Construction Materials Testing Technicians | Levels I–IV
UES, Inc.
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Job summary
UES, Inc. is hiring Construction Materials Testing technicians to perform field testing on soils, concrete, and aggregates across active construction sites.
Roles range from entry-level to advanced technicians, with opportunities to earn industry certifications and grow your field leadership. You will document results, coordinate with project teams, and help ensure projects meet specifications and safety standards.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required; technical training preferred.
- 3 years of field experience in construction materials testing or related discipline.
- Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specs.
Responsibilities
- Perform field testing on soils, concrete, asphalt, and aggregates.
- Observe and document field activities and maintain test reports.
- Coordinate with project managers, engineers, and contractors.
- Ensure equipment calibration and adherence to safety standards.
- Prepare daily field reports and maintain proper chain-of-custody.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
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.
New to construction materials testing? Already experienced in the field? We have opportunities for both!
At Universal Engineering Sciences (UES), we're looking for motivated individuals at all experience levels to join our growing Construction Materials Testing (CMT) teams.
Whether you're looking to break into the construction industry, bring hands-on experience from the trades, or take the next step as a certified technician, we want to hear from you.
Our technicians work on projects that shape the communities around us — from roads and bridges to schools, hospitals, commercial developments, and major infrastructure.
No CMT experience? We'll help you build your skills.
Already certified? Let's put your experience to work.
With opportunities ranging from Technician I through Technician IV, we'll work to match your experience, certifications, and career goals with the right opportunity.
Not sure which level you qualify for? Here’s a general guide to help you identify where your experience fits.
Experience: 0-1 years | No industry certifications required
Ready to learn a skilled trade and build a career with long-term growth potential?
This level is ideal for:
- Individuals with little or no construction materials testing experience
- Construction laborers, concrete workers, and tradespeople looking to develop specialized skills
- Recent graduates or individuals interested in construction, engineering, or infrastructure
- Motivated candidates who enjoy hands-on work and learning new skills
What to expect: Hands-on training, exposure to field testing procedures, and opportunities to earn industry certifications while developing your technical skills.
Experience: 1-3 years | ACI or Nuclear Gauge certifications preferred
Have some experience in construction, inspections, or materials testing? Ready for more independence and responsibility?
This level is ideal for candidates who:
- Have hands-on experience with concrete, soils, asphalt, or construction inspections
- Understand basic field testing procedures and documentation
- Hold or are working toward industry certifications
- Are comfortable working independently with appropriate supervision and support
What to expect: Greater field responsibility, expanded technical skills, and opportunities to earn additional certifications.
Experience: 3+ years | Multiple industry certifications required
You've developed your technical skills, gained field experience, and know what it takes to deliver quality results.
We're looking for professionals who:
- Have strong experience in construction materials testing and inspections
- Hold multiple relevant certifications such as ACI, ICC, NICET, or DOT-related credentials
- Can independently perform testing and communicate results
- Have experience supporting complex or multiple construction projects
- Can provide technical guidance to less experienced technicians
What to expect: More complex assignments, opportunities to mentor others, and continued professional development.
Experience: 5+ years | Advanced certifications and leadership experience
Ready to take your technical expertise to the next level?
This level is designed for experienced professionals who:
- Bring extensive CMT and construction inspection experience
- Hold advanced industry certifications relevant to their discipline
- Have experience with complex projects, specialized testing, or technical troubleshooting
- Can provide field leadership, guidance, and quality oversight
- Are confident communicating with contractors, engineers, and project stakeholders
What to expect: Advanced technical responsibilities, challenging projects, and opportunities to influence field quality and mentor developing technicians.
Experience ranges are general guidelines. Final level placement and compensation will be based on qualifications, certifications, experience, and branch requirements.
As a CMT Technician, you won't be stuck behind a desk. You’ll be out in the field, working on active construction sites and helping ensure projects are built to the required standards.
