Materials Scientist/Engineer

Terracon Consultants, Inc.; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon Consultants, Inc. in St. Paul, MN is seeking an early-career Materials Scientist or Engineer to join our Materials Science Laboratory.

You will apply laboratory testing and analytical techniques to study concrete materials, cement chemistry, SCMs, aggregates, and related construction materials while growing into a technical advisor. The role offers hands-on instrumentation, data analysis, and collaboration with engineers, geologists, and technicians to support client projects and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field; related coursework preferred.
• 1–3 years in a lab, research, consulting, or industrial setting.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation and lab testing preferred.
• Familiarity with XRF, XRD, SEM/EDS, TGA, FT-IR, AA, MS, or optical microscopy.
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to document findings.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing on concrete, cements, SCMs, aggregates.
• Operate and troubleshoot analytical instruments for materials characterization.
• Collect, organize, analyze, document laboratory data for projects.
• Support petrographic exams and materials chemistry evaluations.
• Prepare data summaries, reports, and client-ready presentations.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, geologists, and technicians.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of lab methods and quality systems.

Skills

Curiosity

Initiative

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Geology, Materials Science, Physics, Engineering or related STEM

Tools

XRF

XRD

SEM/EDS

TGA

FT-IR

AA (Atomic Absorption)

Mass Spectrometry

Optical Microscopy

Job description

General Responsibilities:

Are you curious about how materials behave, why they fail, and how they can be improved?

Terracon is seeking an early-career Materials Scientist or Engineer to join our growing Materials Science Laboratory operations in St. Paul, MN. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will apply scientific principles, laboratory testing, and analytical techniques to investigate material performance and solve complex challenges across the construction industry. This role provides exceptional opportunities to develop specialized expertise in concrete materials, materials engineering, cement chemistry, concrete petrography, aggregates, and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), while growing into a trusted technical advisor and building a pathway towards becoming an industry-recognized subject matter expert.

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 and evaluation of concrete, cement, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), aggregates, and related construction materials.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instruments and laboratory equipment used for materials characterization, petrography, and performance evaluation.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and document laboratory data to support project objectives, technical investigations, and client deliverables.
• Support petrographic examinations, materials chemistry evaluations, and investigations related to material performance, durability, quality, and deterioration mechanisms.
• Prepare data summaries, technical reports, presentations, and project documentation, and effectively communicate technical findings to internal and external clients.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, geologists, and technicians on a variety of laboratory, materials science, and consulting projects.
• Participate in the continuous improvement of laboratory methods, testing procedures, quality systems, and technical expertise through training, mentorship, and hands-on experience.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Geology, Materials Science, Physics, Engineering, or a related STEM discipline. Coursework or academic experience in mineralogy, materials science, concrete materials, cement chemistry, civil engineering, or structural engineering is preferred. Relevant industry experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 1 to 3 years of experience in a laboratory, research, consulting, or industrial setting. Experience with analytical instrumentation or laboratory testing in industry is preferred.
• Prior experience on one or more of the following analytical instrumentation methods preferred: X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM/EDS), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Atomic Absorption (AA), Mass Spectroscopy, and Optical Microscopy.
• Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and a desire to solve complex technical problems, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively document and communicate technical findings.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.