Materials Laboratory Technician

Terracon; Saint Paul, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k) with company match

ESOP

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Wellbeing resources

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Terracon is seeking a Laboratory Technician to join our Materials Science Laboratory in St. Paul, MN. You will perform concrete and cementitious material testing, operate specialized equipment, and document results to support material performance assessments.

Working with scientists, engineers, and technicians, you will contribute to safe, accurate testing and data-driven decisions. This role offers growth opportunities within a multidisciplinary team and ESOP benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–3 years relevant experience or training.
• Experience with laboratory testing of construction materials preferred.
• Ability to follow procedures and maintain detailed records.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing of concrete, cementitious materials, SCMs, aggregates, and related construction materials.
• Prepare, process, and document samples for testing and evaluation.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Accurately collect, record, and organize laboratory data and test results.
• Support petrographic examinations and materials chemistry evaluations.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, inventory, and workspace for safety and efficiency.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, geologists, and technicians on projects.
• Communicate testing progress and results with project teams.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Independent work

Team collaboration

MS Office

Data recording

Multitasking

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or coursework in a technical/scientific field

Tools

Analytical instruments

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.

  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.