Field Engineer

Actalent; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental & vision

401(k)

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

HSA

Transportation benefits

Time Off (PTO)

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Field Engineer for entry-mid level construction materials testing in Pennsylvania, focusing on field inspections on active sites in Philadelphia or Allentown. You will receive training and hands-on experience in civil engineering and construction projects, supporting long-term career growth in testing, engineering, and inspection.

Responsibilities include field testing of soil, concrete, and asphalt, documenting results, and collaborating with engineers and project teams.

Qualifications

• This role requires a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license.
• Outdoor work on active construction sites in varying weather is expected.
• Strong communication and attention to detail are essential for field documentation.
• Interest in engineering, construction materials testing, or inspections is encouraged.
• Full-time availability and reliability to support project schedules.

Responsibilities

• Perform field testing and inspections on active construction sites under guidance.
• Test soil, concrete, and asphalt to verify quality and compliance with specs.
• Conduct soil density and concrete testing using established procedures.
• Observe activities to confirm compliance with plans and standards.
• Document field observations and test results clearly and accurately.
• Communicate professionally with contractors, engineers, PMs, and inspectors on site.
• Follow safety procedures while working around heavy equipment.
• Handle, transport, and set up testing equipment and materials safely.
• Work toward earning CMT and ACI credentials as experience grows.
• Demonstrate reliability and a willingness to take on increasing responsibility.

Skills

High school diploma or GED

Driver's license

Outdoor work

Lifting testing equipment

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Full-time availability

Education

Associate degree

Job description

Job Title: Field Engineer Entry-Mid Level Construction Materials Testing Job Description

This full-time, entry-mid level Engineering Technician role focuses on construction materials testing and field inspections on active construction sites in Pennsylvania (Philadelphia or Allentown). You will receive comprehensive training and gain hands‑on experience in civil engineering and construction projects, making this an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in building a long-term career in the testing, engineering, and inspection profession.

Responsibilities

• Perform field testing and inspections on active construction sites under the guidance of experienced staff.
• Test construction materials such as soil, concrete, and asphalt to verify quality and compliance with project requirements.
• Conduct soil density testing and concrete testing using established procedures and equipment.
• Observe construction activities to confirm compliance with project plans, specifications, and applicable standards.
• Accurately document field observations, test procedures, and results in a clear and organized manner.
• Communicate professionally with contractors, engineers, project managers, inspectors, and other project personnel on site.
• Follow established safety procedures and guidelines while working on job sites and around heavy equipment.
• Handle, transport, and set up testing equipment and construction materials safely and efficiently.
• Work toward earning industry‑recognized certifications, such as CMT and ACI‑related credentials, as experience is gained.
• Demonstrate reliability, strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn and take on increasing responsibility over time.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid drivers license and reliable transportation for travel to job sites.
• Comfort working outdoors and around active construction sites in varying weather and site conditions.
• Ability to lift, carry, and handle testing equipment and construction materials as part of daily field work.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with contractors, engineers, and project personnel.
• Attention to detail to accurately record observations and testing results and follow procedures.
• Dependable, professional demeanor with a strong sense of responsibility.
• Demonstrated interest in engineering, construction, materials testing, or inspections, and a desire to build a career in this profession.
• Availability to work full‑time and reliably support project schedules.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree or coursework in Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related program is a plus.
• Prior hands‑on experience in construction, field work, or technical trades is beneficial but not required.
• Interest in obtaining industry certifications such as CMT and ACI credentials.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes engineers, project managers, inspectors, and construction professionals.
• Motivation to grow into more advanced technician, inspection, and project‑level roles over time.
• Suitable for recent high school or college graduates, Civil Engineering Technology students or graduates, construction professionals, or individuals with practical experience seeking to enter the engineering industry.

Work Environment

This role is based in Pennsylvania (Philadelphia or Allentown), and involves full‑time work on active construction sites as well as some office‑based reporting and coordination. You will spend much of your time outdoors, working around heavy equipment, construction crews, and ongoing site activities, often in varied weather and terrain conditions. The position uses field testing equipment for soil, concrete, and asphalt, along with standard documentation tools for recording test results and observations. You will work closely with engineers, project managers, inspectors, and construction professionals in a collaborative environment that emphasizes safety, professionalism, and continuous learning. The culture supports hands‑on training, exposure to real‑world civil engineering and construction projects, and a clear path to more advanced technician and inspection roles, along with opportunities to earn valuable industry certifications. Attire is typically practical fieldwear appropriate for construction sites, focusing on safety and comfort while meeting site‑specific requirements.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Philadelphia, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $22.00/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 5, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Philadelphia, PA.

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.