Depending on your experience and certifications, your responsibilities may include:
- Performing field testing and inspections of concrete, soils, asphalt, aggregates, and other construction materials
- Conducting soil compaction testing, concrete sampling, slump testing, and other materials testing procedures
- Observing construction activities and verifying compliance with project specifications
- Documenting test results, preparing field reports, and communicating findings
- Working alongside contractors, engineers, project managers, and construction teams
- Operating and maintaining specialized field testing equipment
- Supporting quality assurance and quality control activities
- Assisting with more complex inspections and mentoring junior technicians as your experience grows
Every project is different, and every day brings an opportunity to learn something new.
We value a strong work ethic, reliability, and a willingness to learn just as much as technical experience.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Comfortable working on active construction sites and performing hands-on fieldwork
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow safety procedures
- Ability to communicate professionally and document work accurately
- Willingness to work flexible hours based on project needs
Depending on the level, relevant experience or certifications may include:
- Construction materials testing (CMT)
- Concrete testing and inspections
- Soil compaction and density testing
- Asphalt testing and inspections
- Geotechnical field testing
- ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician
- Nuclear Density Gauge certification or authorization
- ICC Special Inspector certifications
- NICET certifications
- State DOT testing certifications
Don't have these certifications yet? Entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply. Training and certification opportunities may be available based on the position and location.
At UES, we believe great careers are built through experience, opportunity, and continued learning.
When you join our team, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Grow Your Career: Develop from an entry-level technician into advanced technical, supervisory, or project management opportunities.
Earn Industry Certifications: Expand your qualifications through training and certification support.
Work on Meaningful Projects: Contribute to roads, bridges, commercial developments, schools, and infrastructure that serve your community.
Learn from Experienced Professionals: Work alongside knowledgeable technicians, engineers, and project managers.
Expand Your Technical Expertise: Gain exposure to different materials, testing procedures, and project environments.
Be Part of a Team: Join professionals who value safety, quality, collaboration, and getting the job done right.
Maybe you're a construction worker looking for something more specialized.
Maybe you're starting your career and want to learn a valuable technical skill.
Or maybe you're an experienced CMT Technician ready for better opportunities, new challenges, and continued professional growth.
Whatever stage you're at, there's an opportunity to build on your experience at UES.
From your first day in the field to your next career milestone, build what's next with UES.
- Perform field testing on construction materials including soil compaction, concrete slump, air content, temperature, and cylinder sampling.
- Conduct density testing using nuclear gauges or sand cone methods.
- Observe and document field activities in accordance with project specifications and applicable standards (e.g., ASTM, AASHTO).
- Collect samples for laboratory testing and deliver them to the laboratory following proper chain-of?custody protocols.
- Prepare clear and concise daily field reports and submit documentation in a timely manner.
- Communicate field findings and potential issues with project managers, engineers, and contractors.
- Ensure equipment is calibrated, maintained, and used properly in accordance with quality control standards.
- Comply with safety regulations and maintain a safe work environment on-site and in the lab.
- Vehicle maintenance, inspection, and adherence to safety policies and procedures
- Other duties may be assigned
- High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree or relevant technical training preferred.
- 3 years of relevant field experience in construction materials testing or related discipline.
- Ability to read and interpret construction plans and technical specifications.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, work in outdoor conditions, and travel between job sites.
- Ability to read and interpret construction documents and perform general civil engineering calculations.
- Ability to accurately complete field-testing paperwork and detailed figures.
- Knowledge of construction materials testing methods, ASTM standards, and soil classifications.
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public.
This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% 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.
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- Work normally performed outside includes exposure to weather conditions such as precipitation, extreme cold or heat, dusty and noisy work environments.
- The physical requirements for this position may include and are not limited to:
- Ability to lift and/or carry up to 40 lbs
- Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time as well as drive long distances
- Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, telephone
- Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, lift, carry, and push repetitively
- Ability to speak and hear effectively to communicate sometimes with noisy environments
- Ability to see, smell, hear and touch as well as reach, climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit
- Ability to regularly lift and/or move/shake up to 40lbs. (soil and/or concrete tests and related apparatus); frequently lift and/or move up to 60lbs. (soil and sand samples, and nuclear density equipment); and occasionally move more than 100lbs. (such as a loaded wheelbarrow of concrete samples)
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.
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