Entry-Level Construction Materials Engineering Technician

S&ME; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical-Dental-Vision with HSA/FSA

ESOP with 5% company contribution

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Holidays and PTO

Parental Leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Company Vehicle with Fuel Card

Referral Bonuses

Job summary

S&ME is seeking an entry-level Construction Materials Engineering Technician in Knoxville, TN. You will perform outdoor field and lab tests to support concrete, soils, asphalt, and masonry projects, while gaining hands-on experience and pursuing certifications.

The role emphasizes safety, quality checks, and data reporting in a dynamic field environment. Join a team that offers paid training, growth opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package including ESOP, retirement plans, and

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Willingness to obtain certifications as part of growth.
• Strong work ethic and team-oriented attitude.
• Clear English communication: speaking, reading, writing.
• Basic math skills: weight, volume, pressure, units of measure.
• Ability to work a fluctuating weekly schedule and travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform field and lab tests for concrete, soils, asphalt, and masonry.
• Maintain and document testing results and equipment.
• Inspect projects per IBC codes and report findings.
• Use Metafield® data system to manage project data.
• Assist in ensuring construction quality and safety on site.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team mindset

Willingness to learn

Education

High School diploma/GED

Job description

Requisition Number: 2026-1430-09

S&ME is looking for a hard-working Entry-Level Construction Materials Engineering Technician ready for hands-on learning to join our Construction Services team in Knoxville, Tennessee.

At S&ME, we have a history of delivering innovative geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction material testing for over 50 years. Over the decades, we have grown into a trusted partner for clients across various industries, including transportation, energy, water, waste management, education, government, commercial, industrial, and more. Our commitment to technical excellence and integrity has established us as a leader in our field.

Why Work at S&ME?

• Career Growth: We invest in your success with mentorship, training, and leadership opportunities.
• Exciting Projects: Big or small, simple or complex, we do it all. Our projects are as diverse as they are exciting, so every day brings something new.
• Supportive Culture: Collaboration, respect, and positivity fuel our team environment.
• Flexibility: Work-life balance matters to us, helping you thrive inside and outside the office.
• Community Impact: Your work will directly improve the communities where we live, work, and play.

About The Role:

As an entry-level Construction Materials Engineering Technician, you enjoy starting your day outdoors and take pride in hands-on work that impacts the projects you work on. Each day brings new challenges as you help ensure construction quality and safety while growing your technical skills. At S&ME, our Construction Materials Engineering Technicians are vital to ensuring construction projects meet quality and safety standards. From day one, you'll be in the field gaining hands-on experience and building a strong foundation for your career.

• Start with the Basics: Begin with concrete sampling and testing, then expand into soils, asphalt, and masonry as you grow.
• Earn While You Learn: Receive paid, on-the-job training and support for certifications through ACI and ICC.
• Outdoor Work Environment: Enjoy working outside year-round in changing conditions, with new sites and crews keeping things fresh.
• Testing & Documentation: Perform field and lab tests, maintain equipment, and ensure accurate, complete reporting.
• Inspections & Standards: Conduct inspections per IBC codes, document findings, and manage data using Metafield®.

Experience shifting weekly work hours based on project needs and weather conditions, including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, possible holidays, and overtime (paid at time and a half).

About You:

• You have a High School diploma/GED
• You bring curiosity and the willingness to learn; obtaining certifications is part of your growth
• You have a strong work ethic and a team mindset
• You have strong attention to detail and effective communication skills in English, including speaking, reading, and writing
• You have basic math skills with an understanding of weight, volume, pressure, and units of measure
• You understand a fluctuating weekly schedule and occasional travel

You Are Willing and Able to:

Perform the physical demands of the position with the use of company-provided Personal Protective Equipment such as:

• Working the majority of the time outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Walking over rough, uneven terrain and standing for potentially up to 12 hours a day
• Routinely lifting and carrying 40-50lbs (field/laboratory samples and equipment)
• Maneuvering field equipment safely, such as a loaded wheelbarrow, on uneven ground around active construction sites

Grow With Us:

At S&ME, your career growth matters. You'll receive professional training, work on exciting projects, and be part of a company that truly invests in its people. This is more than a job; it's a chance to build a long-term career in the engineering and construction industry. S&ME provides a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family, as well as career development resources. Come grow and thrive with us at S&ME!

• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans with HSA and FSA options
• 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with a 5% company contribution
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) - with rollover options
• Paid Maternity/Parental Leave
• Employee Recognition Program
• Credential Incentive Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Vehicle with Fuel Card for Project-Based Work
• $2,000 Referral Bonuses & More!

Join us at S&ME!

This full-time role offers competitive pay based on experience. Candidates must comply with our Fleet Management, Substance Policy, and Reference Check requirements. Only candidates with valid employment eligibility (I-9) will be considered. Visa assistance is not available. S&ME reserves the right to hire internally or externally at any time. No candidate/recruiter calls, personal calls, or walk-ins are accepted.