Junior Concrete Petrographer

ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC is seeking a Laboratory Technician to support the Materials Science Laboratory and related investigations in geologic materials. You will learn and apply industry-standard test methods, maintain calibration records, and assist in documenting quality procedures.

The role involves collaboration with engineers and technicians, providing training to junior staff, and ensuring compliance with quality systems and safety practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of science in Geology, Physical Science, Civil Engineering or related field with coursework in mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry.
• No experience required.
• Experience preparing specimens for microscopy such as thin sections and use of a stereo-optical microscope, polarized light microscope, or scanning electron microscope (SEM) with EDS is preferred.
• If driving for ECS subsidiaries, a valid driver's license is required.
• Ability to identify minerals and classify rock types.
• Experience or familiarity with optical microscopes and SEM operation/maintenance.
• Experience or familiarity with thin section preparation techniques.
• Intellectual curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and motivation to learn.
• Ability to work in teams and independently.
• Dependable, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and well organized.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and image collection/processing tools/software

Responsibilities

• Perform all necessary existing and developmental tasks in support of the Materials Science Laboratory and project material investigations.
• Learn and perform industry standard laboratory test methods following strict quality and documentation requirements and good laboratory practices.
• Comply with corporate and office QMS policies and procedures including adoption, implementation and enforcement.
• Obtain and maintain appropriate lab-testing certifications by external certifying agencies for the defined scope.
• Provide training to incoming junior staff.
• Collaborate with in-house engineers, architects, and other technical professionals.
• Assist with organizing and operating the laboratory including tracking of equipment calibration and lab consumable supplies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Teamwork

Detail-oriented

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Motivation to learn

Education

B.S. in Geology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Image processing tools

Microscopy software

Job description

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Perform all necessary existing and developmental tasks in support of the Materials Science Laboratory and project material related investigations.
• Learn and perform industry standard laboratory test methods following strict quality and documentation requirements and good laboratory practices.
• Responsible for complying with corporate-level and office-specific Quality Management Systems (QMS) related policies and procedures; including adoption, implementation, and enforcement.
• Responsible for obtaining and maintaining appropriate lab-testing related certifications by external certifying agencies for the defined scope.
• Provide training to incoming junior level staff.
• Collaborate with in-house engineers, architects, and other technical professionals.
• Assist with the organization and operation of the laboratory including but not limited to tracking of equipment calibration and laboratory comsumable supplies
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Bachelor of science in Geology, Physical Science, Civil Engineering or a related field with coursework in mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry.
• No experience required.
• Experience preparing specimens for microscopy such as thin sections and use of a stereo-optical microscope, polarized light microscope, or scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), is preferred.
• If driving for, or on behalf of, any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required.
• Ability to identify minerals and classify rock types
• Experience or familiarity with the operation and maintenance of optical microscopes and scanning electron microscopes
• Experience or familiarity with thin section preparation techniques
• Intellectual curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and strong motivation to learn
• Ability to work effectively in teams, with peers, and independently
• Dependable, self-motivated, responsible and detail-oriented
• Good organization skills and ability to prioritize mulitple tasks
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office Suite and image collection and processing tools/software

About Us

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,200 employees in 125 offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #38 in Zweig Group's Hot Firm List (June 2026). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.