CEI Inspectors

S&ME; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Plans

Wellness Program

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Holidays and PTO

Paid Holidays & PTO

Job summary

A regional engineering consulting firm is seeking a Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) Inspector in North Carolina. The Inspector will oversee contractor activities and ensure project compliance with safety and quality standards. This full-time role requires a high school diploma or GED, relevant experience, and active NCDOT certifications. Candidates will be rewarded with a comprehensive benefits package, including health plans, paid time off, and an employee stock ownership plan.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior experience in highway construction or inspection.
• Active NCDOT certifications such as QMS Roadway, Conventional Density, and more.
• Technical degree may substitute for experience.
• Active NCDOT certifications such as QMS Roadway, Density, Concrete Field Technician, Erosion Control II, Nuclear Gauge.

Responsibilities

• Oversee construction activities and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Inspect erosion control measures and perform material testing.
• Prepare detailed inspection reports and manage project timelines.
• Conduct calculations and maintain material records to meet timelines.
• Attend progress and safety meetings with contractors, engineers and stakeholders.
• Perform DBE/EEO compliance surveys to verify inclusivity and workforce standards.

Skills

High school diploma or GED

Prior experience in highway construction or inspection

Strong English communication skills

Solid math skills

Team collaboration

Education

Technical degree in Civil Engineering Technology or Surveying Technology

Technical degree in Civil Engineering Technology or Surveying Technology (substitute for experience)

Tools

Active NCDOT certifications

Environmental compliance knowledge

Job description

Requisition Number: 2026-2701-01

S&ME is looking for Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) Inspectors to support our Transportation group across North Carolina, including Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, Wilmington, and nearby regions. In this role, you'll help ensure that vital infrastructure projects—such as highways, bridges, greenways, airports, ports, and rail systems—are built to meet safety, quality, and regulatory benchmarks. Your knowledge and attention to detail will safeguard compliance and uphold excellence throughout the construction process.

Your Day-to-Day

As a CEI Inspector, you'll play a critical role in overseeing contractor activities and ensuring successful project completion. In this mid-level or lead technician role, you may make key technical decisions, and work independently on medium-sized projects or as part of a team on larger projects.

• Oversee construction activities, such as earthmoving, paving, bridge construction, and traffic control, to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, and safety standards.
• Inspect erosion control measures and environmental compliance while performing material sampling and quality testing.
• Prepare detailed daily inspection reports, document contractor performance, and process payment records.
• Conduct calculations, maintain records of material quantities, and ensure project timelines are met.
• Attend progress and safety meetings, working closely with contractors, engineers, and stakeholders to resolve project challenges.
• Perform DBE/EEO compliance surveys to verify adherence to inclusivity and workforce standards.

CEI Inspectors may encounter a variety of challenging work environments, including exposure to outdoor conditions, highway traffic, uneven terrain, and construction hazards involving heavy machinery. This role may also require extended hours, including weekends and holidays. You must be capable of lifting and carrying 40-50lbs, maneuver field equipment safely, including loaded wheelbarrows, on uneven ground and around active construction sites.

Compensation is based on experience, with additional bonuses for holding relevant certifications.

What You Bring

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior experience in highway construction or inspection.
• A technical degree in Civil Engineering Technology or Surveying Technology may substitute for one year of experience.
• Active NCDOT certifications such as QMS Roadway, Conventional Density, Concrete Field Technician, Erosion Control Level II, and/or Nuclear Gauge.
• Strong English communication skills (oral and written).
• Solid math skills with knowledge of weight, volume, pressure, and measurement units.
• Flexibility to work variable schedules and willingness to travel as needed.

Working Conditions

This is a physically demanding, outdoor role requiring the use of company-issued PPE. Inspectors will work in all weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, stand for extended periods (up to 12 hours), and lift/carry 40-50 lbs. of materials and equipment. The position involves exposure to highway traffic, heavy machinery, and active construction sites, with potential for long hours, weekends, and holidays.

We Are S&ME

At S&ME, we're committed to your growth, professionally and personally. With over 50 years of experience delivering innovative solutions in geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction materials engineering, we've built a strong foundation for long-term careers. Our team of 1,000+ employee-owners across 10+ states works together to create meaningful impact for our clients and communities. When you join S&ME, you become part of a collaborative, honest, and people-focused culture that invests in your success. We offer exciting project opportunities, ongoing training, and a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family. This is more than a job; it's a place to grow, thrive, and build a future.

Here's what you can look forward to

• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans with HSA and FSA options - with no medical premium increase in 2026
• Wellness Program - $50 off per month on your 2027 premiums!
• Pet Insurance
• Term Life & Long-Term Care Coverage - available Spring 2026
• 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with a 5% company contribution
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) - with rollover options
• Paid Maternity & Paternity Leave

If you are seeking a challenging and rewarding career with a firm committed to our employees and providing quality service to our clients, join our team!

This full-time role offers competitive pay based on experience. Candidates must comply with our Fleet Management, Substance Policy, and Reference Check requirements. Only candidates with valid employment eligibility (I-9) will be considered. Visa assistance is not available. S&ME reserves the right to hire internally or externally at any time. No candidate/recruiter calls, personal calls, or walk-ins are accepted.