Materials Engineer

Universal Engineering Sciences

Phoenix, Arizona

JOB DETAILS
LOCATION
Phoenix, Arizona
POSTED
30+ days ago
Who We Are:

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:

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Civil Engineer with expertise in pavement evaluation, mix design, and construction materials laboratory testing to join our team. The successful candidate will contribute to various projects related to pavement design, construction, and maintenance, and will provide valuable input in mix design for asphalt and concrete, as well as testing and analysis of construction materials.

Responsibilities:

 

  • Evaluates technical and economic factors, recommending engineering and manufacturing actions for attainment of design objectives of process or product by applying knowledge of material science and related technologies.
  • Research material properties and selects the best materials for specific applications.
  • Reviews plans for new products and factors, such as strength, weight, and cost, to submit material selection recommendations ensuring attainment of design objectives.
  • Prepare proposals and budgets, analyze labor costs, write reports, and perform other managerial tasks.
  • Plans and implements laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures for new materials to fulfill product cost and performance standards.
  • Design and direct testing procedures to monitor materials performance and evaluate deterioration.
  • Analyze test data using modeling software and investigating structural issues.
  • Collaborates with producers of materials, such as metals, ceramics, or polymers, during investigation and evaluation of materials suitable for specific product applications.
  • Reviews product failure data and interprets laboratory tests and analyses to establish or rule out material and process causes.
  • Extracts, develops, processes and tests materials used to create a variety of products.
  • Collaborates with engineers and project managers to plan and evaluate new projects.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support engineering and quality assurance goals.

 

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.
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

About the Company

U

Universal Engineering Sciences

Universal Engineering Sciences, Inc. (Universal) is a consulting engineering firm specializing in geotechnical engineering, environmental sciences, construction materials testing, and threshold inspection. We are a growing, competitive firm with a strong position and reputation in our industry. We are always looking for ways to provide enhanced services. With this in mind, we began offering private provider inspection (PPI) and plan review in 2003, and added in-house geophysical engineering and surveys to our already wide range of construction-related services.

Universal’s mission is to do “WHATEVER IT TAKES” to provide our services with a primary focus on understanding and delivering solutions for each of our individual client’s needs, be that timeliness, cost-saving recommendations, ingenuity or any other requirement they may have.

COMPANY SIZE
500 to 999 employees
INDUSTRY
Construction
FOUNDED
1964
WEBSITE
http://universalengineering.com/