Entry-Level Concrete Petrographer - Microscopy & Lab QA

Engineering Consulting Service; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) is seeking a laboratory-focused professional to support the Materials Science Laboratory and related investigations in Pittsburgh. You will learn and perform industry-standard test methods, maintain documentation, and assist with equipment calibration and supplies management.

The role requires a geology or related degree with microscopy experience; no prior experience is required, but familiarity with microscopes and thin sections is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in geology or related field with mineralogy/petrology/geochemistry coursework
• No experience required
• Experience preparing microscopy specimens preferred (thin sections, SEM/EDS)
• Valid driver’s license if driving for ECS subsidiary
• Ability to identify minerals and classify rock types
• Experience with optical and scanning electron microscopes
• Experience with thin section preparation techniques
• Strong curiosity, problem-solving and motivation to learn
• Teamwork and independence with good organizational skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and image processing tools/software

Responsibilities

• Support Materials Science Laboratory and project material investigations
• Learn and perform industry-standard lab test methods with QA documentation
• Comply with corporate and office QMS policies and procedures
• Obtain and maintain lab-testing certifications from external certifying agencies
• Provide training to incoming junior staff
• Collaborate with in-house engineers, architects, and other professionals
• Assist with organization, calibration tracking, and consumables inventory
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Microsoft Office

Image processing tools

Education

Bachelor of science in Geology or related field with mineralogy/petrology/geochemistry coursework

Tools

Stereo-optical microscope

Polarized light microscope

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) with EDS

Job description

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) is seeking a laboratory-focused professional to support the Materials Science Laboratory and related investigations in Pittsburgh. You will learn and perform industry-standard test methods, maintain documentation, and assist with equipment calibration and supplies management.

The role requires a geology or related degree with microscopy experience; no prior experience is required, but familiarity with microscopes and thin sections is preferred.