Field Testing Technician – Construction / Building Envelope

Smith-Emery Laboratories | Window Wall Department

Pay: $25.00–$32.00 per hourLocations: Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CAJob Type: Full-Time, HourlySchedule: Overtime, early starts, and out-of-town travel as required

About Smith-Emery Laboratories

Established in 1904, Smith-Emery Laboratories provides specialized construction materials testing, inspection, and engineering support services.

Our Window & Wall Department performs field testing of commercial building façades, curtain walls, windows, doors, and exterior waterproofing systems.

We are hiring dependable, mechanically inclined Field Testing Technicians who enjoy hands-on work, construction environments, and learning specialized technical skills.

No previous façade testing experience is necessary. We provide on-the-job training, but expect initiative, accountability, and the ability to learn quickly without constant supervision.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform and assist with water penetration, air infiltration, and other building-envelope performance testing.
• Set up, operate, and dismantle specialized field testing equipment.
• Work on active commercial construction sites, including high-rise projects.
• Safely use hand tools, power tools, ladders, and testing instruments.
• Operate forklifts, boom lifts, and scissor lifts when properly trained and authorized.
• Load, unload, transport, and maintain equipment.
• Record test measurements, observations, and results accurately.
• Follow company procedures, job-site safety requirements, and supervisor instructions.
• Travel between job sites and assist with out-of-town projects, sometimes on short notice.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Previous hands-on construction experience.
• Experience using common hand tools and power tools.
• Ability to lift and carry at least 50 pounds.
• Comfortable working at heights and from properly secured elevated work platforms.
• Willingness to learn to operate forklifts, boom lifts, and scissor lifts.
• Availability for overtime, early starts, and out-of-town travel, including assignments with short notice.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving ability.
• Dependable attendance, punctuality, and professional conduct.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and work effectively with others.
• Willingness to perform physically demanding work in outdoor construction environments.

Preferred Experience

• Commercial construction or glazing installation.
• Curtain wall, window, door, or waterproofing installation.
• Forklift, boom lift, or scissor lift operation.
• Reading construction drawings and using measuring equipment.
• Previous construction inspection or testing experience.

Training & Career Development

We provide hands-on training in specialized testing procedures, equipment operation, and building-envelope performance evaluation.

Successful employees will have opportunities to develop technical expertise, take on additional responsibilities, and advance within the department.

Our Expectations

We are looking for people who take pride in their work, show up ready to work, pay attention to detail, and take ownership of their responsibilities.

You do not need to know our testing procedures when you start. You do need a strong work ethic, a safety-first attitude, and the ability to learn and become productive without constant direction.

Compensation

$25.00–$32.00 per hour, depending on qualifications and relevant experience.

Overtime and travel requirements vary based on project schedules.

How to Apply

Submit your résumé, including a description of your construction experience, equipment familiarity, and availability for travel.

Smith-Emery Laboratories — Established 1904

Pay: $28.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• On-the-job training
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: On the road