Concrete Materials Research Engineer

High Performance Technologies, Inc. (HPTech); Concrete (WA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

High Performance Technologies, Inc. (HPTech) is looking for a Concrete Materials Research Engineer to join their advanced Concrete Laboratory in McLean, VA. This role involves planning and conducting research on concrete materials, emphasizing durability and performance in transportation infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree in Civil Engineering and at least six years of research experience in concrete materials. Responsibilities include analyzing data, contributing to publications, and participating in technical seminars and workshops.

Qualifications

• Minimum of six years of concrete materials research experience.
• Experience with concrete deterioration mechanisms.
• Strong verbal, presentation, and technical writing skills.
• Ability to develop experimental designs and conduct statistical analyses.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and conduct advanced concrete materials research.
• Develop and execute laboratory test programs.
• Analyze research data and contribute to technical publications.
• Participate in technical communication activities.

Skills

Concrete materials research experience

Analytical models and software tools

Technical writing skills

Team-oriented collaboration

Presentation skills

Knowledge of design codes

Education

Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Civil Engineering or related discipline

Job description

High Performance Technologies, Inc. (HPTech) is an infrastructure-focused firm specializing in engineering practice, research, policy, and technology transfer. Established in 2003, HPTech supports the U.S. federal government at research facilities and project sites nationwide. Our distinct strength lies in integrating physical sciences, social sciences, engineering, planning, and policy to deliver innovative, data‑driven infrastructure solutions.

HPTech is currently seeking a highly qualified Concrete Materials Research Engineer (CMRE) to support advanced research activities in a state‑of‑the‑art Concrete Laboratory located at a government research facility. The laboratory conducts fundamental and applied research on concrete materials used in highway bridges and pavements, with emphasis on improving durability, performance, and long‑term service life of transportation infrastructure.

Research conducted in the laboratory addresses a broad range of concrete‑related materials and performance topics, including fly ash, slag cement, and alternative cementitious systems containing little or no hydraulic cement. The laboratory also performs research on major concrete deterioration mechanisms, including freeze‑thaw damage, sulfate attack, and alkali‑silica reaction (ASR). In addition, the laboratory supports development, refinement, and validation of new and existing test procedures and has contributed to the advancement of performance‑based approaches such as the Performance Engineered Mixtures (PEM) initiative through assessment of methodologies and acceptance criteria.

The candidate will be responsible for planning, designing, and conducting advanced concrete materials research; developing and executing laboratory test programs; analyzing research data; and contributing to technical publications and technology transfer activities.

The position requires diversified research experience covering constituent materials, including aggregates, cementitious binders, supplementary cementitious materials, and chemical admixtures, as well as fresh and hardened concrete property testing, service‑life prediction methods, and application of analytical models and software tools for in‑service performance evaluation.

The candidate must demonstrate working knowledge of design codes, material specifications, and laboratory test standards, including AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, ASTM International concrete standards, and relevant AASHTO procedures, and must be capable of operating specialized laboratory equipment used in concrete materials research. The position also requires active participation in technical communication activities, including presentations at demonstration projects, seminars, webinars, scientific meetings, and workshops.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Bridge Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of six (6) years of concrete materials research experience.
• Specific experience in concrete, concrete‑making materials, and concrete deterioration mechanisms.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in proportioning, mixing, curing, and testing concrete materials.
• Demonstrated experience using analytical models and software tools to predict in‑service performance of concrete structures.
• In‑depth knowledge of concrete performance‑related specifications and standard test methods.
• Demonstrated experience in durability evaluation and service‑life modeling.
• Proven ability to develop experimental designs and conduct statistical analyses.
• Record of peer‑reviewed journal publications, technical reports, and conference presentations.
• Strong verbal, presentation, and technical writing skills.
• Strong team‑oriented and collaborative abilities.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) registration highly desirable.

Location

This position is based in McLean, VA.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Application Deadline

For full consideration, candidates should submit their online application no later than March 27, 2026.