Entry Level Construction Materials Engineering and Testing (CoMET) Technician

Job Description

Entry Level Construction Materials Engineering and Testing (CoMET) Technician | Kleinfelder

The Tone:
This is an early career position at Kleinfelder, located in Richmond, VA. Kleinfelder is a company of engineers, scientists, and construction professionals dedicated to improving transportation, water, energy, and private infrastructure. This role is crucial for performing routine quality control testing on construction materials, contributing directly to the development and maintenance of America’s essential infrastructure. No prior experience is required, as the company is committed to providing comprehensive training and advancement opportunities for its team members.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Location: Richmond, VA
• Team: Part of the CoMET operations within the Construction Services market.
• Mission: Perform routine quality control test procedures on commercial, industrial, public, and private construction projects from the ground up.
• Tech Stack: Company-provided laptop or iPad, MS Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook).

What You’ll Actually Do
• Site Observation: Read and interpret construction plans and specifications to perform field observations and conduct materials sampling and testing across diverse construction projects, including buildings, bridges, and roadways.
• Material Testing: Execute testing procedures on a wide range of construction materials such as soils, reinforcing steel, concrete, compaction grouting, masonry, structural steel, fireproofing, metal decking, roofing, and paving.
• Documentation & Reporting: Prepare comprehensive daily field reports detailing work performed by contractors and accurately indicating compliance or non-compliance with contract documents, plans, and specifications.
• Sample Preparation: Cast field samples of concrete, masonry, and grout for subsequent laboratory analysis to verify strength and quality.
• Stakeholder Communication: Maintain effective communication with clients, contractors, and other design professionals, providing daily or milestone updates to the Department Manager.
• Logistics Support: Manage the pick-up of construction material samples for laboratory delivery and ensure timely delivery of equipment to site technicians.

The Must-Haves
• Background: High School Diploma or equivalent. This is an entry-level position with comprehensive training provided, including advancement opportunities through technician certification programs. Authorization to work in the United States.
• Experience: No prior experience is required; Kleinfelder is committed to investing in team members by providing all necessary training and covering the cost of required certifications within the first 6 months, including Nuclear Density Gage Certification and ACI Concrete Field-Testing Technician Grade I. Requires a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and ability to pass a drug test.
• Skills: Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a high-pressure environment with changing priorities; excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; proficiency with company-provided laptops or iPads and MS Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook); physical capability to bend, stoop, lift up to 50 pounds repetitively (or over 50 pounds with handling equipment), operate heavy equipment (e.g., ultrasonic non-destructive testing machine, concrete cylinder press), and safely traverse construction obstacles, rough terrain, and steep surfaces; ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and in labs.
• Bonus: Prior construction-related training or technical training is desirable. Possessing current ACI or ICC certification is a plus.