Entry Level Lab/Field Engineer

Job Title: Entry Level Lab/Field EngineerJob Description

This entry-level Lab/Field Engineer role offers the opportunity to work with construction materials both in a laboratory and on active construction sites. You will perform testing on soil, concrete, asphalt, and aggregates, support senior technicians with specialized projects, and document results that help ensure the quality and safety of construction work. The position provides long-term growth potential into a Construction Materials Testing (CMT) technician role in either the field or the lab.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing on soil, concrete, asphalt, aggregate, and other construction materials in accordance with applicable standards.
• Prepare samples for testing following relevant national, state, and local testing standards and procedures.
• Record test results accurately and maintain organized documentation for all laboratory activities.
• Assist with calibration, routine maintenance, and cleaning of laboratory equipment to ensure reliable performance.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment at all times.
• Enter testing data into spreadsheets, databases, and reporting systems with attention to detail.
• Review test results for accuracy and completeness before submitting reports.
• Support senior technicians and laboratory leadership with special and advanced testing projects.
• Collect soil, concrete, asphalt, and aggregate samples from construction sites following established sampling protocols.
• Perform concrete slump, air content, and temperature testing at job sites to verify material properties.
• Assist with nuclear density testing and compaction testing of soils in the field.
• Observe proof rolls and earthwork operations to document conditions and verify compliance with project requirements.
• Monitor placement of concrete and other construction materials and report any issues or deviations.
• Document site conditions and testing activities thoroughly for inclusion in project records.
• Communicate findings clearly with project managers, contractors, and engineers to support project decision-making.
• Prepare daily field reports and testing documentation that summarize activities, test results, and observations.
• Transport samples safely between project sites and the laboratory while maintaining sample integrity.
• Test concrete and soils in a lab setting and collect corresponding samples from the field in a construction environment.
• Write clear, basic reports based on field and lab findings using standard office and technological tools.

Essential Skills

• Valid driver's license and reliable driving record.
• Ability to work off-shift and overtime as needed to support project schedules.
• Ability to lift, move, push, and pull 30 to 50 pounds frequently, and occasionally over 50 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication.
• Ability to kneel and squat occasionally during sampling and testing activities.
• Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time on construction sites and in the lab.
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions, including hot and cold temperatures.
• Ability to work Monday-Friday from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with Saturdays as required, averaging about 45 hours per week.
• Basic technological skills to enter data and write reports based on field and laboratory findings.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in construction materials testing, including concrete, earthwork, drilling, soil sampling, and aggregate testing.
• Desire for long-term growth into a Construction Materials Testing (CMT) technician role in the field or laboratory.
• Ability to communicate effectively with project managers, contractors, and engineers.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills when documenting tests and maintaining records.

Work Environment

This role operates in both laboratory and field environments. In the lab, you work in a structured, equipment-based setting focused on testing construction materials and maintaining a clean, safe, and organized workspace. In the field, you visit active construction sites to collect samples and perform tests, often standing or walking for extended periods on uneven surfaces and working outdoors in varying weather conditions, including hot and cold temperatures. Typical hours are Monday through Friday from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with Saturdays as needed, averaging around 45 hours per week. The position involves regular travel between project sites and the laboratory and requires adherence to appropriate safety practices and site protocols.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Antonio, TX.

Pay and Benefits

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

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 San Antonio,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 12, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.