Engineering Test Technician

Job Title: Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Technician

Job Description

This role offers an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Technician to perform both field and laboratory testing of construction materials on commercial, industrial, transportation, and public infrastructure projects. You will document test results, verify compliance with project specifications and industry standards, and communicate your findings to project managers, contractors, and engineers. This position is ideal for individuals with 0–3 years of CMT experience who are interested in civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, construction quality assurance, or field testing and want strong growth paths and support in obtaining professional certifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform field testing and inspection of construction materials, including soil density testing, concrete sampling and testing, aggregate testing, and asphalt testing and inspection.

• Observe and document construction activities to ensure compliance with project specifications, plans, and applicable industry standards.

• Prepare accurate and timely field reports, daily logs, and test documentation for all assigned projects.

• Collect representative material samples from job sites and transport them safely to the laboratory for further testing.

• Operate, calibrate, and maintain field and laboratory testing equipment in accordance with company procedures and industry best practices.

• Identify non-conforming materials or construction practices and promptly communicate issues to project managers, contractors, and engineers.

• Coordinate testing schedules and project requirements with contractors, project managers, and engineers to support smooth project execution.

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures and actively contribute to maintaining a safe work environment on job sites and in the laboratory.

• Assist with laboratory testing of construction materials as needed, supporting technicians and engineers.

• Work both independently and as part of a team on active construction sites, adapting to changing project demands and priorities.

• Maintain organized records of test results, observations, and communications to support project documentation and quality assurance.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and in active construction environments.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for clear reporting and collaboration.

• Basic computer proficiency for preparing reports and performing data entry.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.

• Frequent ability to walk on uneven terrain and active job sites.

• Capability to stand, bend, kneel, and climb for extended periods while performing field tasks.

• Ability to lift, carry, and move testing equipment and construction materials safely.

• Willingness and ability to work overtime, early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends based on project demands.

• Attention to detail and accuracy when performing tests and recording data.

• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and projects.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team.

• Problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities to address field and testing challenges.

• Commitment to safety and quality in all aspects of work.

• 0–3 years of construction materials testing (CMT) experience, with entry-level candidates encouraged to apply.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in construction inspection, geotechnical testing, or materials testing.

• ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I certification.

• Associate's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering Technology, or a related field.

• Interest in civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, construction quality assurance, or field testing.

• Comfort working both independently and collaboratively on construction sites.

• Concrete, construction, and field and laboratory testing experience or coursework.

• Motivation to pursue additional certifications, supported by certification reimbursement and career development opportunities.

Work Environment

This position involves working approximately 80% in the field and 20% in the laboratory. You will spend most of your time on active construction sites performing soil, concrete, aggregate, and asphalt testing, often walking on uneven terrain and working in varying weather conditions. The laboratory environment focuses on detailed materials testing and documentation using standard testing equipment and computer-based reporting tools. Work hours may include early mornings, evenings, overtime, and occasional weekends based on project demands. The culture emphasizes safety, quality, and professional growth, with no two days being the same, clear paths for advancement, and strong support for obtaining relevant certifications. Dress expectations align with typical construction and laboratory settings, including appropriate field attire and safety gear suitable for active job sites and materials testing work.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Topeka, KS.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $19.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Topeka,KS.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.