Engineering Test Technician

Actalent; Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Engineering Test Technician to perform field and laboratory testing on soils, aggregates, concrete, asphalt, and steel for active construction projects. You will document results, communicate with project teams, and support quality control initiatives on site and in the lab.

The role requires practical material testing skills, ability to handle equipment like nuclear density gauges, and the stamina to work outdoors in varying conditions.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of construction materials testing experience.
• Familiarity with performing field and laboratory testing of construction materials (concrete, soils, aggregates, steel).
• Ability to use nuclear density gauges and other testing equipment on site.

Responsibilities

• Perform field testing, observation, and inspection of construction materials (soils, aggregates, concrete, asphalt, steel).
• Conduct laboratory testing to verify compliance with project specs and codes.
• Communicate with project managers, engineers, clients, and contractors about site conditions and testing results.
• Transport samples to the lab with proper documentation for testing.
• Record data and prepare daily written/digital reports for project managers.
• Enter data into computers and maintain electronic records.
• Maintain and organize testing equipment and work areas for safety and readiness.
• Assist with scheduling technicians to meet project timelines.
• Operate testing equipment safely, including nuclear density gauges.
• Follow strict safety procedures in field, lab, and office settings.

Skills

Construction materials testing

Concrete testing

Soils testing

Aggregate testing

Nuclear density gauges

Data entry

Report writing

Field work outdoors

Safety compliance

Team communication

Education

Geology degree preferred

Tools

Nuclear density gauges

Job description

Job Title: Engineering Test Technician

Job Description

The Engineering Test Technician performs field and laboratory testing, observation, and inspection of construction materials such as soils, aggregates, concrete, asphalt, and steel. This role supports construction projects by ensuring materials meet required standards, documenting results accurately, and communicating effectively with project teams. The technician contributes directly to quality control and project success by following strict safety standards and established testing procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform field testing, observation, and inspection of construction materials, including soils, aggregates, concrete, asphalt, and steel, in accordance with established procedures and standards.
• Conduct laboratory testing of collected material samples to verify compliance with project specifications and applicable codes.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with project managers, engineering technicians, client representatives, contractor representatives, and other stakeholders regarding construction site conditions, project requirements, and testing, observation, and inspection activities.
• Transport material samples from project sites to the laboratory, ensuring all samples include accurate and complete identifying documentation for further testing and analysis.
• Tabulate, prepare, and submit data, observations, and test results in the form of written and digital reports on a daily basis for transmittal to the project manager.
• Use computers and relevant software to enter data, generate reports, and maintain accurate records of tests and inspections.
• Maintain, clean, and organize testing equipment, vehicles, and work areas to ensure they remain safe, functional, and ready for use.
• Assist with scheduling and dispatching technicians to project sites as needed to meet project timelines and resource requirements.
• Operate specialized testing equipment, including nuclear density gauges and other material testing instruments, in a safe and compliant manner.
• Follow and promote strict safety standards at all times while working in the field, laboratory, and office environments.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of construction materials testing (CMT) experience.
• Hands-on experience working with construction materials such as concrete, soils, asphalt, aggregates, and steel.
• Ability to perform concrete testing, materials testing, and construction inspection tasks in field and laboratory settings.
• Familiarity with the use of nuclear density gauges and other field testing equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds as part of daily duties.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, samples, and reports accurately.
• Computer efficiency, including the ability to enter data, prepare digital reports, and maintain electronic records.
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions for extended periods.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with project managers, technicians, clients, and contractors.
• Commitment to following strict safety standards and established testing procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Some prior construction exposure or experience in a construction-related environment.
• A degree in geology or a related field is considered a strong asset.
• American Concrete Institute (ACI) certification is preferred and viewed as a significant advantage.
• Experience with concrete inspection, concrete testing, and aggregate testing.
• Familiarity with construction inspection practices and documentation requirements.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in field, laboratory, and office settings.
• Attention to detail and accuracy when recording test data and preparing reports.

Work Environment

The role involves a mix of field, laboratory, and office work. The Engineering Test Technician spends a significant amount of time on active construction sites performing tests and inspections on materials such as concrete, soils, asphalt, and aggregates. Field work requires working outdoors in all weather conditions and on varying terrain, including active construction areas. The technician also works in a laboratory environment, running tests on collected samples using specialized equipment such as nuclear density gauges and other material testing instruments. Office time is spent entering data, preparing digital and written reports, and coordinating with project teams. The position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, handle testing equipment, and maintain a clean, organized work area. Safety is a core focus, and the technician follows strict safety standards and procedures in all work settings.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kansas City, KS.

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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 10, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Kansas City,KS.

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.