CQA Technician / Construction Materials Testing (CMT)

Schnabel Engineering; Glen Allen (VA); On-site; USD 26,174 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)

Bonus program

Paid time off

9 Paid Holidays

Wellness program

Professional development and tuition

Job summary

Schnabel Engineering, a trusted, employee‑owned geotechnical and environmental engineering firm, seeks a CQA Technician / CMT in Richmond, VA. The person will perform field observations, testing, and data collection across geosynthetic containment systems and civil structures, supporting a growing practice with a strong team ethos.

The role requires 1+ years of civil construction experience, a high school diploma, and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of civil construction project experience.
• High school diploma completed.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Strong mathematical computation skills.
• Clear oral and written communication abilities.
• Detail‑oriented and well organized.
• Able to work independently or in a multi‑office team.
• Strong professional work ethic and high performance expectation.
• Willingness to work outdoors year‑round.
• Basic use of hand tools.
• Capable of lifting 50–75 pounds occasionally.
• Able to travel daily or stay out of town as needed.

Responsibilities

• Field observation and documentation of construction activities for geosynthetic containment systems and liners.
• Observe structures, roads, utilities, and related works; document subgrade, excavation, compaction, paving, and other tasks.
• Test construction materials including soil, concrete, asphalt, masonry, grout, steel products.
• Collect data, maintain instrumentation such as nuclear gauges and testing equipment.
• Prepare written reports of observations and test results.
• Communicate findings with contractors and engineers.

Skills

1+ years experience

High school degree

Valid Driver’s License

Mathematics skills

Oral & written communication

Attention to detail

Independent / team work

Strong work ethic

Outdoor construction work

Hand tools knowledge

Lift 50–75 lbs

Travel flexibility

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Nuclear gauges

Job description

Schnabel is an employee‑owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 31 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee‑owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.

Benefit Options Include

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company‑paid)
• Short‑term disability (100% company‑paid)
• Long‑term disability
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k) and profit‑sharing plan
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• Bonus program
• Paid time off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Wellness program
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description

Are you looking for interesting and meaningful work, a fun and flexible atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then welcome to Schnabel! We approach problems with creativity and innovation. The Richmond, VA office of Schnabel Engineering is seeking a CQA Technician / Construction Materials Testing (CMT) to join our growing practice. We are looking for a motivated candidate with attention to detail, a passion to continue to develop as a professional, and a desire to be part of a strong team.

Job Responsibilities

• Field observation and documentation of construction activities for geosynthetic containment systems including geomembrane liners, geosynthetic clay liners, geocomposite, and geotextiles for impoundment structures and solid waste facilities.
• Field observation and documentation of construction activities for structures, roads, parking areas, utilities, retaining walls, and other construction. Activities to be observed include subgrade preparation, excavation, backfill placement, sub‑base placement, soil improvement, compaction, concrete placement, paving, and specialty construction.
• Testing of construction materials including soil, concrete, asphalt, masonry, grout, fireproofing, structural steel, and reinforcing steel.
• Collect data, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation, including nuclear gauges and other testing equipment.
• Preparation of reports documenting observations and test results.
• Communication with contractors and engineers to discuss observations and test results.

Required Skills/Experience

• 1+ years of prior experience on civil construction projects.
• High school degree.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Excellent mathematic computational skills.
• Possess good oral and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail and well‑organized.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a multi‑disciplinary, multi‑office team.
• Strong professional work ethic and desire to perform at a high level.
• Interest in working outdoors and on construction sites, at all times of the year.
• Basic understanding of, and the ability to use hand tools.
• Must be able to lift 50–75 pounds on an occasional basis and be physically able to negotiate construction sites, climb ladders and work outside.
• Ability to travel daily and/or stay out of town as needed to support construction projects.

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Prior experience with construction quality assurance (CQA) of geosynthetic containment systems.
• Education and/or prior experience related to civil construction, earth science, remediation, or other civil/environmental engineering related fields.
• Advanced Knowledge of Soil, Concrete, and Geosynthetic Laboratory testing.

Other Requirements

• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record, and credit check.
• Ability to pass a pre‑employment drug screening.

The compensation range for an Engineering Technician is between $19/hr to $25/hr. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.