Demo

CEI Inspectors

smeinc
Wilmington, NC Full Time
POSTED ON 10/29/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/18/2026

CEI Inspectors

Requisition Number: 2026-2701-01


What if your next career move helped shape the roads, bridges, airports, and rail systems that keep North Carolina moving? S&ME is seeking Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) Inspectors to join our Transportation team across North Carolina, including Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, Wilmington, and surrounding areas. In this role, you'll help ensure construction activities meet stringent safety, quality, and regulatory requirements. Your work will contribute directly to the successful delivery of infrastructure that serves communities for generations.


Build Your Career. Own Your Future.

At S&ME, you're more than just an employee; you're an employee-owner of a 100% employee-owned company that has been solving complex geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction materials testing challenges for over 50 years. We're invested in your success and offer a career path with growth opportunities, training, and hands-on experience. Join a team that values safety, integrity, and teamwork while offering industry-leading benefits designed to help you thrive - on and off the job, including but not limited to:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision Plans with HSA and FSA options
  • Pet Insurance
  • 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with a minimum 5% company contribution & automatic enrollment, no matter your role
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) - with rollover options
  • Paid Maternity & Parental Leave
  • Mentorship & Career Development Programs
  • Credential Incentive Program - get rewarded for advancing your skills
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Recognition Program
  • Company Vehicle & Fuel Card - for project-based roles
  • $2,000 Employee Referral Bonuses - and more!

Your Role: Hands-On, Impactful, and Fast-Paced

As a CEI Inspector, you'll play a critical role in overseeing contractor activities and ensuring successful project completion. In this mid-level or lead technician role, you may make key technical decisions and work independently on medium-sized projects or as part of a team on larger projects.

Compensation is based on experience, with additional bonuses for holding relevant certifications.

What You'll Do:

  • Oversee construction activities, such as earthmoving, paving, bridge construction, and traffic control, to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, and safety standards.
  • Inspect erosion control measures and environmental compliance while performing material sampling and quality testing.
  • Prepare detailed daily inspection reports, document contractor performance, and process payment records.
  • Conduct calculations, maintain records of material quantities, and ensure project timelines are met.
  • Attend progress and safety meetings, working closely with contractors, engineers, and stakeholders to resolve project challenges.
  • Perform DBE/EEO compliance surveys to verify adherence to inclusivity and workforce standards.

What We're Looking For:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Prior experience in highway construction or inspection
  • A technical degree in Civil Engineering Technology or Surveying Technology may substitute for one year of experience
  • Active NCDOT certifications such as QMS Roadway, Conventional Density, Concrete Field Technician, Erosion Control Level II, and/or Nuclear Gauge
  • Strong English communication skills (oral and written)
  • Solid math skills with knowledge of weight, volume, pressure, and measurement units
  • The flexibility to work variable schedules and the willingness to travel as needed

What to Expect:

With the use of Company-provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

  • Outdoor, hands-on work in all weather conditions
  • Walking over rough terrain and standing for long periods (up to 12 hours)
  • Lifting and carrying 40-50 lbs. of materials and equipment
  • Safely handling field tools and maneuvering equipment on active construction sites

The position involves exposure to highway traffic, heavy machinery, and active construction sites, with potential for long hours, weekends, and holidays.


Why Join Us?

At S&ME, your career growth matters; you matter. You'll receive professional training, mentorship, and support to work on challenging projects and be part of a company that truly invests in its people. Every employee benefits from our employee-ownership program, no matter your role. This is more than a job; it's a chance to build a long-term career in the engineering and construction industry.


Ready to Get Started? Apply today and take the first step toward an exciting future with S&ME!


This full-time role offers competitive pay based on experience. Candidates must comply with our Fleet Management, Substance Policy, and Reference Check requirements. Only candidates with valid employment eligibility (I-9) will be considered. Visa assistance is not available. S&ME reserves the right to hire internally or externally at any time. No candidate/recruiter calls, personal calls, or walk-ins are accepted.

Salary.com Estimation for CEI Inspectors in Wilmington, NC
$56,722 to $68,867
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