What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Engineering Technician position at Terracon?
Job Description
Laboratory Engineering Technician
Des Moines, IA
Turn testing into a career.
Join Terracon’s Des Moines laboratory team and be part of the quality backbone behind major construction projects. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands‑on laboratory work, attention to detail, and working with data and materials in a controlled lab environment.
What You’ll Do
As a Laboratory Engineering Technician, you’ll support projects by performing standardized laboratory testing on construction materials and delivering accurate, well‑documented results to project teams.
Required
Terracon provides a collaborative laboratory environment where accuracy and quality matter. You’ll contribute to meaningful projects while gaining specialized technical skills in construction materials testing—all in a stable, lab‑based role.
About Terracon
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon’s growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace.
Terracon’s vision of “Together, we are best at people” is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
EEO Statement
Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.
Laboratory Engineering Technician
Des Moines, IA
Turn testing into a career.
Join Terracon’s Des Moines laboratory team and be part of the quality backbone behind major construction projects. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands‑on laboratory work, attention to detail, and working with data and materials in a controlled lab environment.
What You’ll Do
As a Laboratory Engineering Technician, you’ll support projects by performing standardized laboratory testing on construction materials and delivering accurate, well‑documented results to project teams.
- Perform laboratory testing of construction materials including soils, aggregates, concrete, asphalt, and steel in accordance with approved procedures
- Receive, verify, log, and prepare material samples with proper identification and documentation
- Accurately record observations, test results, and measurements in written and digital formats
- Prepare and submit daily test data and reports to the Project Manager
- Communicate results, questions, and data accuracy with Project Managers and Engineering Technicians
- Maintain, clean, and calibrate laboratory equipment and testing areas
- Adhere to strict safety, quality, and laboratory standards
- Perform pre‑task planning and report safety concerns or issues as needed
- Receive structured training with gradually increasing responsibility
- Learn a variety of laboratory testing methods and procedures
- Build technical expertise and certifications that support long‑term career development
- Work alongside experienced laboratory professionals who support your growth
- Precise testing and consistent documentation
- Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
- Clear communication with project teams
- Commitment to safety, quality, and equipment care
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Successful completion of internal safety certifications
- Valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history
- ACI certifications (Concrete, Aggregate, Masonry, or Aggregate Base Testing)
- IADOT certifications (Soils, Aggregate, PCC)
- NICET certification
- Background or coursework in construction materials testing, earth science, or a related field
Terracon provides a collaborative laboratory environment where accuracy and quality matter. You’ll contribute to meaningful projects while gaining specialized technical skills in construction materials testing—all in a stable, lab‑based role.
About Terracon
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon’s growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace.
Terracon’s vision of “Together, we are best at people” is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
EEO Statement
Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.