You need to know a lot as an Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) professional interested in construction materials testing jobs. This career path is highly technical and involves using a comprehensive testing process on materials used in building projects. These professionals test all kinds of materials, including concrete, steel, asbestos, and other materials necessary for a sound structural build.
Construction Materials Testing (CMT) is vital for ensuring the safety and viability of construction projects and informing engineering decisions. They also check and make sure builders and engineers only use materials that meet a set standard to produce high-quality structures. There are two kinds of construction materials testing: field testing and lab testing.
Field testing. Here, the construction materials testers work on-site to ensure building components such as timber and asphalt are fit for use on the project. Some projects where you’ll commonly find CMTs are building developments, airports, and roadways. They use visual and non-destructive techniques to check the materials’ moisture, air, and other components. If everything is satisfactory, the project gets the go-ahead to continue. However, if the CMT is unable to draw any conclusions from a field test, they’ll send samples of the materials to the lab for further testing.
Lab testing. Lab tests are done when field testing is insufficient to measure materials adequately. It’s not as common as field testing and is only done as needed. Lab testing in CMT gives a comprehensive view of materials, such as concrete’s flexural strength and asphalt’s density.
Construction materials jobs in California
The job outlook for construction materials testing in California looks promising. The average salary is $42,263 per annum, with workers in the ninetieth percentile making over $65,000 per annum. Workers switching to this industry can expect their wages to keep growing as they gain years of experience and advanced skills.
Requirements and skills
CMT is a specialized field that requires completion of a combination of any two courses in biology, geology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, or computer science. However, some employers may accept a high school diploma in combination with training certificates from institutions such as American Concrete Institute.
It’s also helpful to have relevant experience in construction or an associate degree in civil engineering or related fields. Most jobs will give more consideration to applicants with a valid driver’s license. Below is a list of skills that can also help you land construction materials testing jobs:
- Oral and written communication
- Teamwork
- Ability to walk in uneven terrain
- Ability to lift heavy weights of 50 to 100 pounds
- Detail oriented
- Time management
Hiring in California
Kleinfelder Inc
Kleinfelder was established in 1961 and has its headquarters in San Diego, California. They provide high-level testing and inspection services on multiple projects in various locations in California. Kleinfelder’s team of construction professionals delivers the right solutions to water, energy, and transportation challenges, to mention a few.
Some of their services include:
- Construction observation and inspection
- Materials and forensic engineering
- Laboratory testing
TERRACON
TERRACON is an engineering consulting firm specializing in geotechnical, environmental, facilities and material services. They’re committed to sustainable and affordable geotechnical and environmental solutions to meet their client’s needs. TERRACON is hiring across multiple roles in construction materials testing. Some of their services include:
- Deep foundation non-destructive testing
- On-site observation and monitoring
- Design and review of concrete, asphaltic and grout concrete mixes
- Field and lab testing and analysis
- Structural steel non-destructive testing
Intertek
Intertek is hiring in Santa Fe Springs, California. The company is over 130 years old and provides total quality assurance for multiple industries across the world, including bespoke inspection, testing, and assurance services using a systematic approach in line with industry winning processes.
Their services include:
- Non-destructive testing
- Contamination detection and analysis
- Environmental testing
- Building product inspection
- Site construction inspection
Technical staffing agencies are experts at providing their clients with guidance and information about their qualifications. At Certis Solutions, we work with you to match your skill set and capabilities with the right job opportunities. This is a necessary process that boosts your chances of landing the job. Contact us today to learn more about how we work.