Concrete Lab Technician

UES, Inc.; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

UES, Inc. is seeking a Concrete Laboratory Technician in Memphis, TN. The role focuses on testing, documentation, and quality control of concrete and related construction materials to support project success and safety.

The ideal candidate has hands-on concrete testing experience, is familiar with ACI standards, and can obtain required certifications quickly if not already held.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or technical coursework in engineering, geology, construction science, or a related field preferred.
• 0-3 years of experience in construction materials testing, geotechnical laboratory work, or a related field (prior laboratory experience preferred but not required).
• Commitment to workplace safety, following OSHA, company, and laboratory safety protocols, including PPE.
• Ability to read, write, and interpret procedures, manuals, technical documents, and reports related to construction materials testing and laboratory protocols.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing of concrete and related construction materials in accordance with ASTM, AASHTO, ACI, and project requirements
• Receive, identify, prepare, cure, and test concrete specimens
• Perform compressive strength testing and other required concrete laboratory testing
• Accurately document test results and maintain laboratory records
• Identify unusual results or testing issues and communicate them to appropriate team members
• Operate, calibrate, clean, and maintain laboratory testing equipment
• Maintain an organized, safe, and efficient laboratory environment
• Follow established quality-control and quality-assurance procedures
• Coordinate with field technicians and project teams regarding incoming samples and testing requirements
• Assist with additional construction materials testing as needed

Skills

Concrete testing

Documentation

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or technical coursework in engineering or related field

Tools

ACI certifications

Field Data Collection software

Microsoft Office

Job description

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

Build your career where quality starts.

UES is looking for a Concrete Laboratory Technician to join our team. This is a great opportunity for someone with hands‑on concrete testing experience who understands that accurate laboratory work directly impacts the quality and safety of the projects we support.

We would strongly prefer someone with previous concrete laboratory or construction materials testing experience and relevant ACI certification(s). However, we are also open to candidates with solid concrete experience who have the ability and motivation to obtain the required certifications quickly.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you’ll be responsible for the testing, documentation, and quality control of concrete and related construction materials. You’ll work closely with our laboratory, field, and project teams to ensure testing is completed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable standards and project requirements.

Why This Role Matters

Our laboratory isn’t just testing samples. The results produced here help engineers, contractors, and clients make decisions about the quality and performance of the materials going into their projects.

We’re looking for someone who takes pride in getting those results right. If you already have concrete testing experience and ACI certifications, we’d especially like to hear from you. If you have the right hands‑on background but still need to obtain a certification, don’t let that stop you from applying.

Join UES and bring your concrete experience to a team where accuracy, safety, and quality matter every day.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing of concrete and related construction materials in accordance with ASTM, AASHTO, ACI, and project requirements
• Receive, identify, prepare, cure, and test concrete specimens
• Perform compressive strength testing and other required concrete laboratory testing
• Accurately document test results and maintain laboratory records
• Identify unusual results or testing issues and communicate them to appropriate team members
• Operate, calibrate, clean, and maintain laboratory testing equipment
• Maintain an organized, safe, and efficient laboratory environment
• Follow established quality‑control and quality‑assurance procedures
• Coordinate with field technicians and project teams regarding incoming samples and testing requirements
• Assist with additional construction materials testing as needed

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or technical coursework in engineering, geology, construction science, or a related field preferred.
• 0-3 years of experience in construction materials testing, geotechnical laboratory work, or a related field (prior laboratory experience preferred but not required).
• Commitment to workplace safety, following OSHA, company, and laboratory safety protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Basic computer proficiency, with experience in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and Field Data Collection (FDC) software preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and interpret procedures, manuals, technical documents, and reports related to construction materials testing and laboratory protocols.
• Mathematical skills sufficient to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with colleagues, supervisors, field personnel, and clients to carry out instructions and report findings.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Detail‑oriented and quality‑focused, ensuring accuracy in sample preparation, testing procedures, and data documentation.
• Ability to work independently within the limitations of experience, using initiative to solve routine lab challenges.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time and perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting and moving materials or equipment.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record; ability to travel to job sites as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a concrete laboratory, CMT laboratory, concrete production, inspection, or related construction materials environment
• Working knowledge of concrete testing procedures and applicable ASTM/ACI standards
• Current ACI certifications are strongly preferred, particularly:
  • ACI Concrete Field
  • ACI Aggregate
  • ACI Aggregate Base
  • ACI Concrete Strength
• Candidates who do not currently hold all required certifications should have relevant hands‑on experience and be willing and able to obtain them quickly
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to accurately perform testing, document results, and maintain laboratory records
• Ability to follow standardized testing procedures, specifications, and quality‑control requirements
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating with field technicians, project managers, and other laboratory staff
• Strong commitment to safety, accuracy, and quality
• Ability to safely lift and handle concrete specimens and perform the physical requirements of a laboratory position

Travel Requirements

This position does not require regular travel as part of its primary responsibilities. However, occasional travel may be required, up to 10%, primarily for occasional off‑site meetings, training sessions, or company events. Travel, when necessary, will be communicated in advance and aligned with business needs.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Work is sometimes conducted in a laboratory setting, but may also involve fieldwork and exposure to outdoor conditions, including:

• Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
• Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
• Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.

Physical requirements include:

• Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, handling samples, operating lab instruments, and performing testing procedures.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
• Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) and smell.

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.