R&D Technician - Cement & Concrete Materials

R&D Technician – Cement & Concrete Materials About Queens Carbon Queens Carbon is developing next-generation low-carbon cement and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete while maintaining or improving performance. Our team combines materials science, chemistry, and process engineering to develop innovative technologies that can transform one of the world’s largest industries. We are seeking a hands-on R&D Technician to support laboratory testing and evaluation of cementitious materials, mortars, concrete mixtures, and supplementary cementitious materials. This role will work closely with our Concrete Scientist and R&D team to generate high-quality experimental data and advance the development of new cement and concrete technologies. Position Summary The R&D Technician will be responsible for preparing and making mortar and concrete specimens, conducting ASTM-based testing, operating laboratory equipment, maintaining laboratory records, and supporting ongoing materials development efforts. The majority of the role will involve hands-on laboratory work including batching materials, mixing mortars and concrete, preparing test specimens, curing samples, conducting measurements, and documenting results. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working with materials, laboratory equipment, and physical testing while contributing to the development of sustainable construction technologies. Responsibilities Follow Queens Carbon workplace safety standards and maintain a safe working environment. Prepare aggregates, cement, mortar, and concrete mixtures according to ASTM and internal testing procedures. Cast, cure, label, organize, and track concrete and mortar test specimens. Perform fresh and hardened property testing, including slump, air meter, unit weight and density, compressive and flexural strengths, setting time, resistivity, concrete durability tests, and other cementitious materials evaluations as required. Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory testing equipment. Collect, analyze, and document experimental data according to the plan, maintaining accurate laboratory notebooks and digital records. Manage and maintain laboratory inventory, supplies, and consumables to support testing operations. Support pilot-scale production, materials development, and other R&D projects as needed. High school diploma or equivalent. Ability to follow written procedures and test protocols with a high degree of accuracy. Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, reliable data. Ability to prepare samples, operate laboratory equipment, and accurately document results. Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with scientists, engineers, and technicians. Ability to safely lift and move materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds daily. Commitment to maintaining a safe, organized, and productive laboratory environment. Flexibility and willingness to work across multiple technical areas as business needs evolve, supporting concrete testing, materials characterization, process development, pilot operations, and production activities. Associate degree, bachelor's degree in relevant engineering, or equivalent relevant experience. Experience working with cement, concrete, mortar, aggregates, construction materials, ceramics, minerals, powders, or related materials. Experience preparing and testing cement, mortar, or concrete specimens. Familiarity with ASTM cement and concrete testing procedures. American Concrete Institute (ACI) Concrete Field-Testing technician certification. Experience operating compression testing machines, mixers, curing equipment, balances, or related testing equipment. Experience working in laboratory, manufacturing, quality control, construction materials, or industrial environments. Experience collecting, organizing, and reporting experimental data using Excel or similar software. Qualifications Required Preferred These requirements are not set in cement, so if you're passionate about this role and think you'd be a great fit, please reach out! Benefits and Salary A competitive salary between $20/hr and $32/hr based on relevant work experience and any applicable ACI certification. Equity in the company Insurance options including health, dental, vision, life, and 401k. A friendly time-off policy that encourages a healthy work-life balance. Working in a scientific environment and learning advanced engineering techniques. Cool company swag :) We're Committed to Diversity Queens Carbon is committed to building a diverse team and is home to an inclusive culture. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strive to include a variety of voices in our team that can provide different perspectives. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability status, age, or veteran status.