MATERIALS AND RESEARCH ENGINEERING ASSOCIATE (SPECIALIST)

Job Overview Position: Materials Testing and Plant Inspection Specialist (Materials and Research Engineering Associate (Specialist)) Department: Department of Transportation, Caltrans District Materials Engineer Salary: $7,492.00 – $9,379.00 per month Location: 7177 Opportunity Rd, San Diego, CA 92111. The incumbent works in laboratory, field, and plant environments to support the acceptance of construction materials on Caltrans projects. Responsibilities Conduct field, plant, and laboratory testing of soils, asphalt, concrete, and other construction materials to verify compliance with contract plans, specifications, approved mix designs, and testing standards. Interpret technical requirements, evaluate test data, identify non‑conforming conditions, and prepare documentation to support engineering decisions. Operate a valid driver’s license to travel to field, laboratory, and plant locations as necessary. Adhere to Caltrans safety protocols, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety vests, respiratory protection, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and suitable footwear. Support occasional non‑standard shifts, night work, overtime, and emergency response when required. Working Conditions The position involves work in office, laboratory, construction, roadway, and commercial material production environments. Field duties may involve exposure to moving traffic, heavy equipment, uneven terrain, varying weather conditions, elevated temperatures, and construction‑related materials and byproducts (asphalt, concrete, aggregates, dust, noise, and petroleum‑based fumes). Travel and overtime may be required. Minimum Requirements Valid driver’s license for operating state‑owned or leased vehicles. Eligibility to take the Materials and Research Engineering Associate exam or presence on the state examination list. Meet the minimum qualifications listed in the classification specification (education, experience, and certifications). Salary Base salary ranges from $7,492.00 to $9,379.00 per month. New to state candidates will be hired at the minimum salary of the classification or the minimum of the alternate range, when applicable. Application Applications are accepted electronically through the CalCareer account at The final filing date is 7/5/2026 . All required documents must be received or postmarked by the final filing date. Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal‑opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. The State of California is also committed to maintaining a drug‑free workplace. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of California