Engineering Technician

Actalent; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Engineering Technician to perform materials testing across Iowa construction sites, including data centers and gas stations. You will log findings electronically and report to a Project Manager while ensuring strict safety practices on site.

The role involves 40–50 hours per week, onsite in Des Moines, IA, with opportunities for career advancement and stock participation in a family-oriented, employee-owned company.

Qualifications

• Bachelors preferred in Civil Eng or Geology; or an Associate degree with relevant experience.
• Valid Driver's License required with acceptable violation history.
• ACI certification preferred or willingness to obtain it during employment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct observations and assessments on construction materials.
• Travel to construction sites across Iowa to support projects.
• Collaborate with project managers, technicians, and staff professionals.
• Log findings using a company laptop and report to a Project Manager.
• Ensure safety practices are followed and report any safety concerns.
• Communicate results to client/contractor representatives and the team.

Skills

Driver's License

ACI certification

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Geology

Associate's degree or relevant experience

Tools

N/A

Job description

Job Description

The Materials Testing Technician will conduct a variety of observations and assessments on construction materials. The role involves traveling to various construction sites across Iowa, working on projects ranging from data centers to gas stations. The technician will report to a team of project managers, technicians, and staff professionals who will support project completion and documentation of findings. Safety practices must be strictly followed, and any safety concerns should be reported immediately. The technician will use a company-provided laptop to log findings and submit reports to a Project Manager. Materials tested will include soils, concrete, asphalt, and masonry.

Job Title: Engineering Technician

The Materials Testing Technician will conduct a variety of observations and assessments on construction materials. The role involves traveling to various construction sites across Iowa, working on projects ranging from data centers to gas stations. The technician will report to a team of project managers, technicians, and staff professionals who will support project completion and documentation of findings. Safety practices must be strictly followed, and any safety concerns should be reported immediately. The technician will use a company-provided laptop to log findings and submit reports to a Project Manager. Materials tested will include soils, concrete, asphalt, and masonry.

Responsibilities

• Conduct observations and assessments on construction materials.
• Travel to construction sites across Iowa.
• Collaborate with project managers, technicians, and staff professionals.
• Log findings using a company-provided laptop and submit to a Project Manager.
• Ensure all safety practices are followed and report any safety concerns.
• Communicate effectively with the team, client/contractor's representatives, and other key partners regarding testing and inspection results.
• Uphold quality standards throughout the duration of projects.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Geology is preferred, but candidates with an Associate's degree or relevant experience are welcome.
• Valid Driver's License with an acceptable violation history.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• ACI certification is preferred or willingness to obtain it in the role.
• High School Diploma or Civil Engineering Degree.

Work Environment

The role is field-based, requiring 40-50 hours of work per week. The company promotes a family-oriented atmosphere, where employees can wear jeans, shirts, and boots. The company is employee-owned, offering career advancement opportunities and the chance to earn stock. It values a close-knit work environment and flexibility.

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 $22.00 - $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) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines,IA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 2026.

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.