CMT Technician - BHM (Nuc)

Actalent; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan with matching

Paid holidays, vacation, PTO

Cell phone reimbursement

Job summary

Actalent in Birmingham, AL seeks a Construction Materials Testing Technician to perform field sampling, testing, and inspections in accordance with ASTM, DOT, ACI, AWS, and IBC standards. You will work with engineering staff on project execution, read plans, and document results.

This role blends outdoor fieldwork with lab testing, with travel to Southeast sites and occasional travel outside Alabama. Responsibilities include handling nuclear gauge equipment, maintaining safety, and contributing

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of construction materials testing experience.
• Must hold a nuclear gauge certification for CMT.
• Hands-on concrete and materials testing in field and lab.
• Ability to read construction plans and specs.
• Travel up to 50% (Southeast), including ~10% outside Alabama.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field operations involving sampling, testing, and inspections.
• Perform construction materials testing (CMT) for concrete and other materials.
• Assist engineering staff with project execution and management by applying an understanding of engineering practices.
• Read and interpret construction plans and specifications to plan and perform tests.
• Carry out laboratory analysis of construction materials following specified procedures.
• Document test procedures, results, and observations in clear, well-organized reports.
• Communicate findings and issues effectively to engineering staff and stakeholders.
• Travel to project sites, primarily within the Southeast region, up to 50% total travel.
• Perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 75 pounds.
• Maintain and operate nuclear gauge equipment safely.
• Follow all safety protocols during field and laboratory work.
• Organize and manage testing schedules, samples, and documentation.
• Support continuous improvement of testing practices and procedures by collaborating with staff.

Skills

CMT experience

Nuclear gauge cert

Concrete testing

Reading plans

Field sampling

Report writing

Communication skills

Travel availability

Safety compliance

Equipment operation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Two- or four-year science/engineering degree preferred

Equivalent civil/construction work history

Tools

Nuclear gauge equipment

Testing equipment

Laboratory instruments

Job description

Responsibilities

• Conduct field operations involving sampling, testing, special inspections, and observation of construction materials in accordance with ASTM, DOT, ACI, AWS, and IBC methods and standards.

• Perform construction materials testing (CMT) for concrete and other materials, ensuring results are accurate, timely, and compliant with applicable codes and specifications.

• Assist engineering staff with project execution and management by applying an understanding of engineering practices and construction methodologies.

• Read and interpret construction plans and specifications to plan and perform appropriate tests and inspections.

• Carry out laboratory analysis of construction materials following specified procedures, methods, and standards.

• Document test procedures, results, and observations in clear, well-organized reports using appropriate technology tools.

• Communicate findings and issues effectively to engineering staff and project stakeholders, both in writing and verbally.

• Travel to project sites, primarily within the Southeast region, to perform on-site testing and inspection activities, including up to 10% travel outside Alabama.

• Perform physically demanding tasks, including walking over uneven and difficult terrain, standing for extended periods, and lifting up to 75 pounds.

• Maintain and operate nuclear gauge equipment and other testing instruments safely and in accordance with regulatory and company procedures.

• Follow all safety protocols during field and laboratory work to protect personnel, equipment, and project sites.

• Organize and manage testing schedules, samples, and documentation to support efficient project delivery.

• Support continuous improvement of testing practices and procedures by collaborating with engineering and laboratory staff.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience in construction materials testing (CMT).

• Nuclear gauge certification for construction materials testing.

• Hands‑on experience with concrete testing and other materials testing in field and laboratory settings.

• Proficiency in reading and understanding construction plans and specifications.

• Ability to conduct field sampling, testing, special inspections, and observations following ASTM, DOT, ACI, AWS, and IBC standards.

• Strong physical capability to walk on uneven terrain, stand for long periods, and lift up to 75 pounds.

• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%, primarily within the Southeast, including approximately 10% travel outside Alabama.

• Strong written and oral communication skills to convey test results, observations, and recommendations.

• Proficiency in report writing, organization, and effective use of technology for documentation and communication.

• Demonstrated ability to obtain and maintain required certifications after training.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Preference for candidates with a two‑year or four‑year college degree in science, construction, or engineering.

• Equivalent work history in civil engineering or construction will be considered and may be prioritized.

• Current certifications such as DOT, ACI, AWS, or other relevant construction materials testing credentials are preferred.

• Experience working in testing laboratories and performing standardized materials tests is highly valued.

• Background in construction management, inspection, or civil engineering projects is advantageous.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when managing samples, data, and reports.

• Comfort with utilizing technology tools and software to support testing, reporting, and communication.

• Ability to successfully complete additional certification testing following professional training.

Work Environment

This role combines both outdoor fieldwork and indoor laboratory work. In the field, the technician works on active construction sites, performing sampling and construction materials testing on uneven and sometimes challenging terrain, often standing for extended periods and handling equipment weighing up to 75 pounds. Laboratory work involves testing and analyzing collected materials using established methods and standards in a controlled environment. The position requires up to 50% travel, primarily within the Southeast region, with about 10% of travel outside Alabama. The work setting emphasizes safety, professionalism, and collaboration with engineering and construction teams, and provides access to specialized testing technologies and equipment. The organization offers competitive compensation, 401(k) with matching, health and dental insurance, cell phone reimbursement, and paid holidays, vacation, and PTO, contributing to a supportive and attractive work environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Birmingham, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $25.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Birmingham,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.