Construction Material Testing Manager

The Construction Materials Engineering and Testing Manager leads and manages a diverse portfolio of construction materials projects while upholding high technical and quality standards. This role oversees projects from initial inspection setup through testing, reporting, and closeout, serving a wide range of public and private clients on projects that vary from roads to complex structures. The manager coordinates field technicians and engineers, provides technical guidance on project issues, and ensures that all testing and reporting comply with applicable standards and client requirements. This position also plays a key role in mentoring and developing technicians and junior engineers within a collaborative engineering team.

Responsibilities

• Manage construction materials engineering and testing projects from initial planning through completion, ensuring scope, schedule, and quality objectives are met.
• Set up and organize initial inspections for a variety of projects, including roads, structures, and other infrastructure and building works.
• Coordinate and schedule field technicians and field engineers to perform construction inspections and materials testing activities.
• Oversee field testing procedures for construction materials such as soil, concrete, hot-mix asphalt (HMA), and steel to ensure they follow applicable standards and project specifications.
• Provide technical recommendations and solutions for project issues related to geotechnical conditions, construction materials performance, and quality assurance.
• Review, interpret, and validate test data and inspection findings to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency with project requirements.
• Prepare, review, and issue clear and timely testing and inspection reports for clients, design teams, and other stakeholders.
• Manage testing programs for both private and public sector projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, project specifications, and quality standards.
• Collaborate closely with other engineers to develop and implement effective testing strategies, quality assurance plans, and validation protocols.
• Mentor, train, and manage technicians and junior engineers, providing guidance on field and laboratory testing procedures, safety practices, and professional development.
• Monitor and enforce adherence to established procedures for construction observation, materials testing, and quality assurance.
• Support geotechnical and materials engineering activities by integrating field observations, laboratory test results, and engineering judgment into project recommendations.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement within the construction materials testing team.

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, or project engineering.
• Current professional license as required for practice in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Expert-level knowledge of field testing procedures for construction materials including soil, concrete, hot-mix asphalt (HMA), and steel.
• Strong understanding of laboratory testing procedures for construction materials and their application to quality assurance and validation.
• Demonstrated experience in managing testing programs for private and public sector construction projects.
• Hands-on experience with geotechnical engineering concepts and practices as they relate to construction materials and field conditions.
• Proficiency in construction observation and construction inspection for various types of infrastructure and structural projects.
• Familiarity with the use of nuclear gauge equipment for soil and materials testing.
• Knowledge of ACI (American Concrete Institute) standards and practices for concrete testing and quality control.
• Proven ability to interpret test results, validate data, and provide sound engineering recommendations.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to coordinate multiple concurrent projects and teams.
• Effective communication skills for preparing reports and collaborating with clients, engineers, technicians, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership and guidance to field technicians and junior engineers.

• Experience with validation and validation testing processes in the context of construction materials and quality assurance.
• Background in quality assurance programs for construction projects, including development and implementation of testing protocols.
• Exposure to a wide range of construction environments, including roads, structures, and both simple and complex projects.
• Prior experience mentoring or training junior staff in construction materials testing and inspection.
• Familiarity with industry standards and best practices for geotechnical engineering, materials testing, and construction quality control.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team and adapt to varied project types and client needs.

The Construction Material Testing Manager works primarily in a dynamic environment that combines office-based coordination and reporting with field-based oversight of inspections and testing. The role involves close collaboration with engineers, field technicians, and project stakeholders to support a wide range of public and private sector projects, from roadway construction to complex structural developments. The manager regularly interacts with field crews using geotechnical and construction testing technologies, including nuclear gauges and other specialized equipment for soil, concrete, hot-mix asphalt (HMA), and steel testing. The position requires flexibility to support field activities, which may include visiting active construction sites, observing testing procedures, and ensuring that field and laboratory operations follow established standards and safety practices. Hours may vary based on project needs and construction schedules, and the work setting emphasizes safety, technical excellence, and a strong culture of quality and teamwork.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Oxford, MS.

The pay range for this position is $43.27 - $62.50/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Oxford,MS.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $43 - $63