Special Inspector - Structural Steel

Engineering Consulting Service; Chantilly, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Limited in Chantilly, VA is hiring a Specialty Technician I to join our team and perform field observations, inspections, and testing of soils, aggregates, concrete, grout, masonry, asphalt and structural steel placements.

You will work under supervision, collect data, report findings, and communicate with site contractors and project managers; training and certifications are encouraged, and the role offers competitive pay ($29–$45/hour) and mileage reimbursement.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of related experience.
• High School diploma or GED.
• Must have or be willing to obtain 2 relevant specialty certifications from NRC, NICET, WACEL, ACI, IFC, AWS, ASNT, ASTM.
• Carrying 40–70 lbs multiple times a day or occasionally lifting 85 lbs to waist height.
• Must have a valid driver's license and insurance.
• Must provide suitable transportation – mileage reimbursed.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and follow laws and company policies.
• Strong communication skills (speaking, reading, writing).
• Working knowledge of destructive and non-destructive testing principles and standards.
• Good understanding of heavy construction safety, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to work at heights.
• Proficiency with electronic devices (phones, tablets, laptops).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering and construction plans.
• Basic knowledge of MS Office.
• If focus is NDE testing, calibrate NDE equipment.
• E-4/E-5 military ranks qualify if education/certifications are met.

Responsibilities

• Perform field observations, testing, inspections, and sampling of construction materials including soils, aggregates, concrete, grout, masonry, asphalt and structural steel.
• Conduct routine observations of structural and reinforcing steel and bolted connections using industry-standard testing methods.
• Perform data calculations and data reduction from sampling and inspections; assist with drafting and keep field equipment organized.
• Maintain daily communication with site contractors, other technicians and project managers; attend project meetings as requested.
• Receive ECS methodology training for project observations, inspections and testing; document findings with precision.

Skills

Strong communication

MS Office basics

Read engineering drawings

NDT equipment familiarity

Electronic devices proficiency

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

NDE equipment

Job description

Responsibilities

ECS Limited is offering a unique opportunity for a talented Specialty Technician I to join our Chantilly team and advance in a dynamic work environment. You'll work on a variety of projects performing field observations and inspections, and may also work with steel performing destructive and non-destructive testing (NDT).

• Field Activities: Perform observations, testing, inspections, and sampling of various construction materials, including soils, aggregates, concrete, grout, masonry, asphalt and structural steel placement; Execute tasks based on project requirements under the guidance of senior technicians, staff professionals, and project managers; Inspections may also be conducted in fabrication facilities.
• Testing Procedures: Conduct routine observations of structural steel and reinforcing steel, including welded or bolted connections using various methodologies and testing equipment following industry standards for documentation and compliance.
• Data Collection: Perform calculations and data reduction based on sampling, test results, and inspections; Engage in drafting and other administrative duties as required; Maintain organization of field equipment and notify supervisor of broken or missing equipment as applicable.
• Communication: Maintain daily communication with site contractors, other technicians, and project managers, keeping the team informed of changing site conditions and requested additional testing; Attend project meetings as requested.
• Training and Development: Receive training in ECS methodology for project observations, inspections, and testing; Document findings with precision in accordance with accepted engineering practices.

Career Development

As your experience grows, ECS will:

• Support you in enhancing your professional skills to advance and grow with us.
• Encourage participation in internal and external training programs and certification opportunities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of related experience.
• High School diploma or GED.
• Must have or be willing to obtain 2 relevant specialty certifications from industry authorities such as NRC, NICET, WACEL, ACI, IFC, AWS, ASNT, ASTM (other authorities may be considered at ECS discretion).
• Position requires carrying 40 – 70 lbs multiple times a day or occasionally lifting 85 lbs to waist height.
• Must have valid driver's license and insurance.
• Must provide suitable transportation for use on job sites – Mileage will be reimbursed.
• Must have the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and follow all local and state laws, road/driving regulations, and company policies.
• Strong communication skills (speaking, reading, and writing).
• Working knowledge of destructive and non-destructive testing principles, applications, and testing standards.
• Good understanding of heavy construction safety, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to perform work at heights.
• Proficiency with electronic devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops.
• Functional ability to read and interpret engineering and construction plans.
• Basic knowledge of MS Office.
• If your focus is NDE testing, you should have the ability to calibrate NDE equipment.

Military Qualifications:

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

The expected pay range for this role and location is $29-$45/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 facilities consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,000 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 #50 in Zweig Group's Hot Firm List (May 2025). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.