Engineering Technician

Actalent; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

Critical Illness, Accident, and Health

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability coverage

Health Spending Account

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

PTO / Vacation

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Engineering Technician to perform field and laboratory testing of soil, concrete, and other construction materials, collecting samples and maintaining equipment. You will document results and prepare clear daily reports in collaboration with engineers and technicians in a geotechnical environment.

The role is based out of a Baltimore-area office with fieldwork within roughly 90 miles, early starts, occasional nights or weekends, and potential travel.

Qualifications

• Experience in field and laboratory testing of soils and construction materials preferred.
• Ability to prepare clear daily reports and logs.
• Willingness to obtain credentials for specific testing assignments.

Responsibilities

• Perform field testing of soils, concrete, and materials for geotechnical projects.
• Observe earthwork and foundations to verify procedures and document conditions.
• Collect samples and handle them to ensure accurate results.
• Operate and assist with drilling machines and lab instruments safely.
• Prepare specimens, conduct tests, and record measurements.
• Document results and prepare daily project reports for teams.
• Follow engineers’ instructions to perform tasks safely and efficiently.
• Maintain testing equipment and participate in ongoing training.

Skills

Hands-on construction/outdoor work

Ability to follow instructions

Basic calculations for materials tests

Documentation of results

Strong communication with engineers/te

Attention to detail

Reliability / dependable attendance

Site safety commitment

Valid driver’s license for fieldwork

Education

ACI/NICET certifications

Tools

Drilling machines

Laboratory instruments

Job description

Job Title: Engineering Technician Job Description The Engineering Technician performs field and laboratory testing of soil, concrete, and other construction materials while observing earthwork, foundations, and related construction activities. This role collects samples, operates and assists with testing equipment, documents results, and prepares clear daily reports. The Engineering Technician works closely with engineers, technicians, and construction teams, with assignments tailored to the individuals training, experience, and certifications. Prior experience in every specialized testing service is not required, and the position offers opportunities to learn and grow within a collaborative geotechnical engineering environment. Responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Perform field testing of soil, concrete, and other construction materials in support of geotechnical and construction projects.
• Observe earthwork, foundation installation, and other construction activities to verify procedures and document conditions.
• Collect samples from construction sites and handle them properly to ensure accurate and reliable testing results.
• Operate and assist with mechanical and test equipment, including drilling machines and laboratory instruments, in accordance with safety and quality standards.
• Support laboratory testing by preparing specimens, conducting tests, and recording measurements and observations.
• Accurately record test results and site observations, and prepare clear, concise daily reports for project teams.
• Follow written and verbal instructions from engineers and Sr. technicians to perform assigned tasks safely and efficiently.
• Perform basic calculations related to materials testing and construction observations, ensuring numerical accuracy and consistency.
• Communicate clearly with engineers, technicians, and construction teams to coordinate field activities and relay findings.
• Adhere to site safety procedures and company safety policies, maintaining a safe work environment for yourself and others.
• Use strong attention to detail to identify irregularities in test results or site conditions and report them promptly.
• Maintain dependable attendance and punctuality to support project schedules and client commitments.
• Obtain and maintain any credentials or certifications required for specific testing assignments before performing those tasks independently.
• Care for and properly maintain testing equipment, tools, and vehicles used during field and laboratory work.
• Contribute to a collaborative team culture by sharing information, supporting colleagues, and participating in ongoing training and development.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated interest in construction and hands-on outdoor work.
• Ability to follow instructions accurately and consistently in field and laboratory settings.
• Capability to perform basic calculations related to materials testing and construction observations.
• Skill in documenting results clearly and accurately in daily reports and logs.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with engineers, technicians, and construction teams.
• Attention to detail when recording data, observing site conditions, and handling samples.
• Dependable attendance and reliability in meeting schedules and project commitments.
• Commitment to site safety practices and safe operation of mechanical and test equipment.
• Comfort working with mechanical systems, test equipment, and drilling machines.
• Valid drivers license when driving is part of assigned fieldwork.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior construction or materials testing experience is beneficial.
• Relevant certifications, such as ACI (American Concrete Institute) or NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies), are helpful and may be required for specific assignments.
• Willingness to obtain any credentials required for particular testing assignments before performing that work independently.
• Strong people skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to prepare clear laboratory and field reports using appropriate formats and terminology.
• Comfort communicating with diverse project stakeholders, including field crews and technical staff.
• Motivation to develop professionally within a geotechnical engineering consulting setting that emphasizes career growth and community impact.

Work Environment This position is based out of a Baltimore-area office, with daily fieldwork typically performed at project sites within approximately 90 miles of the office. Work schedules may include early morning starts, variable hours, and occasional night or weekend assignments to meet project needs. Some overnight travel may be required depending on site location and project demands. The role involves frequent driving when field assignments require travel to job sites, and a valid drivers license is necessary in those cases. The work is physically active and primarily outdoors. Daily tasks include walking on uneven ground, standing for extended periods, bending, kneeling, pushing loaded wheelbarrows, and regularly handling equipment and samples weighing up to 50 pounds. Fieldwork takes place in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and wind, and requires consistent attention to safety and situational awareness. You will use a range of mechanical and testing equipment, including drilling machines and laboratory test instruments, in both field and lab environments. The organization offers the project exposure of a larger firm while maintaining the supportive culture of a close-knit, women-led small business. The work environment emphasizes collaborative culture, community impact, and career development, providing opportunities to learn specialized testing services over time. Essential duties must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Baltimore, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Baltimore, MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Baltimore,MD.

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.