Materials Scientist/Engineer

Terracon; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon in St. Paul, MN seeks an early-career Materials Scientist or Engineer to join our Materials Science Laboratory. You will apply scientific principles, perform concrete materials testing, and support petrography and cement chemistry investigations within a multidisciplinary team.

You will document findings, prepare reports, and grow into a trusted technical advisor while advancing toward SME status in a 100% employee-owned organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field; coursework in mineralogy, materials science, concrete materials, cement chemistry, civil or structural engineering is preferred.
• 1–3 years of laboratory/research/industrial experience; familiarity with analytical instrumentation is a plus.
• Experience with instruments such as XRF, XRD, SEM/EDS, FT-IR, TGA, AA, and Optical Microscopy is preferred.
• Curiosity, initiative, and ability to work independently and in teams; strong written/verbal communication.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing and evaluation of concrete, cement, SCMs, aggregates, and related construction materials.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instruments and lab equipment for materials characterization and evaluation.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and document laboratory data to support projects and client deliverables.
• Support petrographic examinations and materials chemistry evaluations related to durability and quality.
• Prepare data summaries, technical reports, and presentations; communicate findings to clients.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, geologists, and technicians on diverse projects.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of lab methods, procedures, and quality systems.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Analytical instrumentation

Data analysis

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Geology, Materials Science, Physics, Engineering

Tools

XRF

XRD

SEM/EDS

FT-IR

TGA

AA

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.