Engineering Technician

ACTalent; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent in Des Moines, IA is seeking an Engineering Technician to support construction and infrastructure projects across Central Iowa. You will perform field and lab testing of soils, concrete, asphalt, aggregate, and steel to ensure compliance with project specs and quality standards.

The role is primarily field-based with 40–60 hour weeks, possible overtime, and occasional travel to sites. You will document results, work with contractors and engineers, and maintain testing records while

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in construction materials testing or geotechnical fieldwork.
• Experience with soil sampling and concrete testing.
• Ability to read construction plans and shop drawings.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Perform field and laboratory testing of soil, concrete, asphalt, aggregate, and steel materials.
• Collect and document field samples for testing and analysis.
• Conduct foundation and reinforcing steel inspections to verify compliance with project specifications and shop drawings.
• Travel to multiple construction sites throughout Central Iowa on a daily basis.
• Communicate professionally with contractors, project managers, engineers, and project owners.
• Maintain accurate testing records, reports, and quality control documentation.
• Track and monitor data generated from testing equipment.
• Support project teams by providing timely and accurate testing results.

Skills

Field testing

Laboratory testing

Documentation

Travel readiness

Reading plans

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geology or related field

Tools

Testing equipment

Job description

We are seeking an Engineering Technician to join our growing team supporting construction and infrastructure projects throughout Central Iowa. In this role, you will perform field and laboratory testing of construction materials, including soil, concrete, asphalt, aggregate, and steel. You will work directly with contractors, project owners, and engineers to ensure materials and construction activities meet project specifications and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform field and laboratory testing of soil, concrete, asphalt, aggregate, and steel materials.
• Collect and document field samples for testing and analysis.
• Conduct foundation and reinforcing steel inspections to verify compliance with project specifications and shop drawings.
• Travel to multiple construction sites throughout Central Iowa on a daily basis.
• Communicate professionally with contractors, project managers, engineers, and project owners.
• Maintain accurate testing records, reports, and quality control documentation.
• Track and monitor data generated from concrete, soil, and materials testing equipment.
• Support project teams by providing timely and accurate testing results.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in construction materials testing, geotechnical testing, or related field work.
• Experience with soil sampling, concrete testing, earthwork inspection, or non-destructive testing methods.
• Understanding of construction materials, geotechnical principles, and quality assurance processes.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and shop drawings.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geology, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Relevant certifications in materials testing or construction inspection are a plus.

Work Environment

This position is primarily field-based, working on commercial, industrial, and infrastructure construction projects throughout the Midwest. Typical workweeks range from 40-60 hours, with start times generally between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Occasional overtime may be required depending on project schedules, and overnight travel is limited to approximately 10 times per year. Our family-owned company offers a collaborative, team-oriented culture that values employee development and long-term career growth. We invest in ongoing training and professional education, provide a company vehicle for project-related travel, and promote a healthy work-life balance through flexibility and supportive leadership. You'll work alongside a team of experienced technicians, engineers, project managers, and administrative professionals dedicated to delivering high-quality service throughout the Midwest.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Des Moines, IA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $28.00/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).

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines,IA.

About Actalent

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.