Materials Scientist/Engineer

Job Description

Are you curious about how materials behave, why they fail, and how they can be improved?

Terracon is seeking an early-career Materials Scientist or Engineer to join our growing Materials Science Laboratory operations in St. Paul, MN. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will apply scientific principles, laboratory testing, and analytical techniques to investigate material performance and solve complex challenges across the construction industry. This role provides exceptional opportunities to develop specialized expertise in concrete materials, materials engineering, cement chemistry, concrete petrography, aggregates, and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), while growing into a trusted technical advisor and building a pathway towards becoming an industry-recognized subject matter expert.

Our Materials Science Laboratory specializes in the evaluation of concrete, cement, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), and aggregates through a combination of advanced laboratory testing, petrography, and materials chemistry; helping clients understand material performance, durability, quality, and long-term behavior.

If you're interested in belonging to a 100% employee-owned organization that allows us to set our course together and benefit when our hard work creates financial success, then Terracon is your kind of company. Come explore with us!

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing and evaluation of concrete, cement, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), aggregates, and related construction materials.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instruments and laboratory equipment used for materials characterization, petrography, and performance evaluation.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and document laboratory data to support project objectives, technical investigations, and client deliverables.
• Support petrographic examinations, materials chemistry evaluations, and investigations related to material performance, durability, quality, and deterioration mechanisms.
• Prepare data summaries, technical reports, presentations, and project documentation, and effectively communicate technical findings to internal and external clients.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, geologists, and technicians on a variety of laboratory, materials science, and consulting projects.
• Participate in the continuous improvement of laboratory methods, testing procedures, quality systems, and technical expertise through training, mentorship, and hands-on experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Geology, Materials Science, Physics, Engineering, or a related STEM discipline. Coursework or academic experience in mineralogy, materials science, concrete materials, cement chemistry, civil engineering, or structural engineering is preferred. Relevant industry experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 1 to 3 years of experience in a laboratory, research, consulting, or industrial setting. Experience with analytical instrumentation or laboratory testing in industry is preferred.
• Prior experience on one or more of the following analytical instrumentation methods preferred: X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM/EDS), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Atomic Absorption (AA), Mass Spectroscopy, and Optical Microscopy.
• Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and a desire to solve complex technical problems, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively document and communicate technical findings.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, employee ownership (ESOP), paid time off, paid holidays, wellbeing resources, and career development opportunities.

About Us

Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.

Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.

About the Team

The chemistry that holds our materials team together is made of integrity, creativity, and care. We represent Terracon's largest technician and inspection workforce and ensure the materials used to build the nation's roads, bridges, airports, stadiums, and other structures are safe and sound. With our broad range of qualifications, specialized certifications, and building materials professionals, we are on-site, evaluating and testing materials in real-time to keep the pace of our clients' project, collecting and reporting data digitally to deliver critical insights. With our nationwide footprint of offices and laboratories, bench strength, flexibility, and diverse capabilities we identify issues and expedite solutions whenever problems arise.