Construction Materials Testing Engineer (P.E.)

UES, Inc.; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

UES, Inc. seeks a Construction Materials Testing Engineer with an active PE-licensing trajectory to lead CMT projects. You will oversee field and laboratory teams, interpret test results, and ensure adherence to specs and standards.

You will collaborate with clients, contractors, and project managers, review documentation, and support QA/QC while guiding junior staff and coordinating field activities.

Qualifications

• BS degree in engineering or materials science.
• 2+ years in construction materials testing or related fields.
• EIT required; PE license preferred or able to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering oversight for CMT projects and field/lab teams.
• Review plans, specs, and testing requirements for projects.
• Interpret test results and evaluate compliance with standards.
• Prepare technical reports, letters, and project documentation.
• Mentor technicians and coordinate field testing with teams.
• Assist with project planning, budgets, and schedules.

Skills

Construction materials testing

Geotechnical engineering

Quality control

Data analysis

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or related field

EIT certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Data analysis tools

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

UES is seeking a Construction Materials Testing Engineer with an active Professional Engineer (PE) license to support our Construction Materials Testing (CMT) team.

This position is ideal for an engineer with hands‑on experience in construction materials testing, inspection, and engineering who is ready to take ownership of projects while serving as a technical resource for field and laboratory teams.

The CMT Engineer will provide engineering oversight for construction materials testing and inspection projects involving soils, concrete, asphalt, masonry, reinforcing steel, and other construction materials. This individual will work closely with clients, contractors, project managers, technicians, laboratories, and other engineering professionals to ensure work is completed in accordance with project specifications, applicable codes, industry standards, and quality requirements.

The role combines technical engineering, project management, client communication, report review, and support of field and laboratory operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering and technical oversight for construction materials testing and inspection projects.
• Manage and support CMT projects involving soils, concrete, asphalt, masonry, reinforcing steel, and other construction materials.
• Review project plans, specifications, drawings, and applicable testing requirements.
• Review and interpret field and laboratory test results to evaluate compliance with project specifications and applicable standards.
• Review field reports, laboratory reports, engineering documentation, and technical findings for accuracy and completeness.
• Provide engineering evaluation and recommendations when test results or field conditions do not meet project requirements.
• Prepare, review, and approve technical reports, engineering letters, proposals, and project documentation.
• Provide technical guidance to field technicians, inspectors, laboratory personnel, and junior engineering staff.
• Coordinate field testing and inspection activities with contractors, clients, project teams, and internal staff.
• Communicate testing results, non‑conforming conditions, and technical recommendations to clients and project stakeholders.
• Assist with project planning, scheduling, staffing, scope development, budgets, and overall project execution.
• Monitor project budgets, schedules, and deliverables to help ensure successful project completion.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, and other project stakeholders.
• Support quality assurance and quality control procedures for CMT field and laboratory operations.
• Ensure work is performed in accordance with applicable ASTM, ACI, ICC, DOT, project‑specific, and other relevant standards and requirements.
• Support the development and mentoring of technicians and junior engineering staff.
• Participate in business development activities, proposal preparation, and client relationship management as appropriate.
• Perform occasional site visits to observe construction activities, evaluate field conditions, and provide engineering support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in construction materials testing, geotechnical engineering, or quality control.
• Engineer‑in‑Training (EIT) certification required; Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or ability to obtain.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with data analysis and reporting tools.
• Strong communication, analytical, and technical writing skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in office, lab, and field environments.
• Ability to determine how materials will be used in a wide variety of conditions.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record and ability to travel to job sites as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer license in Tennessee or ability to obtain reciprocity within an established timeframe.
• 5+ years of experience in construction materials testing, inspection, geotechnical engineering, or related consulting.
• Experience managing CMT projects from proposal through project completion.
• Experience reviewing and/or signing and sealing engineering reports and technical documents.
• Familiarity with concrete, soils, asphalt, masonry, reinforcing steel, and structural inspection practices.
• ACI, ICC, NICET, DOT, or other applicable construction materials testing/inspection certifications.
• Experience providing technical oversight and mentoring field technicians or junior staff.
• Experience developing project scopes, proposals, budgets, and schedules.
• Existing client relationships or experience supporting business development within the engineering/construction industry.

Travel Requirements

This position requires moderate travel, approximately up to 40% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on‑site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This position operates in a hybrid work environment, requiring flexibility to work effectively from both a laboratory and field work setting.
• Professional Office
  • This position primarily operates in a professional office environment, requiring the ability to work at a desk for extended periods while using a computer, phone, and standard office equipment.
  • The position involves sitting for extended periods, performing data entry, and engaging in frequent communication via email, phone, and in‑person interactions.
  • The role involves regular communication with team members, clients, and stakeholders, both in person and through virtual platforms.
  • The physical demands of the job may include occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting of office materials up to 15 pounds.
• Laboratory Environment
  • Regular exposure to moderate to loud noise levels from laboratory equipment, ventilation systems, and instrumentation.
  • Routine handling of chemicals, biological samples, and lab equipment, requiring adherence to strict safety protocols.
  • Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, safety goggles, and respiratory protection.
  • Possible exposure to chemical odors, dust, or temperature fluctuations within the lab environment.
• Field Environment
  • Work at outdoor sites including wetlands, forests, grasslands, construction zones, and undeveloped land.
  • Travel on foot across uneven, rugged, or obtrusive terrain, sometimes in areas inaccessible by vehicle.
  • Exposure to varying weather conditions including heat, cold, humidity, rain, or sun.
  • Possible presence of insects, animals, or natural and man‑made hazards in field environments.
• Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift and carry between 35–75 lbs. of equipment or samples over distances up to 75 feet.
  • Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate lab and field equipment for extended periods.
  • Frequent use of hands and arms for sampling, operating tools/instruments, data entry, and testing procedures.
  • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, kneel, climb, and balance as needed during both lab and fieldwork.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats in varied environments, often while wearing PPE.
  • Ability to use sensory capabilities to see (including close and distant vision, color perception, depth perception, and focus) and smell for observation and safety purposes.

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.