Construction Materials Laboratory Technicians - Entry-level to Experienced

smeinc; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Plans with HS

ESOP with 5% company contribution

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Holidays and PTO

Tuition Reimbursement

Company Vehicle with Fuel Card

$2,000 Referral Bonuses & More!

Job summary

S&ME is hiring Construction Materials Laboratory Technicians in Nashville, Tennessee, to support the KY Locke project in Paducah and work with soils, concrete, masonry, and asphalt testing. This full-time role offers varied projects and room for growth within a 50-year engineering and testing firm.

We value teamwork, accuracy, and safety. Expect field travel, documentation duties, and calibration of lab instruments as you contribute to project success and client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 0–5+ years of construction materials testing/inspections.
• Active certifications: ACI Field Testing Grade I; Strength Testing Technician; Laboratory Technician; ICC Special Inspector.

Responsibilities

• Test construction materials (soil, concrete, asphalt) and document results.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment.
• Travel with per diem to support KY Locke project in Paducah, KY.
• Collaborate with senior technicians to ensure quality and safety.

Skills

Math skills

Communication

Driver's license

Laboratory testing

Equipment operation

Education

High school diploma/GED

Job description

Construction Materials Laboratory Technicians - Entry-level to Experienced

Requisition Number: 2026-1470-18

Are you seeking an opportunity to start or grow your construction materials testing career with a firm committed to our employees and providing high-quality service to our clients? S&ME is looking for eager and hard-working full-time Laboratory Technicians, whether experienced or entry-level, to join our Construction Services team in Nashville, Tennessee, to support our KY Locke project in Paducah, KY.

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.

Why Work at S&ME?

• Employee Ownership: As a 100% employee-owned company, our ESOP gives you a personal stake in our success and the opportunity to build long-term wealth while helping shape our future.
• Career Growth: We invest in your success with mentorship, training, and leadership opportunities.
• Exciting Projects: Big or small, simple or complex, we do it all. Our projects are as diverse as they are exciting, so every day brings something new.
• Supportive Culture: Collaboration, respect, and positivity fuel our team environment.
• Flexibility: Work-life balance matters to us, helping you thrive inside and outside the office.
• Community Impact: Your work will directly improve the communities where we live, work, and play.

About The Role:

Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned pro, we offer the chance to work on a variety of projects, testing materials like soil, concrete, and asphalt to ensure quality and safety. As a Laboratory Technician specializing in Construction Materials, you will be essential in examining and evaluating materials like soil, concrete, masonry, and asphalt. Collaborating with seasoned technicians and experts, you will ensure precise and comprehensive documentation of test outcomes, maintain laboratory instruments, and assist with equipment calibrations. Your contribution will be crucial to the success of our projects by verifying that materials comply with the required standards.

• Testing and Documentation: Perform and record tests on various construction materials with accuracy and meticulousness. While working with experienced team members, you will also operate independently, ensuring that test results are logical, thorough, and prepared for review.
• Equipment Maintenance: Keep all laboratory equipment in excellent condition and ensure it is properly calibrated. Your role will be key in maintaining the lab's efficiency and the accuracy of our testing procedures.

This role does require traveling, with per diem, to support our KY Locke project in Paducah, KY.

About You:

• You have a high school diploma/GED
• You have 0-5+ years of experience in construction materials testing/inspections of soil, concrete, masonry, and/or asphalt materials
• You have effective math skills with a basic understanding of weight, volume, pressure, and units of measure
• You have effective communication skills (speaking, reading, and writing) using the English language
• You have "active" industry certifications, a plus:
  • American Concrete Institute (ACI): Field Testing Grade I; Strength Testing Technician; Laboratory Technician
  • International Code Council (ICC): Special Inspector (Reinforced Concrete, Masonry, Soils)
• You have a valid U.S. driver's license with an acceptable driving record
• You can safely operate a company-assigned vehicle, including trucks and SUVs
• You are willing to complete a background check, driving record check, and drug screen upon offer of employment

Compensation and technician level will be based on experience and industry certifications.

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 in the office/laboratory most of the time, with occasional fieldwork in varying weather conditions
• Walking on hard flooring/concrete and standing for potentially up to 12 hours a day
• Lifting and carrying 40-50 lbs. of field/laboratory samples and equipment
• Safely maneuvering lab tools and occasionally field equipment on active construction sites

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.