Engineering Technician

Actalent
Des Moines, IA

Job Title: Engineering Technician
Job Description

As an Engineering Technician, you will perform material testing for aggregate, soil, asphalt, non-destructive testing (NDT), concrete, concrete density, and steel. Your typical day will involve visiting multiple job sites throughout central Iowa, interacting with contractors and project owners, and collecting samples of soil or concrete. You will also conduct foundation testing and ensure reinforcing steel complies with shop drawings. Additionally, you will log and track the numbers from machines when testing concrete and soil.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct material testing for aggregate, soil, asphalt, NDT, concrete, concrete density, and steel.
  • Visit multiple job sites daily throughout central Iowa.
  • Interact with contractors and project owners.
  • Collect samples of soil or concrete for testing.
  • Perform foundation testing and check reinforcing steel compliance with shop drawings.
  • Log and track data from testing machines for concrete and soil.
Essential Skills
  • 2+ years of construction testing experience in earth, dirt work, concrete, steel, or related materials.
  • Proficiency in soil, concrete, and aggregate testing.
  • Knowledge of non-destructive testing and environmental construction observation.
  • Bachelor's degree in Geology, Environmental Sciences, or a similar field is preferred.
  • Active driver's license.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • Experience with geoscience, geology, and environmental science.
  • Capability in soil sampling and materials testing.
Work Environment

This role offers a dynamic work environment with a mix of field and office work. You will work 40-60 hours per week, with potential for 6-day weeks and occasional overtime. Overnight stays are rare, occurring approximately 10 times per year. Start times range between 7 am to 8 am, and work continues until the job is completed. The team consists of 20 field technicians and 8 office staff, including project managers and engineers. The company is family-owned with a small, close-knit feel, and encourages a supportive atmosphere with a focus on employee growth and education. A company vehicle is provided for travel to job sites.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Des Moines, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $28.00/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 Des Moines,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 7, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

  • Hiring diverse talent
  • Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
  • Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
  • Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

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