Engineering Test Technician

Job Title: Engineering Test Technician Job Description
The Engineering Test Technician performs field and laboratory testing, observation, and inspection of construction materials such as soils, aggregates, concrete, asphalt, and steel. This role supports construction projects by ensuring materials meet specified standards, accurately documenting test results, and communicating findings to project stakeholders. The technician contributes to safe, efficient project delivery through precise testing, careful handling of samples, and adherence to strict safety standards.
Responsibilities
- Perform field and laboratory testing, observation, and inspection of construction materials including soils, aggregates, concrete, asphalt, and steel.
- Conduct concrete testing, concrete inspection, and materials testing in accordance with project specifications and applicable standards.
- Carry out construction inspection activities to verify compliance with project requirements and quality expectations.
- Transport material samples from project sites to the laboratory, ensuring proper labeling and associated identifying documentation for accurate tracking and analysis.
- Tabulate, prepare, and submit data and observations in the form of written and digital reports on a daily basis for transmittal to the Project Manager.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with the project manager, engineering technicians, client representatives, contractor representatives, and other stakeholders regarding site conditions, project requirements, and testing, observation, and inspection results.
- Maintain, clean, and care for testing equipment, vehicles, and work areas to ensure reliability, safety, and readiness for use.
- Assist with scheduling and dispatching technicians to project sites when needed to support efficient project operations.
- Use and properly handle specialized testing equipment, such as nuclear gauges, for soils and aggregate testing in accordance with safety and regulatory guidelines.
- Follow strict safety standards at all times while working in the field, laboratory, and office environments.
- Organize work tasks and documentation effectively to meet deadlines and support accurate reporting.
- Operate in both outdoor field conditions and indoor laboratory/office settings while maintaining high-quality testing and inspection practices.
Essential Skills
- At least 1 year of experience in Construction Materials Testing (CMT).
- Hands-on experience with concrete testing, concrete inspection, and general materials testing.
- Familiarity with construction inspection practices and working on active construction sites.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as part of routine field and laboratory activities.
- Strong organization skills to manage samples, documentation, and daily reporting requirements.
- Computer efficiency for preparing digital reports, data entry, and communication.
- Ability to work outside in all weather conditions while performing field testing and inspections.
- Experience with soils testing, asphalt testing, and aggregate testing.
- Capability to follow strict safety standards and procedures consistently.
- Effective communication skills for interacting with project managers, technicians, client representatives, and contractor representatives.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Some prior construction exposure, such as working on construction sites or supporting construction projects.
- A geology degree or related educational background is beneficial for understanding materials and site conditions.
- ACI certification (American Concrete Institute) is preferred and considered a strong asset.
- Experience using nuclear gauges for soils and aggregate testing.
- Knowledge of materials testing standards and best practices.
- Attention to detail in sampling, documentation, and reporting.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a technical team in the field and laboratory.
Work Environment
This role operates in a mixed field, laboratory, and office environment. The Engineering Test Technician spends significant time on active construction sites performing materials testing, observation, and inspection, often working outdoors in all weather conditions. The position also involves working in a laboratory setting to run tests on collected samples and in an office environment to prepare written and digital reports, manage documentation, and communicate with project stakeholders. The work requires regular use of testing equipment, including nuclear gauges and other materials testing instruments, as well as computers for data entry and reporting. Safety protocols are strictly followed in all settings, and the technician is expected to maintain equipment, vehicles, and work areas in a clean and orderly condition.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kansas City, KS.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kansas City, KS.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Kansas City,KS. 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 [email protected] 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.