Geotechnical Technician

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

HSA

Transportation benefits

PTO / leave

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an entry-level Engineering Technician for field testing on active construction sites in Allentown, PA. You will receive comprehensive training and gain hands-on experience testing soils, concrete, and asphalt while supporting civil engineering and construction projects.

This contract-to-hire role emphasizes safety, precise documentation, and professional communication with project teams.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions on active construction sites.
• Ability to lift, carry, and handle testing equipment and materials.
• Strong communication skills with field and office personnel.
• High attention to detail when recording test results and observations.
• Dependable, professional demeanor with a strong work ethic.
• Interest in earning industry certifications such as CMT and ACI credentials.

Responsibilities

• Perform field testing and inspections on active construction sites.
• Test soil, concrete, and asphalt using standardized procedures and equipment.
• Conduct soil density and concrete testing to verify specifications.
• Observe construction activities to confirm adherence to plans and standards.
• Document field observations and test results in logs and reports.
• Communicate professionally with contractors, engineers, and project managers.
• Follow safety procedures and use testing equipment safely on sites.
• Assist with transport and handling of testing equipment and materials.
• Aim to progress into advanced technician and inspection roles over time.

Skills

High school diploma

Driver’s license

Outdoor work

Material handling

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Professional demeanor

Willingness to learn

CMT interest

Education

Associate degree or coursework in Civil Engineering Technology

Job description

Job Title: Engineering Technician Entry‑Level Construction Materials Testing

This full‑time, entry‑level Engineering Technician role focuses on construction materials testing (CMT). You will receive comprehensive training and gain hands‑on experience on active construction sites, supporting civil engineering and construction projects while building a long‑term career in the engineering and testing profession.

Responsibilities

• Perform field testing and inspections on active construction sites under the guidance of staff.
• Test construction materials such as soil, concrete, and asphalt using standardized procedures and equipment.
• Conduct soil density and concrete testing to verify compliance with project specifications and quality standards.
• Observe construction activities to confirm adherence to project plans, specifications, and applicable standards.
• Accurately document field observations, test procedures, and results in logs, forms, and reports.
• Communicate professionally and clearly with contractors, engineers, project managers, inspectors, and other project personnel.
• Follow established safety procedures and protocols while working on job sites and around heavy equipment.
• Handle and transport testing equipment and construction materials safely and efficiently.
• Work toward obtaining industry‑recognized certifications, such as CMT and ACI‑related credentials, as experience is gained.
• Demonstrate reliability, strong attention to detail, and a willingness to learn in a fast‑paced field environment.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid drivers license and reliable transportation.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions and around active construction sites.
• Ability to lift, carry, and handle testing equipment and construction materials as part of daily duties.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with field and office personnel.
• High attention to detail when recording test results and observations.
• Dependable, professional demeanor with a strong work ethic.
• Willingness to learn and build a long‑term career in testing, engineering, and inspections.
• Interest in the engineering and testing profession, particularly construction materials testing (CMT).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree or coursework in Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is a plus.
• No prior industry experience required; entry‑level candidates are welcome.
• Interest in earning industry certifications such as CMT and ACI credentials.
• Hands‑on experience in construction, civil engineering, or related trades is beneficial.
• Ability to work in or relocate to the Raleigh‑Durham, NC area; candidates with ties to Pennsylvania (Philadelphia or Allentown) may also be considered.
• Motivation to progress into more advanced technician, inspection, and project‑level roles over time.

Work Environment

This is a full‑time field‑based role centered on active construction sites, with potential work in nearby regions. You will spend much of your time outdoors, working around heavy equipment, construction crews, and varying site conditions. The position involves regular use of testing equipment for soil, concrete, and asphalt, as well as tools and instruments for density and material quality testing. Work hours typically follow standard daytime construction schedules, with the possibility of occasional variations based on project needs. The environment is safety‑focused, with established procedures and training to support safe work practices. You will collaborate closely with engineers, project managers, inspectors, and construction professionals, gaining exposure to real‑world civil engineering and construction projects. The dress code is practical and field‑appropriate, emphasizing safety gear and durable work attire suitable for outdoor and construction settings. The role offers structured training, opportunities to earn valuable industry certifications, and a clear path for career growth into more advanced technical and inspection positions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Allentown, 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)

Job Type & Location

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 5, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Allentown,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.