Field and Lab Technician

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking an exceptional Field and Lab Technician to join our bridge engineering team, located at WJE's headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois or Portland, Oregon.

At WJE, we spend almost as much time in the field, up close and personal with our projects, as we do in the office. This role will require regular nationwide travel to perform field investigations and bridge inspections, collect samples, test materials in order to assist in the diagnosis process, perform nondestructive and destructive testing, assist with specimen and full-scale testing in our laboratory, perform fabrication of test components and retrofit components, and install structural retrofits.

This position works under the general supervision of a Senior Specialist or Project Manager but completes routine and moderately complex tasks, testing and structure retrofit installations independently.

As a Field and Lab Technician, you will perform various inspection techniques on a variety of bridge structures, both modern and historic.

A career at WJE will give you the opportunity to learn from and grow alongside industry-leading experts as you develop your technical expertise, your hands-on capabilities, and your NDT skills.

Essential Functions

• Routinely completes lab and field technician work, which includes participation in bridge structure inspections, retrofit of steel and concrete structures, installation of instrumentation and data acquisition equipment, concrete coring, steel sample removal, moderate to complex fabrication, and performing tests in lab and field with minimal supervision
• Perform other NDT inspections utilizing various NDT methods (UT, Phased Array UT, MT, PT, etc) to assess conditions such as corrosion, defects, or cracking of structural steel.

Interpret indications of distress and report or record results per project requirements

• Under the direction of experienced engineering staff, understand and execute inspections in accordance with AWS or other applicable codes
• Assist in additional NDT or other work at WJE’s laboratory or field equipment facilities
• Responsible for equipment maintenance and purchase / rental
• Calibrates laboratory and field-testing equipment
• Plays an active role in the quality assurance program
• Understands, follows, and enforces all safety standards
• Assists in work product development by operating a computer, iPad, or similar device
• Develops computer sketches or drawings from field notes or hand sketches
• Conducts specialized testing
• Assume increasing responsibilities as your experience and capabilities develop
• Travels to job sites for extended periods of time (up to 40% of the time throughout the year)

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent or associate’s degree in related field required
• Up to four years of relevant work experience preferred
• Hands on capabilities with experience in mechanical, construction, and / or applicable electronic trades
• Developed understanding of routine tests
• Ability to work independently and to perform tasks after verbal and written instruction
• Ability and interest to obtain some or all of the certifications herein after undergoing required classroom training and work hour experience
• Basic computer knowledge. Knowledge of MS Office, PDF editors, and CAD software preferred
• Detail-oriented, problem-solving mindset
• Effective written and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• AWS CWI, ASNT UT Level II, ASNT MT Level II, and / or strain gage installation experience
• ACI field training and lab certification
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or certified welder (SMAW, FCAW, GMAW to AWS D1.1 / D1.5)
• Commercial Driver License (Class A or B CDL)
• SPRAT Level 1 Certification or higher, or an equivalent

Physical Requirements :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must have the dexterity to be able to operate office and field equipment such as computer, printer, fax, copier, telephone, voice mail system, and other office and field equipment.

Requirements may also include :

• Ability to attend meetings at various office, field and construction sites
• Ability to perform inspections of bridges and other structures, both visually and with instruments
• Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment up to 100 lbs.
• Ability to perform work in the temperature extremes presented by work in the outdoors
• Ability to read construction drawings, diagrams, printed materials and computer screens
• Ability to record data clearly and write passages for reports, letters, etc.
• Strong desire to travel for extended periods
• Ability to safely work at heights
• Ability to safely use and / or operate ladders, scaffolds, lifts and other access equipment
• Ability to safely use and / or operate various construction power tools
• Ability to understand and appreciate safety training specific to numerous workplace and construction hazards
• Ability to safely work in a variety of occupationally hazardous locations
• Medically fit to utilize respiratory protection devices and other forms of Personal Protective Equipment
• Ability to drive and safely operate a motor vehicle

WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants to apply including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans (VEVRAA federal contractor).

WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.