling.
• Conduct density testing using nuclear gauges or sand cone methods.
• Observe and document field activities in accordance with project specifications and applicable standards (e.g., ASTM, AASHTO).
• Collect samples for laboratory testing and deliver them to the laboratory following proper chain-of?custody protocols.
• Prepare clear and concise daily field reports and submit documentation in a timely manner.
• Communicate field findings and potential issues with project managers, engineers, and contractors.
• Ensure equipment is calibrated, maintained, and used properly in accordance with quality control standards.
• Comply with safety regulations and maintain a safe work environment on-site and in the lab.
• Vehicle maintenance, inspection, and adherence to safety policies and procedures
• Other duties may be assigned

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree or relevant technical training preferred.

3 years of relevant field experience in construction materials testing or related discipline.

Ability to read and interpret construction plans and technical specifications.

Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).

Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, work in outdoor conditions, and travel between job sites.

Ability to read and interpret construction documents and 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 groups of 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

#LI-LS1

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work normally performed outside includes exposure to weather conditions such as precipitation, extreme cold or heat, dusty and noisy work environments.
• The physical requirements for this position may include and are not limited to:
  • Ability to lift and/or carry up to 40 lbs
  • Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time 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 with 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 40lbs. (soil and/or concrete tests and related apparatus); frequently lift and/or move up to 60lbs. (soil and sand samples, and nuclear density equipment); and occasionally move more than 100lbs. (such as a loaded wheelbarrow of concrete samples)

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here