Technician 3

AET; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

American Engineering Testing (AET) seeks a Technician 3 in Sioux Falls, SD to perform advanced soils, concrete, bituminous, and masonry testing in field and lab. Lead testing teams and coordinate with project managers on multi-phase projects.

You will mentor junior staff, review reports for accuracy, and ensure QA/QC and safety compliance while adhering to ASTM, AASHTO, and ACI standards. This role requires field and office work, plus driving.

Qualifications

• HS diploma required; associate degree or technical certification preferred.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in construction materials testing.
• Advanced knowledge of ASTM, AASHTO, and ACI standards.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Minimum 5 years of related engineering technician experience in QC testing.

Responsibilities

• Act as lead technician on multi-phase projects, coordinating field teams and schedules.
• Support project managers in planning, budgeting, and client communications.
• Review and validate technical reports for accuracy and clarity.
• Mentor Technician 1 and 2 staff on testing protocols and safety practices.
• Communicate with clients, contractors, and suppliers to resolve issues.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team leadership

Project coordination

Education

HS Diploma

Associate degree or technical certification

Civil/Geology related degree (preferred)

Tools

QEST

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

At American Engineering Testing (AET), we believe that people are the heart of innovation. We create an environment that values teamwork, curiosity, and continuous improvement while delivering innovative engineering and consulting solutions. As a 100% employee-owned firm, we deliver comprehensive testing, analysis, and design to reduce uncertainty in construction projects and offer rewarding work, exceptional training, and career development opportunities.

Job Summary

Technician 3 is a senior-level field and lab technician responsible for executing complex construction materials testing, mentoring junior staff, and supporting project management activities. This role demands advanced technical proficiency, leadership in field operations, and a strong commitment to quality assurance and safety. Technician 3s serve as technical leads on-site, ensuring compliance with standards such as ASTM, AASHTO, and ACI, while also contributing to process improvements and client satisfaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations or workable solutions may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Advanced Field and Laboratory Testing

• Perform and oversee testing of soils, concrete, bituminous, and masonry products.
• Lead execution of field density and Proctor density tests, plastic concrete testing, and bituminous lab analyses.
• Conduct complex evaluations of excavation sites and correlate findings with geotechnical data.
• Perform hand auger borings and advanced sampling under minimal supervision.
• Ensure calibration and maintenance of lab equipment and instruments.

Project Leadership and Oversight

• Act as lead technician on multi-phase projects, coordinating field teams and schedules.
• Support project managers in planning, budgeting, and client communications.
• Review and validate technical reports, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
• Mentor Technician 1 and 2 staff, providing guidance on testing protocols and safety practices.

Client and Stakeholder Engagement

• Communicate directly with clients, contractors, and suppliers to coordinate testing and resolve issues.
• Represent the company professionally during site visits, inspections, and client meetings.
• Provide technical insights and recommendations to clients based on field observations and test results.

Compliance and Safety

• Ensure all work complies with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Uphold AET’s QA/QC and Health & Safety policies in all field and lab activities.
• Maintain documentation for audits, certifications, and regulatory reviews.

Continuous Improvement and Development

• Identify opportunities for process optimization and contribute to departmental improvements.
• Participate in technician career framework initiatives and leadership development programs. Career Frameworks: Technicians Job Family Project Launch
• Stay current with industry standards, certifications, and emerging technologies.

Administrative and Logistical Duties

• Maintain high chargeable productivity and accurate time tracking.
• Safely operate and maintain company vehicles and equipment.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and comply with DOT regulations and physical requirements.
• Directly or indirectly supervise engineering and technical personnel within area of assignment.

May provide work direction on projects and job sites.

Required Qualifications and Requirements

• High school diploma required; associate degree or technical certification preferred.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in construction materials testing.
• Advanced knowledge of ASTM, AASHTO, and ACI standards.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• A minimum of 5 years of related engineering technician experience with quality control testing of construction materials.
• Other state DOT certifications a plus.
• Capable of the physical labor required including work at hazardous waste sites, with personal protective equipment.

Required Certifications

• ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician – Grade I
• Nuclear Gauge Safety and Operation Certification
• MN DOT Bituminous Certification (Level I or II)
• MN DOT Grading and Base Certification
• OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety and Health
• Valid Driver’s License with Acceptable Driving Record

Preferred Certifications

• Nuclear Gauge Safety and Operation Certification
• Valid Driver’s License with Acceptable Driving Record

Preferred Skills

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Geology preferred.
• Field certifications such as ACI Field Testing Grade I, NICET, OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety and Healthor equivalent.
• Strong working knowledge of field standards and test methods (ASTM, AASHTO).
• Experience using project tracking systems such as QEST or Microsoft Dynamics.
• Excellent communication and team leadership skills, with the ability to train and motivate technicians.
• Proven ability to manage shifting priorities in a high-volume, fast-paced field environment.

Pay Transparency

Base compensation is expected to be in the range of $27.00 to $32.00 per hour based on skill set and experience. AET offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health benefits, insurance, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), long-term savings, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. The selected candidate must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future.

This job operates in both a field and office environment. This position also requires field work in outdoor conditions on construction sites with uneven ground and adverse weather conditions. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands or finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75-100 pounds. The employee will occasionally push or pull equipment weighing up to 200 pounds. The employee is required to frequently work outside. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Third Party Disclosure

Notice to Third Party Agencies: AET does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting firms. Absent a signed Service Agreement by AET’s Chief People Officer (CPO), AET reserves the right to pursue and hire these candidates without financial obligation to recruiters or agencies.