Engineering/Scientific Technician

The Civil Engineer; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 38,572; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical 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)

Paid time off

9 paid holidays

Wellness program

Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job summary

A consulting engineering firm in Newport News, VA, is seeking an Engineering/Scientific Technician. This entry-level position is perfect for science graduates wanting to start their careers in consulting engineering, supporting construction and laboratory tasks. Candidates must have a high school degree and a valid driver's license, along with physical capabilities for outdoor work. The position offers a competitive hourly wage between $18 and $28, depending on various factors.

Qualifications

• High school degree or higher with good communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Physical ability to work outdoors, climb ladders, and lift moderately heavy objects.

Responsibilities

• Observe and document construction activities for compliance.
• Perform testing of construction materials.
• Support geotechnical design phase department.
• Assist in laboratory testing.

Skills

Good oral, written, communication, and organizational skills

Ability to perform rudimentary mathematical computations

Physical ability to lift 50-75 pounds

Education

High school degree

Bachelor of Science degree in geology, earth sciences, physics, environmental science, or a related field

Job description

Job Summary

The Newport News, VA office of Schnabel Engineering is seeking an Engineering/Scientific Technician. This entry‑level role is ideal for science‑based graduates looking to start a career in consulting engineering. Successful candidates will support construction and laboratory activities, work outdoors, and help ensure project compliance.

Benefits

• Medical 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)
• Paid time off
• 9 paid holidays
• Wellness program
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Responsibilities

• Observe and document construction activities, ensuring compliance with plans and specifications.
• Perform testing of construction materials including soil, concrete, asphalt, masonry, and reinforcing steel.
• Provide as‑needed support to the geotechnical design phase department on tasks such as soil boring layouts using GPS and observation of test borings.
• Provide as‑needed support in the soils and concrete laboratory performing laboratory testing.

Required Skills / Experience

• High school degree
• Valid driver’s license
• Good oral, written, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to perform rudimentary mathematical computations
• Physical ability to lift 50‑75 pounds occasionally and to negotiate construction sites, climb ladders, and work outdoors

Preferred Skills / Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in geology, earth sciences, physics, environmental science, or a related field
• Prior construction or internship experience in the engineering field

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 screening

The compensation range for this position is between $18/hour and $28/hour. Compensation may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of location.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.