Laboratory Technician - Co-op

Join to apply for the Laboratory Technician - 2026 Co-op role at SMEUSA

SME's Summer Co-op assignment begins in May and requires a commitment to work full-time through December. There is no minimum number of years of college education to apply for our Co-op program, but our Summer Internships are only available to those who have previously completed a Co-op with SME.

Your Co-op experience begins with an orientation/training period lasting several weeks followed by on-the-job training with full-time SME Team Members. You will be exposed to a wide variety of construction techniques and project types, helping you explore a variety of future specializations. You will also have the opportunity to work and interact directly with construction managers, contractors, and design professionals. As a Co-op your responsibilities are real and you are an important part of the SME Team.

We are hiring Co-ops in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.

• Basic Computer Literacy:
  Must be comfortable using computers and software that is essential for in-field work, company communications, and report generation.
• Good driving record and must comfortably lift and carry equipment and samples weighing up to approximately 50 - 60 pounds.
• Ability to work outside at construction project sites in various weather conditions.
• Must be able to sit, stand, stoop and/or kneel for long periods of time.
• Must be able to walk and work on uneven ground/terrain.
• A valid driver's license, experience driving in the U.S. and a good driving record.

• Attention to detail:
  Keen eye for detail when reviewing construction plans or other project documents, accuracy in reporting.
• Problem-solving mindset:
  Ability to think critically and approach challenges.
• Time management:
  Manage time well, meet deadlines, motivated self-starters, punctual workers.
• Communication skills:
  Good written, organizational, and oral communication; interpersonal and customer service skills; teamwork.
• Learning attitude:
  Enthusiasm to learn and adapt.
• Safety-minded:
  Adhere to industry and SME safety standards; encourage safe work behaviors.

• Your primary duties will include but are not limited to:
• Perform routine soil classification tests on samples obtained from geotechnical and pavement site investigations, including moisture content, hand penetrometer, Atterberg limits, hydrometer analysis testing; occasionally assisting with Proctor sample testing and preparations.
• Assist with logging, stripping and testing of concrete cylinders in the concrete lab.
• Assist with maintaining orderly and clean lab areas, and running errands.
• Occasionally assist with sieve analysis testing.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Internship

Full-time

Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Civil Engineering

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