Construction Materials Testing and Geotechnical Engineer

Overview

At UES, we're a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose-to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

Build what's next-including your career-with UES! Every great project starts below the surface. Your next career move could, too.

UES is hiring engineering professionals across construction materials testing (CMT) and geotechnical engineering, from Field Engineers and Staff Engineers/EITs to Project, Senior, and Principal Engineers/PEs.

Put your skills to work investigating sites, testing materials, evaluating ground conditions, and developing engineering solutions that help communities build safely. Depending on your experience, you may manage projects, strengthen client relationships, provide technical oversight, or mentor the next generation of engineers.

Starting your career? Gain field experience and learn alongside experienced professionals. Ready to lead? Guide complex projects, develop teams, and help shape our growing business.

Enjoy industry-leading benefits, professional development, and career growth, with responsibilities aligned to your experience, qualifications, and licensure.

#EngineeringCareers #CivilEngineering #GeotechnicalEngineering #ConstructionMaterialsTesting #UES

Responsibilities

• Responsibilities

Duties align with experience, certifications, and licensure. Early-career engineers work under appropriate supervision.

Field / Staff Engineer / EIT

• Conduct site investigations, construction observations, and materials testing.
• Collect and analyze soil samples, field measurements, and laboratory data.
• Assist with subsurface explorations, instrumentation monitoring, engineering calculations, and geotechnical recommendations.
• Review plans and specifications; prepare field records and technical reports.
• Maintain calibrated testing equipment and promptly communicate findings and concerns.

Project Engineer / PE

• Perform engineering analyses and develop recommendations, specifications, and technical reports.
• Manage investigations, testing, and project delivery, including scopes, proposals, budgets, schedules, and staffing.
• Review technical work, address project risks, and mentor junior staff.
• Coordinate with clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies.

Senior / Principal Engineer

• Direct complex CMT and geotechnical projects, resolve technical issues, and approve deliverables.
• Exercise responsible charge and sign and seal documents within authorized licensure and expertise.
• Guide technical standards, staff development, and quality assurance.
• Develop client relationships and support business growth, resource planning, and profitability.

All Levels

• Follow safety procedures, applicable standards, and project requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation and collaborate across project teams.
• Travel and accommodate project schedules, including occasional extended hours or overnight assignments.
• Perform other duties appropriate to the role.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or related field. 2+ years of experience in construction materials testing, geotechnical engineering, or quality control. Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification required; Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or ability to obtain. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with data analysis and reporting tools. Strong communication, analytical, and technical writing skills. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in office, lab, and field environments. Ability to determine how materials will be used in a wide variety of conditions. Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record and ability to travel to job sites as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

All Levels

• Bachelor's degree in civil, geotechnical, construction, or related engineering discipline. Student interns must be enrolled in an applicable degree program.
• Valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and ability to travel to project sites.
• Strong communication, analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with software appropriate to the role.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and teamwork.
• Ability to meet applicable background screening requirements and perform essential duties, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Qualifications by Level

• Engineering Intern: Foundational engineering knowledge and willingness to learn under supervision.
• Field / Entry-Level Staff Engineer: Completed engineering degree; no professional experience required.
• Staff Engineer / EIT: Ability to assist with calculations, data analysis, and technical reports. EIT certification required for designated EIT positions; otherwise preferred or in progress.
• Project Engineer / PE: Active PE license and at least five years of progressive engineering experience, including independent technical work and project coordination.
• Senior Engineer / PE: Active PE license and substantial relevant experience managing complex projects, reviewing technical work, and mentoring staff.
• Principal Engineer / PE: Active PE license and extensive relevant experience providing technical oversight, responsible charge, client development, and team leadership.

Additional testing certifications and scheduling requirements will depend on the assignment.

Travel Requirements

• This position requires moderate travel, approximately up to 40% of the time, in support of business

objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on

project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and

use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This position operates in a hybrid work environment, requiring flexibility to work effectively from both a laboratory and field work setting.

• Professional Office

• This position primarily operates in a professional office environment, requiring the ability to work at a desk for extended periods while using a computer, phone, and standard office equipment.

• The position involves sitting for extended periods, performing data entry, and engaging in frequent communication via email, phone, and in-person interactions.

• The role involves regular communication with team members, clients, and stakeholders, both in person and through virtual platforms.

• The physical demands of the job may include occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting of office materials up to 15 pounds.

• Laboratory Environment:

• Regular exposure to moderate to loud noise levels from laboratory equipment, ventilation systems, and instrumentation.

• Routine handling of chemicals, biological samples, and lab equipment, requiring adherence to strict safety protocols.

• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, safety goggles, and respiratory protection.

• Possible exposure to chemical odors, dust, or temperature fluctuations within the lab environment.

• Field Environment:

• Work at outdoor sites including wetlands, forests, grasslands, construction zones, and undeveloped land.

• Travel on foot across uneven, rugged, or obstructed terrain, sometimes in areas inaccessible by vehicle.

• Exposure to varying weather conditions including heat, cold, humidity, rain, or sun.

• Possible presence of insects, animals, or natural and man-made hazards in field environments.

• Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry between 35-75 lbs. of equipment or samples over distances up to 75 feet.

• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate lab and field equipment for extended periods.

• Frequent use of hands and arms for sampling, operating tools/instruments, data entry, and testing procedures.

• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, kneel, climb, and balance as needed during both lab and fieldwork.

• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats in varied environments, often while wearing PPE.

• Ability to use sensory capabilities to see (including close and distant vision, color perception, depth perception, and focus) and smell for observation and safety purposes.

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here