Materials Science Laboratory Technician

Engineering Consulting Service; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP

401(k) with up to 4% match

Tuition Assistance Program

Competitive salary

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies seeks a Materials Science Lab Technician to support laboratory operations, focusing on concrete and construction material samples. You will prepare, test, log, label, and organize samples under supervision, ensuring data quality and traceability throughout the workflow.

Role involves both indoor lab tasks and field observations, calibration of equipment, and collaboration with project managers and clients.

Qualifications

• Physical stamina to lift 40 pounds repeatedly and work indoors/outdoors.
• Basic math skills for routine calculations.
• Proficiency in basic technical writing and report preparation.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications and standards.
• Dependable, self-motivated, and able to work independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory tasks for preparation and testing of concrete and other construction materials under supervision.
• Conduct sample intake, labeling, photographing, and organizing materials per procedures.
• Prepare samples (cutting, grinding, polishing) for analysis.
• Maintain sample handling, archiving, and traceability throughout the lifecycle.
• Assist with data collection, documentation, and QA/QC compliant reporting.
• Compile test results and support data entry and admin tasks.
• Maintain a clean, safe lab environment and calibration schedules for equipment.
• Identify and report damaged or missing equipment to supervisors.
• Support report preparation and other lab-related tasks as needed.
• Learn and perform field and lab testing and observations in various weather conditions.

Skills

Physical stamina

Basic math

Technical writing

Reading drawings/specifications

Dependability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate or Bachelor's degree in geology, engineering or environmental science

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

What You'll Do

The Materials Science Lab Technician supports laboratory operations by performing a variety of sample preparation and testing tasks under the direction of senior staff. This role is primarily based in a laboratory setting and focuses on the preparation and processing of concrete and other construction material samples for analysis. Technicians play a key role in ensuring high-quality data by following established procedures and contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Materials Science Lab. Present a positive customer service attitude and understanding of ECS Core Values.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory tasks associated with the preparation and testing of concrete and other construction materials under the direction of senior staff.
• Conduct sample intake and receiving, including logging, labeling, photographing, and organizing incoming materials in accordance with established procedures.
• Perform sample preparation activities, including cutting, grinding, polishing, and other processes required for laboratory analysis.
• Maintain proper sample handling, organization, and archiving, ensuring traceability and accurate recordkeeping throughout the sample lifecycle.
• Assist with laboratory testing procedures with supervision, including data collection, documentation, and adherence to applicable standards.
• Compile test results and perform basic data entry, processing, and administrative tasks to support laboratory operations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment in compliance with QA/QC protocols and accreditation requirements.
• Assist with routine equipment maintenance, including calibration activities and maintaining calibration schedules and records.
• Identify and report damaged, malfunctioning, or missing equipment to supervisors in a timely manner.
• Support report preparation and other office or laboratory-related tasks as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the overall function and growth of the Materials Science Lab.
• Additional duties outside the lab may include: Testing and observations for new construction or the built environment, specialized testing, building enclosure consulting, forensic investigation, and other building science & infrastructure related services.
• Perform field and laboratory testing and observations.
• Progressive learning about testing and observations of various systems while working both indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Daily communication is required with other ECS technicians, project managers, principals, clients, and other site representatives.
• Attend project meetings with ECS senior staff and/or clients as requested.
• Progressive understanding of systems and structures and the way we observe, test, and investigate them. Document test results and observations in reports appropriately.
• Learn to calibrate and use field equipment. Assist with maintenance and organization of field equipment. Notify supervisor of broken or missing equipment.
• Other duties as requested.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• 0 years of related experience.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate or Bachelor's degree in geology, engineering or environmental science preferred.
• Ability and willingness to learn basic materials and building science concepts, laboratory testing methods, and applicable standards.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds a number of times each day, stand for extended periods, walk on uneven ground through various terrains, perform repetitive tasks, and have the ability to perform work at heights.
• Ability to complete daily field reports detailing site activities and observations with directions and training provided.
• Basic math skills and the ability to perform routine calculations.
• Proficiency with standard electronic devices (computers, tablets) and familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Possesses acceptable basic technical writing skills with regard to basic conventions of spelling, grammar, and professional content. Collaborates with more senior staff to produce reports. Works to improve writing skills, as necessary under the direction of supervisors and Principal reviewers.
• Participate in interactions with clients, peers and supervisors.
• Dependable, self-motivated, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Learning responsibilities of the job with progress toward being detail-oriented.
• Learning to read and interpret drawings, specifications, checklists and standards and follow directions and instructions.
• Must have the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and follow all local and state laws, road/driving regulations, and company policies.

Military Qualifications

• The following US Military ranks would qualify for this position: E-4

Why Join ECS?

• Nationwide Building Science + Infrastructure Consulting practice made up of more than 180 employees with deep technical expertise and opportunities for collaboration across the country
• Opportunity to lead high-profile projects with technical complexity and visibility
• Be part of a growing and innovative team focused on technical excellence and client service
• Supportive work environment that values expertise, collaboration, and continuous learning
• Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits
• ECS is an employee-owned company with an Employee Stock Ownership program (ESOP)!
• 401(k) with up to 4% match
• Tuition Assistance Program
• And more!

ECS Core Values: Collaborate, Focus & Lead

Who We Are

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,200 employees in 125 offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #38 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (June 2026). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more.