Construction Materials Testing- Engineer

Element Materials Technology; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 38,572 - 45,460; Full time

Job summary

Element Materials Technology in Saint Paul, Minnesota is seeking a Construction Materials Testing Engineer to provide essential testing and inspection services for various projects. The role involves ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards while conducting tests on materials like soil and concrete.

Candidates should possess a High School Diploma and ideally have 2+ years of experience in the construction industry. The position requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in basic Microsoft applications.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 2+ years in the construction industry is preferred.
• Current industry certifications for materials testing are required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with safety rules and procedures.
• Perform testing and inspection of materials in the field and laboratory.
• Communicate with clients and document on-site test results.

Skills

Safety focus and attention to detail

Ability to read and interpret documents

Strong communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel)

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

2+ years in construction or related field

Tools

ACI Concrete Field Testing Certification – Grade 1

Valid Driver's License

Job description

Overview

The primary function of the Construction Materials Testing‑Engineer is to provide construction representative testing and inspection services on various land development, roadway, and construction building projects. Work schedule may be variable including nights and weekends depending on contractor's schedules. This position may also require extended periods away from Element’s St. Paul office in accordance with project location and schedule.

Salary: $28- $33/hr DOE.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with safety rules, company policies and procedures, as well as state and federal laws.
• Ensure that all testing equipment, work vehicles, and tools are properly calibrated and maintained.
• Set up, conduct and analyze standard field and laboratory tests following prescribed procedures.
• Perform testing and inspection of soil/aggregates, concrete, masonry, rebar, and bituminous pavement in the field and laboratory.
• Concrete tests may include air content, slump, temperature, casting of concrete cylinders, de‑molding, and compression strength testing.
• Soil/aggregate testing may include mechanical analysis, Proctor, moisture content, Atterberg Limit, soil nuclear density testing, and sand cone testing.
• Bituminous pavement testing may include nuclear density testing to establish a rolling pattern or verify field density, testing bituminous cores for thickness and density, tests for oil content (extraction) and gradation, Marshall and Gyratory density, and air voids.
• Other job functions include performing excavation observations, documenting exposed soil conditions that are suitable for planned construction, and proof‑roll testing for suitability of street subgrade/aggregate base prior to pavement placement.
• Solve technical problems using application of standard techniques.
• Assist in documenting on‑site test results; examine and analyze test results and explain unusual findings.
• Prepare test reports for review by senior staff members.
• Communicate with clients, technicians, and project managers on a professional level to ensure a high degree of customer satisfaction.
• Mentor and lead junior staff members for the completion of laboratory and field activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills / Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• Safety focus and attention to detail.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 2+ years in construction industry or two years technical/trade or college student working toward civil engineering or construction management degree or related field preferred.
• Current industry certifications for materials testing and/or construction.
• Related work experience in materials testing or construction helpful, however, not required.

Language Skills

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, construction plans, operating and maintenance instructions, customer testing specifications, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts and apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions, data and details furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid Driver's License, clean driving record and ability to pass a drug test.
• ACI Concrete Field Testing Certification – Grade 1
• Current industry certifications for materials testing or construction testing required or to be obtained within 9 months of employment: MNDOT Aggregate Production, MNDOT Grading and Base Level 1, MNDOT Bituminous Street Level 1. Additional MnDOT
• Certifications preferred, however, not required.
• ICC Certifications preferred, however, not required.
• NICET Certifications preferred, however, not required.

Physical Demands

• Frequency of required physical force: Occasional (moderate).
• Lifting requirements: lifting <50 lbs. often and > 50 lbs. sporadically.
• Ability to stand on feet for long periods of time.
• Work is primarily performed outdoors and may include walking on uneven terrain. Ability to work in all weather types and conditions.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Ability to operate a company vehicle within company policy. A valid driver's license and safe driving record is required.
• Knowledge of construction techniques, testing and construction management preferred.
• Ability to document completed jobs including notes on client contacts, actions in the field, subsequent laboratory test with dates and times noted for review purposes.
• Ability to maintain a tactful attitude and maintain good relationships with project engineers, owners, and contractors.
• Ability to talk knowledgeably to project engineers and/or contractors about the jobs as required regarding concerning work progress and necessary recommendations.
• Ability to convey thoughts accurately and fluently orally and in writing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel).
• Understanding of nuclear density gauge radiation safety.
• Availability, flexibility, and maturity to represent the company at a broad range of events in the community, with customers and within the company.
• The successful candidate will be encouraged to expand their skills and certifications through company provided training and mentoring.
• Work under the direction of senior engineering assistants or staff professionals and project managers.

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our vision of becoming the world’s most trusted testing partner. All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity, within the bounds of applicable governing laws.