Senior CMT Engineer

Thompson Engineering; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Thompson Engineering seeks a Senior Engineer - Construction Materials Testing (CMT) to join our team as a seller-doer, combining technical testing expertise with a proven ability to generate business and lead projects.

The role oversees testing programs (soil, concrete, asphalt, structural inspections) and provides engineering oversight, mentoring staff, and ensuring client satisfaction across Southeast projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering required.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in Construction Materials Testing, Special Inspections, and QA.
• Current Professional Engineer (PE) license required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with contractors, developers, architects, engineers, municipalities, and agencies to secure new business.
• Lead business development initiatives including client meetings, proposals, and contract negotiations.
• Oversee CMT and Special Inspection projects from proposal to closeout.

Skills

Construction Materials Testing

Quality Assurance

Client Relationship Management

Project Management

Leadership

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

PE license

Job description

Thompson Engineering is seeking a Senior Engineer - Construction Materials Testing (CMT) to join our Construction Materials Testing and Inspection Team as a seller-doer. This position is ideal for an experienced Professional Engineer who combines technical expertise in construction materials testing, special inspections, and quality assurance with a proven ability to develop client relationships, generate new business, and lead project execution.

The Senior CMT Engineer will be responsible for growing Thompson Engineering's Construction Materials Testing practice by cultivating relationships with contractors, developers, architects, engineers, and public agencies while providing technical leadership for complex projects. This role will oversee engineering evaluations, testing programs, quality assurance services, project management, and staff development while ensuring exceptional client service and the successful delivery of projects throughout the Southeast.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with contractors, developers, architects, engineers, municipalities, and government agencies to identify and secure new business opportunities.
• Lead business development initiatives including client meetings, networking, proposal preparation, presentations, contract negotiations, and strategic planning.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships through Thompson Engineering's multidisciplinary services.
• Manage Construction Materials Testing and Special Inspection projects from proposal through project closeout, ensuring quality, profitability, schedule, and client satisfaction.
• Provide engineering oversight for construction materials testing programs including:
• Soil testing and earthwork evaluation
• Concrete testing and quality assurance
• Asphalt testing and pavement evaluations
• Structural steel inspections
• Masonry inspections
• Deep foundation testing and observation
• Special inspections in accordance with applicable building codes
• Review laboratory and field testing data and provide engineering interpretations and recommendations.
• Prepare engineering reports, technical memorandums, specifications, proposals, and construction recommendations.
• Serve as Engineer of Record when required and provide engineering judgment regarding material acceptance and construction compliance.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to engineers, project managers, inspectors, technicians, and laboratory personnel.
• Monitor project budgets, schedules, staffing, and resource allocation to ensure successful project execution.
• Ensure compliance with ASTM, AASHTO, ACI, ICC, DOT, and other applicable industry standards and specifications.
• Collaborate with geotechnical, structural, civil, environmental, and transportation engineering teams to provide integrated project solutions.
• Support strategic growth initiatives by expanding Thompson Engineering's CMT services throughout existing and emerging markets.
• Maintain a high standard of quality assurance, safety, and client service across all assigned projects.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or other applicable engineering program

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in Construction Materials Testing, Special Inspections, and Quality Assurance.
• Demonstrated success in business development, client relationship management, and project management.
• Experience serving energy, commercial, industrial, transportation, municipal, and infrastructure markets preferred.

Licensure

• Current Professional Engineer (PE) license required.

Proficient in

• Construction Materials Testing and Quality Assurance
• Geotechnical and construction engineering principles
• ASTM, AASHTO, ACI, ICC, and DOT testing standards
• Construction observation and special inspections
• Laboratory and field testing procedures
• Proposal development and project budgeting
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Construction project management software preferred

Preferred certifications include one or more of the following

• ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I
• ICC Special Inspector certifications
• NICET certifications
• Other applicable construction materials testing certifications

Physical Requirements

• Ability to visit active construction sites and industrial facilities.
• Ability to walk over uneven terrain and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to sit and operate a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including occasional overtime.

About Thompson Engineering

Founded in 1953, Thompson Engineering provides quality assurance and professional services for construction projects supporting industrial, infrastructure, and community development. Our services include drilling, materials testing, construction inspection, chemistry laboratory services, engineering design, environmental assessments, surveying, geotechnical studies, and construction management.

Today, Thompson Engineering is recognized for leadership on projects that define skylines, coastlines, and transportation networks across the Southeast. From project planning and design through construction and completion, we deliver innovative solutions to complex infrastructure and building challenges for industrial, commercial, transportation, federal, and municipal clients.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.