Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Project Manager

smeinc; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision plans with H$

ESOP with 5% company contribution

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Holidays & PTO

Tuition Reimbursement

Company Vehicle with Fuel Card

Referral Bonuses

Job summary

S&ME's Chattanooga, Tennessee office seeks a Construction Materials Testing Project Manager to lead CMT and geotechnical projects, serving as primary client contact. You will coordinate field, laboratory, and technical teams, ensuring project scope, schedule, and budget are met.

You will oversee project finance, client communications, and deliverables while mentoring staff and supporting growth in the Chattanooga market with adherence to ASTM standards and safety practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil/geotechnical related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3 years managing CMT, SI, or geotechnical projects.
• Professional registrations (EIT/PE, ACI, ICC, NICET, AWS) preferred.
• Experience with budgets, schedules, client communications, and deliverables.
• Strong understanding of ASTM standards and QA practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable record.

Responsibilities

• Lead CMT and geotechnical projects from proposal to completion.
• Develop scopes, proposals, work plans, and schedules with kickoff coordination.
• Review documents to ensure accuracy, quality, and ASTM compliance.
• Oversee project financial performance including budgeting and invoicing.
• Mentor engineers, technicians, and inspectors and support growth in the Chattanooga market.

Skills

Project management

Client management

Leadership

Communication

Budgeting & scheduling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geology, Construction Management, or related discipline

Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) certification

American Concrete Institute (ACI) certification

International Code Council (ICC) certification

National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)

American Welding Society (AWS) certification

Job description

Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Project Manager

Requisition Number: 2026-1810-13

Are you a Project Manager seeking a challenging opportunity to grow your career with a firm committed to our employees and providing high-quality service to our clients? S&ME is looking for an experienced Project Manager to join our growing Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Department in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This position offers an exciting opportunity to manage technically challenging projects while helping expand our presence throughout Southeast Tennessee.

Sign-on bonuses may be available for exceptionally qualified candidates.

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?

• 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 fuels 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:

As a Project Manager, you will provide leadership for construction materials testing and geotechnical consulting projects while serving as the primary point of contact for clients, contractors, and internal project teams.

• Project Leadership & Execution: Manage multiple construction materials testing (CMT) and geotechnical consulting projects from proposal through completion, ensuring successful delivery of scope, schedule, budget, and client expectations.
• Project Planning & Coordination: Develop project scopes, fee proposals, work plans, and schedules while leading kickoff meetings and coordinating field, laboratory, and technical teams.
• Technical Oversight & Quality Assurance: Review construction documents, specifications, geotechnical reports, testing requirements, and technical deliverables to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance with ASTM standards and project specifications.
• Financial & Client Management: Oversee project financial performance, including budgeting, invoicing, profitability, and accounts receivable, while building strong client relationships and identifying opportunities for additional services.
• Team Development & Strategic Growth: Mentor engineers, technicians, and inspectors, champion a culture of safety and continuous improvement, and collaborate with leadership to support growth initiatives throughout the Chattanooga market.

About You:

• You have a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, Construction Management, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of industry experience and professional certifications
• You have a minimum of three (3) years of experience managing or coordinating Construction Materials Testing, Special Inspections, or Geotechnical Consulting projects
• Desired industry registrations or certifications, such as:
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) registration
  • American Concrete Institute (ACI)
  • International Code Council (ICC)
  • National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)
  • American Welding Society (AWS)
• You have experience managing project budgets, schedules, client communications, and technical deliverables
• You have a strong understanding of ASTM standards and construction quality assurance practices
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills
• You have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record

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

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!

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.