Geotechnical Laboratory Technician / Field Technician in West Chester, PA

About Ingram Engineering

Ingram Engineering Services, Inc. is a full-service geotechnical and structural engineering firm providing practical, real-world solutions since 2007. We support developers, builders, architects, contractors, and property owners with geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, special inspections and construction materials testing, and AASHTO-accredited soils and materials laboratory testing. Commonly, our engineering and testing services support residential, commercial, institutional, and infrastructure projects.

Our team takes a solutions-first approach, combining attention to detail, procedural discipline, and field expertise with laboratory testing and engineering insight. The result is accurate, reliable testing and oversight, plus practical recommendations and alternatives that help projects move forward on schedule with economical solutions in real time.

Position Overview

Ingram Engineering is seeking a motivated Geotechnical Laboratory Technician / Field Technician / Construction Materials Testing Technician for immediate hire. This role offers the opportunity to work in a full-service AASHTO-accredited soils and materials testing laboratory at our West Chester, Pennsylvania location, as well as performing field work onsite on active construction projects throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland in support of residential, commercial, land development, and infrastructure projects.

The ideal candidate enjoys hands-on work, can learn and repeat specific laboratory testing procedures that adhere to strict standards, and is comfortable solving problems in real time in field environments. This role provides exposure to a wide array of laboratory testing procedures as well as land development and construction processes, inspection procedures, engineering standards, and sample logging and collection methods in the field.

This Technician position plays a key role in supporting laboratory testing production and accuracy, project quality, documentation of field conditions, and communication of conditions, results, and findings to engineers, contractors, and project teams.

Responsibilities

Geotechnical Laboratory Testing Technician (Predominant Role)

Perform standard geotechnical laboratory testing procedures on soil, aggregate, concrete and masonry, asphalt, fireproofing, and rock samples in accordance with strict procedural requirements, accurately and efficiently, and to company quality standards. This is the first priority of the role.

Most commonly conducted laboratory tests:

• Classification of Soils (USCS, AASHTO, USDA)
• Sieve Analysis
• Hydrometer Analysis
• Atterberg Limits (Liquid Limit and Plastic Limit)
• Moisture Content
• Proctors (Standard and Modified)
• Permeability (Constant Head and Falling Head)
• Organic Content
• CBR (California Bearing Ratio)
• Compressive Strength Testing

Field Technician (Secondary Role)

Support field technician activities including inspections, testing, oversight, and sampling of structural fill, rebar, concrete and masonry, asphalt, drilling and test pit oversight with soil sampling and logging, infiltration testing, and bearing capacity testing, as a supplementary role and as needed based on workload.

Most commonly conducted field tasks:

• Perform and document field inspections and testing services on active construction projects.
• Conduct concrete and masonry testing and sampling in accordance with project specifications and ACI/ASTM standards as applicable.
• Perform field compaction testing using nuclear density gauges.
• Perform bearing capacity testing using Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP), Geoprobe equipment, and other field methods.
• Conduct asphalt density testing and general construction materials testing and oversight services.
• Perform infiltration testing using a double-ring infiltrometer.
• Provide oversight, logging, testing, and sampling of drilling via Standard Penetration Testing (SPT) and excavation of test pits.
• Perform inspections, sampling, and testing of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Materials (SFRMs).
• Verify construction activities for compliance with approved plans, specifications, and project requirements.
• Review and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and related documents.
• Prepare and submit daily field reports documenting testing activities, observations, and inspection findings using company templates.
• Observe, document, and communicate deficiencies or nonconformities while providing direct oversight and recommendations that lead to prompt resolution and timely construction production.
• Maintain accurate field notes and communication records.
• Complete weekly timesheets and expense reports accurately and on schedule.
• Coordinate with contractors, project managers, engineers, and clients regarding field activities.
• Maintain and transport testing equipment required for daily assignments.
• Manage multiple project assignments while maintaining quality and schedule expectations.
• Assist with additional construction observation and special inspection services as necessary.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required. Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree, or technical education and experience in soils, construction, engineering technology, geology, civil engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 0 to 3+ years of experience in laboratory testing, construction materials testing, field inspections, or related construction, engineering, or laboratory work preferred.
• Experience reading laboratory and field testing standards, project specifications, and construction drawings preferred.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and general computer applications.
• Ability to work independently in the laboratory and on field projects on a regular basis. Initial orientation and training will be provided as needed.
• Ability to follow directions, retain information, and repeat the specific procedures required for proper laboratory testing.
• Ability to work directly with the Laboratory Manager to ensure testing services are completed efficiently, accurately, and within project schedules.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and site conditions throughout all seasons.
• Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation required. Reimbursement is provided for personal transportation used for work activities.
• Willingness to travel daily to project sites throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.

Preferred Experience

Experience with:

• Geotechnical laboratory testing for engineering purposes
• Concrete and masonry field testing and sampling
• Nuclear density gauge testing
• Bearing capacity testing including DCP and Geoprobe methods
• Asphalt density testing
• Construction observation and field inspections
• Reading construction plans and specifications
• Construction materials testing (CMT)
• ICC inspection certifications, ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I certification, and special inspection certifications

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly compensation ranging from $22 to $25 per hour based on experience and certifications.
• Competitive benefits package.
• A varied and flexible work schedule with experience spanning a wide breadth of tasks.
• Hands-on training and mentorship from experienced laboratory staff, engineers, and field staff.
• Opportunity for career growth and advancement.
• Exposure to diverse project types ranging from residential developments to commercial and infrastructure projects.
• Collaborative, family-oriented company culture.
• Overtime opportunities during peak construction seasons at time-and-a-half for hours worked over 40 per week.
• Typical field schedules begin around 7:00 AM and generally conclude by approximately 3:00 PM, with daily schedules provided in advance.
• Typical laboratory schedules begin around 8:00 or 9:00 AM and generally conclude by approximately 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM, depending on daily factors.

Why Ingram Engineering

IES pairs a full-service, AASHTO-accredited laboratory with active geotechnical, structural, and special inspection work. That combination gives technicians unusually broad exposure: you see the sample collected in the field and you run the test that informs the recommendation. Our team works closely across disciplines, and laboratory staff report directly to our Laboratory Manager, who oversees our Quality Management System and accreditation program.

• Hands-on work across both laboratory and field environments
• Accredited laboratory with defined procedures and quality oversight
• Diverse project types across PA, NJ, DE, and MD
• Direct mentorship from experienced technicians, inspectors, and engineers
• Clear path toward ACI, ICC, and NICET certifications
• Collaborative, family-first culture

Accurate results start in the field and get confirmed in the laboratory. We do both, under one roof.