Senior Lab Technician I

Engineering Consulting Service; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Limited in Buffalo Grove, IL is seeking a certified Construction Materials Testing Senior Laboratory Technician I to join our team. The role offers growth opportunities and incentives as you advance, with collaboration among experienced professionals in concrete and soils labs.

You will perform laboratory testing on construction material samples, apply ASTM-based procedures, interpret data, and support audits and training of junior staff while maintaining QA/QC standards in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 2 years of related experience in laboratory environments.
• Basic certifications and one additional certification per ECS policy.
• Valid driver's license if driving for ECS subsidiary.
• Proficiency with Excel and Word; ASTM testing experience.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly.
• Strong communication and math skills.

Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory testing on construction material samples.
• Applies standard and advanced testing procedures per ASTM.
• Interprets test data and prepares summaries under Lab Manager.
• Maintains calibration and records; supports audits.
• Trains and mentors junior staff.
• Assists with fieldwork as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Basic math skills

Attention to detail

Laboratory equipment knowledge

ASTM testing proficiency

Software proficiency (Breakpro/Keylab)

Microsoft Word/Excel skills

Physical stamina (lift 50 lbs)

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Breakpro

Keylab

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Responsibilities

ECS Limited is offering a unique opportunity for a talented and certified Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Senior Laboratory Technician I to join our [CITY]team. We offer opportunities for growth in this role with additional incentives as you advance your skills and gain experience. In this role, you'll continue to collaborate and develop with experienced professionals to safely perform a variety of tasks in our concrete and soils laboratories.

• Performs laboratory testing on construction material samples
• Applies standard and advanced testing procedures in accordance with established methods (e.g., ASTM standards)
• Interprets test data and prepares summaries or reports under the direction of the Laboratory Manager
• Performs calculations and data reduction for test results
• Supports advanced testing activities under the guidance of senior staff
• Performs soils laboratory testing including but not limited to, with little supervision:
  • Atterberg limits
  • Gradation analyses
  • Swell testing
  • Moisture content testing
  • Visual classifications (begin to learn)
  • Unconfined compressive strength testing of soil and rock
• Performs concrete laboratory testing including but not limited to, with little supervision:
  • Stripping and labeling samples
  • Setting samples for curing
  • Monitoring daily temperature logs
  • Breaking of samples
• Calculations and data reduction of test results and other administrative duties, as appropriate
• Maintains a clean and organized laboratory in compliance with QA/QC and accreditation requirements (e.g., DOT, AMRL, CCRL, AASHTO)
• Performs calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment and maintains records
• Notifies supervisors of damaged or missing equipment
• Prepares for and supports external audits and assessments
• Trains and mentors junior laboratory staff
• Assists with additional laboratory functions and occasional fieldwork as needed

Career Development

As your experience grows, ECS will:

• Support you in enhancing your professional skills.
• Encourage participation and advancement in internal and external training programs and certification opportunities provided by ASTM or other organizations.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Basic certifications and one additional certification (three total) as per the ECS Technician Certification Policy
  • If work is performed in both soils and concrete labs, certifications are required for both laboratories
  • Other certifications, such as NICET Soils I/II/III, WACEL Soils/Concrete and Laboratory, and others, are a plus
• If driving for or on behalf of any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required
• 2 years of related experience
• Strong communication and basic math skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy in data recording and reporting
• Dependable, self-motivated, and responsible work ethic
• Strong working knowledge of laboratory equipment and testing methods
• Proficiency in performing tests in accordance with ASTM standards
• Ability to interpret test data and prepare summaries or reports
• Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Experience using laboratory software systems (e.g., Breakpro or Keylab)
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds multiple times per day

Military Qualifications:

• The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education and certification requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":
• E-4/E-5

The expected pay range for this role and location is $25-$29/hour. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.

About Us

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 3,00 employees in 100+ 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, click here.