Research and Testing Technician
Date Posted: Aug 12, 2025
Requisition ID: 464109
Location:
West Lafayette, IN, US, 47906
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Department of Transportation:
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) provides a dynamic workplace that serves Indiana citizens, improves our state's quality of life, and enhances its economic opportunity. INDOT has a number of innovative programs and projects, including Public-Private Partnerships, Green Initiatives, and cutting-edge uses of materials and assets. As part of the State of Indiana, INDOT offers a competitive total compensation package, as well as outstanding work/life balance. Whether you are an established professional in the transportation field or just starting your career, INDOT has exciting and challenging opportunities for you.
Role Overview:
In this position you will calibrates operate and analyzes data from multiple specialized testing systems which collect and analyz data throughout the state on Indiana's infrastructure for data driven decision-making. Data results are used by Central Office Divisions and all six of INDOT's districts in programming of pavement and bridge projects. You will also conduct tests in the R&D Laboratories, perform construction testing in the field, and serve as the technican on research projects. You may also be required to provide training in various areas such as testing, construction, bridges, research principles, data collection techniques, calibration of testing equipment, etc. Technicans are required to be certified annually and maintain certification in FWD and Friction operation and calibration as a condition of employment. This position will work with a wide variety of testing equipment with offices/districts in collecting and analyzing field/research data, assisting in forensic investigations, and conducting research project data collection. Additionally you will be required to obtain CDL licenses to assist district forces in snow removal in the winter and to operate the Reasearch and Development Core Rig.
Location:
This position is located in INDOT's West Lafayette Area, Research and Development Department.
CDL Positions:
Candidates with a current CDL will earn an additional $1 per hour for this position. Candidates without a CDL will be given 90 days to obtain their CDL, with training provided by INDOT, and will then earn an additional $1 per hour upon successfully obtaining their CDL.
Salary:
This position traditionally starts at an hourly rate of $24.26 an hour. Salary for this position may be commensurate with education and job experience.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Calibrates, operates, and evaluates data from multiple specialize test systems throughout the state (e.g. pavement deflection system (FWD), Friction System, GPR, IRI, 3D Laser Condition Rating System, Core Rig, etc.) to collect and analyze data for the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Research and Development Office, other INDOT Offices, Divisions and Districts, Attorney General's office and various research study committees for data-driven decision-making and programming bridge and pavement projects;
Becomes certified and maintains certification for the FWD and Friction Test Systems;
Obtain CDL licence to operate R&D Core Rig and assist in District snow removal operations;
Follows all related safety standards and conducts/participates in safety briefing;
Performs research, preliminary data analysis and collects quality data on multiple specialized testing systems;
Performs and maintains calibration of test systems to prescribed federal and state specifications;
Performs maintenance, repair and system upgrades to complex electro/mechanical test systems;
Reduces data and generate summaries as requested by Research and Development Office Research Engineers;
Performs construction, materials, and bridge testing on field projects for QA/QC compliance;
Assists R&D Laboratory Managers in conducting multiple laboratory tests and data analysis;
Assist with Facilities and B&G repair and maintenance;
Provides training and present testing equipment and concepts for visitors, university students and federal highway staff.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
What You'll Need for Success:
The ideal candidate in this role should minimally have either
An associate degree in a related area is preferred or 2 years of related job experience;
Test system technicians require approximately one year formal and hands on training to become a competent system technician. Training includes electro/mechanical theory and practical application, computer literacy, various regulatory standards such as the American Association for State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the American Society for Testing and Materials, American Society of Test Methods (ASTM), that apply to operational principles of testing, calibration and maintenance.
Certification or ability to become certified in FWD and Friction calibration and testing systems within one year;
Knowledge of the Uniform Traffic Safety Manual and all related safety standards before operating equipment on Indiana Highways;
Experience or working knowledge of computer programs such as Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint;
Must be able to travel and stay overnight throughout the entire state for approximately 32 weeks per year.
Knowledge and experience in construction, materials, bridge deck and laboratory testing
Must have Commercial Drivers License or ability to gain 90 days after employment;
Must be able to work independently.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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