About the role
Job Title: Materials Technician
Location: Aberdeen
Project Type: Civils / Energy
Company: Balfour Beatty Group
Balfour Beatty is a leading national infrastructure and construction company with more than a century of heritage in Scotland, delivering key projects that strengthen communities and improve national connectivity.
The Netherton Hub is a major new energy infrastructure development located near Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, forming a key part of SSEN Transmission’s multi‑billion‑pound Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) programme and its wider Pathway to 2030 upgrade of the Scottish transmission network.
Designed to strengthen the UK’s ability to transport renewable electricity from the north of Scotland to high‑demand centres nationwide, the hub will incorporate a new High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) converter station, a 400 kV substation, a 132 kV substation, and associated operational facilities. Once complete, it will enable efficient long‑distance transmission of offshore and onshore renewable energy, supporting both UK and Scottish Government net‑zero targets while delivering significant economic benefits, job creation, and local supply‑chain opportunities.
By joining the ASTI Netherton Hub project, candidates will gain hands‑on experience delivering one of the UK’s most significant energy programmes, developing advanced personal and professional skills, benefiting from long‑term career progression within a national framework, and playing a direct role in strengthening Scotland’s renewable‑powered future
What you'll be doing
Balfour Beatty Regional runs a UKAS accredited laboratory to the highest technical and quality standards, every member of staff is expected to be highly professional, conscientious and hardworking, main duties are as follows but other tasks or duties may be required.
- Sampling materials for Approval / Compliance testing to UKAS standards
- Sample preparation (quartering, riffling and crushing)
- In-situ testing: Dynamic cone penetrometer, Plate load, Sand replacement, Light Weight Deflectometer, Nuclear density testing and Pavement quality testing
- Laboratory testing: Moisture contents, moisture condition values, particle size distribution (wet and dry), density and compressive strength of concrete, soil classifications
- Carryout concrete slump tests and making/testing/crushing cubes for compliance.
- Laboratory environmental checks and balance checks
- Calibration of equipment
- Keeping laboratory clean and tidy including equipment
- Understanding standards, test methods and specifications
- As civil engineering involves many different materials, understand their properties, uses and restrictions are vital in making the right decisions during construction and ensuring we get it right first time.
- Ensure a relentless focus on Zero Harm
- Support the delivery of Sustainability activities
- Maintain and supervise safe methods of work for the materials team on site and in the laboratory
- Undertake inspection and testing on site and in the laboratory as required by the contract, identifying and reporting areas of risk and opportunity immediately
- Comply with the site quality system for the materials testing laboratory.
- Record and report defects through the contract non conformance procedure
- Deliver results by deadlines as required by the contract and project teams
- Maintain equipment calibrations and notify the lab manager of any defects requiring attention.
- Identifying, recording and reporting of Best Practice to project and offsite
- Assist undertaking audits of Laboratory Quality System on the project, and other contracts as required by agreed rotas and ensure that identified findings are closed out
Who we're looking for
The following qualities/experience are essential: Previous experience working in a UKAS accredited laboratory and working with construction materials and specifications is required (primarily soils and concrete).
There will be a key focus on health and safety within the laboratory, following risk assessments, methods statements and receiving daily briefings along with assisting the site health and safety department with auditing on site if required.
Being able to operate and work to an agreed budget is also important. Materials technical experience is also required to be able to advise the contracts where necessary. Proficient I.T. skills in Microsoft Excel would be desirable.
Must hold a valid CSCS card and a full driving licence.
The following qualities/experience are desirable: to hold B & E class driving licence for safe towing of trailer/rig.
Ideally this role would suit a candidate who is passionate and shows an excitement for their work. Someone who is willing to go the extra mile to exceed expectations and who has a key focus on meeting the requirements of their customer would be ideal. A quick learner, adaptable to change and someone who is organised would also suit the role well.
Working week is 39 hours, extra hours and weekend work maybe be required
Why work for us
Professional & Personal Development
The size and scale of Balfour Beatty coupled with our strong pipeline of work provides incredible opportunities, regardless of what stage you are at in your career.
We encourage and empower our employees to take control of their career and explore which part of the business they want to work in and what role is right for them. We actively encourage our managers and employees to have open communication throughout the year about wellbeing, development and career opportunities.
We're also very proud of our Balfour Beatty Academy. Whether it’s sharpening your technical expertise, improving your personal skills or seeking support to become professionally qualified.
- Be part of a major energy infrastructure investment that’s shaping the UK’s low-carbon future.
- Work on challenging, high-profile projects with the support of a skilled, multi-disciplinary team.
- Join a culture of learning, improvement, and excellence—where your voice makes a difference.
- Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, development opportunities, and a flexible, inclusive working environment.
For further information about Balfour Beatty Regional Scotland please go to www.balfourbeatty.com/careers/Scotland - You can also check out further job opportunities in the careers section
About us
From Dunfermline’s tramways in 1909 to highland hospitals today, Balfour Beatty has been trusted for over a century to deliver the complex and critical infrastructure and iconic buildings Scotland relies on.
We have the people, knowledge and experience to safely deliver projects right first time, maximising value for money and ensuring a positive social impact and inclusive economic growth for local communities.
Our award-winning sustainable projects, including active travel, Passivhaus and retrofit, demonstrate our commitment to supporting Scotland’s transition towards net zero in the built environment.
Diversity and inclusion
At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visit www.balfourbeatty.com/diversityandinclusion
To help and support us with our desired commitment to create an inclusive culture we are members of WISE, enei, Business Disability Forum and the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE). In 2020, we signed the Audeliss and Involve Open Letter to demonstrate our commitment to taking key long term and sustainable actions on Black Inclusion. Balfour Beatty is also a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence 'Employer Recognition Scheme' and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long-term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role. For more info, visit: https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/
We are looking to continually improve our resourcing process and ensure that it is fair and inclusive for all. If you have any feedback on the process, please share this with us at: [email protected]
Job Reference: BBUK18001
