Materials Laboratory Technician

Terracon; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon is seeking a Laboratory Technician in St. Paul, MN to join our Materials Science Laboratory. You will perform concrete and cementitious material testing, operate specialized instruments, and help generate data on material performance, quality, and durability.

The role offers growth within a 100% employee-owned organization. You will work with scientists, engineers, and technicians to support investigations and ensure safe, efficient lab operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1–3 years of relevant experience or training.
• Interest in laboratory testing, analytical instrumentation, and construction materials.
• Ability to follow established procedures and maintain detailed laboratory records.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing of concrete, cementitious materials, SCMs, aggregates, and related construction materials in accordance with established procedures and industry standards.
• Prepare, process, and document samples for laboratory testing and analytical evaluation.
• Operate, maintain laboratory equipment and analytical instruments used to characterize material properties and performance.
• Accurately collect, record, and organize laboratory data, observations, and test results.
• Support petrographic examinations, materials chemistry evaluations, and other laboratory investigations by preparing samples and assisting technical staff.
• Assist with the maintenance of laboratory equipment, inventory, and workspaces to ensure a safe, organized, and efficient working environment.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, geologists, and technicians on a variety of laboratory and consulting projects.
• Communicate testing progress, observations, and results effectively with project teams and laboratory staff.
• Follow quality, safety, and accreditation requirements, while contributing to the continuous improvement of laboratory procedures and operations.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Detail orientation

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree preferred

Job description

General Responsibilities

Do you enjoy hands-on laboratory work and discovering what materials can tell us through testing and analysis? Terracon is seeking a Laboratory Technician to join our growing Materials Science Laboratory operations in St. Paul, MN. In this role, you will perform laboratory testing, operate specialized equipment, and support investigations involving a wide variety of construction materials. Working alongside scientists, engineers, and technicians, you will help generate the data needed to evaluate material performance, quality, and durability. This position offers exceptional opportunities for professional growth, whether your career goals are centered on developing technical expertise, expanding into new areas of materials science, or pursuing operational roles within our growing team and across Terracon.

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!

Essential Roles And Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing of concrete, cementitious materials, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), aggregates, and related construction materials in accordance with established procedures and industry standards.
• Prepare, process, and document samples for laboratory testing and analytical evaluation.
• Operate, maintain, laboratory equipment and analytical instruments used to characterize material properties and performance.
• Accurately collect, record, and organize laboratory data, observations, and test results.
• Support petrographic examinations, materials chemistry evaluations, and other laboratory investigations by preparing samples and assisting technical staff.
• Assist with the maintenance of laboratory equipment, inventory, and workspaces to ensure a safe, organized, and efficient working environment.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, geologists, and technicians on a variety of laboratory and consulting projects.
• Communicate testing progress, observations, and results effectively with project teams and laboratory staff.
• Follow quality, safety, and accreditation requirements, while contributing to the continuous improvement of laboratory procedures and operations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 1-3 years of relevant experience or the equivalent in training and related experience.
• Laboratory, construction materials, manufacturing, quality control, or related experience preferred
• Interest in laboratory testing, analytical instrumentation, and construction materials.
• Ability to follow established procedures, accurately collect data, and maintain detailed laboratory records.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and basic computer skills.
• Ability to lift and move laboratory materials and equipment consistent with job requirements.
• A valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or coursework in a technical, scientific, engineering, or construction-related field is preferred.