Geotechnical Engineer

Quartet ENG; Texas; Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Quartet ENG seeks a Senior Field Technician to lead on construction materials testing projects, documenting soils, concrete, asphalt, and masonry inspections. You will mentor junior technicians and serve as the on-site contact for contractors and inspectors.

Lead complex projects, coordinate junior staff, and uphold A2LA accreditation standards while training new hires in test methods, safety, and documentation across Houston-area sites.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; associate degree or coursework in civil engineering technology or construction preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of construction materials testing or special inspection experience.
• Current ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I certification.
• Nuclear Gauge Safety and Hazmat training with current Troxler or equivalent certification.
• Two of the following: NICET II+ in Construction Materials Testing, TxDOT Soils/AGG SB, ICC Special Inspector, or ACI tests.
• Ability to read construction drawings and perform basic engineering calculations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and dependable, self-directed work habits.
• Valid Texas driver’s license with clean driving record and ability to pass background check and drug screen.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Perform field density and moisture testing of soils, base, and backfill using nuclear gauge, sand cone, and drive cylinder methods, and verify compaction against Proctor references.
• Sample and test fresh concrete for slump, air content, temperature, and unit weight; cast, cure, and transport cylinders and beams per ASTM C31 and C172.
• Observe and document reinforcing steel placement, formwork, pier and drilled shaft installation, post-tension stressing, structural steel bolting and welding, masonry, and fireproofing.
• Perform asphalt testing including in-place density, core sampling, and temperature checks on TxDOT and municipal paving projects.
• Perform Proctor, Atterberg limits, sieve analysis, and concrete compressive strength testing in the lab when field schedules allow.
• Prepare clear, accurate daily field reports, test data sheets, and non-conformance notices, and communicate failing results to project manager and contractor immediately.
• Represent Quartet professionally with contractors, inspectors, and owners' representatives.
• Follow all company and site-specific safety requirements and participate in safety training.

Skills

Communication skills

Self-directed work

Education

ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I

NICET Construction Materials Testing (Level II or higher)

TxDOT HMAC Level IA or IB

ICC Reinforced Concrete Special Inspector

ICC Soils Special Inspector

ICC Structural Masonry Special Inspector

Tools

Nuclear gauge equipment

Troxler or equivalent certification

Job description

The Senior Field Technician is Quartet's lead presence on the job site. You will perform and document soils, concrete, asphalt, masonry, and structural inspections on active construction projects, mentor junior technicians, and act as the on-site contact for contractors and inspectors. Senior technicians are trusted to work independently on complex projects, handle multiple certifications, and uphold the quality standards behind our A2LA accreditation.

Responsibilities

Perform field density and moisture testing of soils, base, and backfill using nuclear gauge, sand cone, and drive cylinder methods, and verify compaction against Proctor references.

Sample and test fresh concrete for slump, air content, temperature, and unit weight; cast, cure, and transport cylinders and beams in accordance with ASTM C31 and C172.

Observe and document reinforcing steel placement, formwork, pier and drilled shaft installation, post-tension stressing, structural steel bolting and welding, masonry, and fireproofing.

Perform asphalt testing including in-place density, core sampling, and temperature checks on TxDOT and municipal paving projects.

Perform Proctor, Atterberg limits, sieve analysis, and concrete compressive strength testing in the laboratory when field schedules allow.

Prepare clear, accurate, and timely daily field reports, test data sheets, and non-conformance notices, and communicate failing results to the project manager and contractor immediately.

Read and interpret project plans, specifications, and geotechnical reports to determine required tests and frequencies.

Serve as lead technician on large or complex projects, coordinate work of junior technicians on site, and train new hires in test methods, safety, and documentation.

Maintain, calibrate, and transport testing equipment, and keep nuclear gauge records in compliance with Texas Department of State Health Services requirements.

Represent Quartet professionally with contractors, inspectors, and owners' representatives.

Follow all company and site-specific safety requirements and participate in safety training.

Requirements

Required qualifications

High school diploma or GED; associate degree or coursework in civil engineering technology or construction preferred.

Minimum 5 years of construction materials testing or special inspection experience.

Current ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I certification.

Nuclear Gauge Safety and Hazmat training with current Troxler or equivalent certification.

At least two of the following: NICET Level II or higher in Construction Materials Testing (Soils, Concrete, or Asphalt), TxDOT Soils and Aggregate (SB 101, 102, 103), TxDOT HMAC Level IA or IB, ICC Reinforced Concrete Special Inspector, ICC Soils Special Inspector, ICC Structural Steel and Bolting Special Inspector, ICC Structural Masonry Special Inspector, ACI Concrete Strength Testing Technician, or ACI Aggregate Testing Technician.

Ability to read construction drawings and specifications and to perform basic engineering calculations.

Strong written and verbal communication skills and dependable, self-directed work habits.

Valid Texas driver's license with a clean driving record and ability to pass a background check and drug screen.

Authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred qualifications

NICET Level III or IV, ICC Master of Special Inspection, or AWS Certified Welding Inspector.

Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) training.

Experience on TxDOT, City of Houston, Harris County, school district, or Texas A&M University System projects.

Bilingual English and Spanish.

Physical requirements and work environment

Field-based in all weather. Must be able to lift and carry 75 pounds (concrete cylinders and nuclear gauge), stand and walk for extended periods, climb ladders and scaffolding, and work early mornings, nights, and weekends as pour schedules require. Travel to job sites throughout the Houston area or Brazos Valley daily.