CEI Inspectors

smeinc; Greenville (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Plans with HS

ESOP with company contribution

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Holidays and PTO

Paid Maternity/Parental Leave

Employee Recognition Program

Credential Incentive Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Company Vehicle with Fuel Card

Referral Bonuses & More

Job summary

S&ME is seeking CEI Inspectors to join our Transportation team across North Carolina, including Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, Wilmington and surrounding areas. In this role you will oversee contractor activities and ensure safety, quality and regulatory compliance on highway projects.

As a mid-level or lead technician you may make technical decisions, perform field inspections, prepare daily reports, and support project delivery while traveling as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior highway construction or inspection experience desired.
• Technical degree 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 required.
• Strong English communication skills, both oral and written.
• Willingness to travel and work variable schedules.

Responsibilities

• Oversee construction activities to ensure plans, specs, and safety standards are met.
• Inspect erosion control and environmental compliance, and perform material sampling/testing.
• Prepare daily inspection reports and document contractor performance.
• Conduct calculations and maintain material quantity records to meet timelines.
• Attend progress and safety meetings with contractors, engineers, and stakeholders.
• Perform DBE/EEO compliance surveys.

Skills

English communication

Math skills

Willing to travel

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical degree in Civil Engineering Technology or Surveying Technology

Job description

CEI Inspectors

Requisition Number: 2026-2701-01

What if your next career move helped shape the roads, bridges, airports, and rail systems that keep North Carolina moving? S&ME is seeking Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) Inspectors to join our Transportation team across North Carolina, including Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, Wilmington, and surrounding areas. In this role, you'll help ensure construction activities meet stringent safety, quality, and regulatory requirements. Your work will contribute directly to the successful delivery of infrastructure that serves communities for generations.

At S&ME, we have a history of delivering innovative geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction material testing for over 50 years. Over the decades, we have grown into a trusted partner for clients across various industries, including transportation, energy, water, waste management, education, government, commercial, industrial, and more. Our commitment to technical excellence and integrity has established us as a leader in our field.

About The Role:

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.

About You:

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

You Are Willing and Able to:

Perform the physical demands of the position with the use of company-provided Personal Protective Equipment, such as:

• Working the majority of the time outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Walking over rough, uneven terrain and standing for potentially up to 12 hours a day
• Routinely lifting and carrying 40-50lbs (field/laboratory samples and equipment)
• Maneuvering field equipment safely, such as a loaded wheelbarrow, on uneven ground around active construction sites

The position involves exposure to highway traffic, heavy machinery, and active construction sites, with potential for long hours, weekends, and holidays.

Grow With Us:

At S&ME, your career growth matters. You'll receive professional training, work on exciting projects, and be part of a company that truly invests in its people. This is more than a job; it's a chance to build a long-term career in the engineering and construction industry. S&ME provides a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family, as well as career development resources. Come grow and thrive with us at S&ME!

• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans with HSA and FSA options
• 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/Parental Leave
• Employee Recognition Program
• Credential Incentive Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Vehicle with Fuel Card for Project-Based Work
• $2,000 Referral Bonuses & More!

Join us at S&ME!

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.