CEI Inspectors

S&ME Inc.; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Plans

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Tuition Reimbursement

$2,000 Employee Referral Bonuses

Job summary

S&ME Inc. is seeking Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) Inspectors in North Carolina. This role involves overseeing contractor activities to ensure adherence to safety, quality, and regulatory standards in infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate has a high school diploma, experience in highway construction, and relevant NCDOT certifications. The role requires flexibility to work outdoors and physically demanding tasks. Benefits include medical plans, 401(k), and various wellness programs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior experience in highway construction or inspection is essential.
• Technical degree may substitute for one year of experience.
• Active NCDOT certifications are advantageous.
• Strong English communication skills (oral and written) are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Oversee construction activities to ensure compliance with plans and safety standards.
• Inspect erosion control measures and perform quality testing.
• Prepare detailed daily inspection reports and document performance.
• Maintain records of material quantities and meet project timelines.
• Attend progress and safety meetings, collaborating with contractors.

Skills

English communication skills

Solid math skills

Prior experience in highway construction or inspection

Flexibility to work variable schedules

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical degree in Civil Engineering Technology or Surveying Technology

Tools

NCDOT certifications

Job description

CEI Inspectors

Requisition Number: 2026-2701-01

We are 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 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 40–50 lbs., 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.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans with HSA and FSA options—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.
• Mentorship & Career Development Programs.
• Credential Incentive Program—rewarded for advancing your skills.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Employee Recognition Program.
• Company Vehicle & Fuel Card—for project‑based roles.
• $2,000 Employee Referral Bonuses—and more.

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&M E reserves the right to hire internally or externally at any time. No candidate/recruiter calls, personal calls, or walk‑ins are accepted.