Paragon - Asphalt Development Engineer

Socket.dev; Richland (MS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Paragon Technical Services is seeking a senior-level Asphalt Development Engineer to lead applied research in asphalt mix design and pavement performance. You will drive performance initiatives and shape the technical roadmap for future mix design and evaluation.

The role focuses on organized research and collaboration with field teams to translate findings into actionable guidance and innovations in asphalt mixtures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline; master's/PhD strongly preferred.
• Extensive experience in asphalt mix design, performance testing, and applied research.
• Demonstrated expertise in balanced mix design (BMD) concepts and performance-based testing.

Responsibilities

• Organize and execute asphalt mix design research projects under technical leadership.
• Lead lab-based research on asphalt performance, durability, and constructability.
• Contribute as primary technical advisor for BMD development and implementation.
• Coordinate with binder, emulsion, and field teams to align materials with performance.
• Prepare technical reports, white papers, and presentations of findings.

Skills

Asphalt mix design

Laboratory research

Performance testing

Data analysis

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Master's degree or Ph.D. strongly preferred

Tools

Superpave

Job description

Position Overview:

Paragon Technical Services is seeking a senior-level Asphalt Development Engineer to provide technical leadership for research-driven mix design and pavement performance initiatives. This role is designed for an experienced engineer who thrives in applied research, understands the realities of field performance, and can translate strategic technical direction into well-executed research programs.

This position is research and development focused, supporting Ergon's Pavement & Coating Resources business through structured research, performance evaluation, and innovation in asphalt mixture design. The successful candidate will organize, execute, and manage research projects with responsibility for structuring research approaches and methodologies, while helping shape the technical roadmap for future mix design and performance efforts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Organize, plan, and execute asphalt mix design research projects as directed by technical leadership.
• Lead laboratory-based research focused on asphalt mixture performance, durability, and constructability.
• Serve as a primary technical contributor for balanced mix design (BMD) development, evaluation, and implementation.
• Adapt research focus areas over time based on field feedback, Innovation Council guidance, and emerging performance needs.
• Support both near- term and longer- term strategic research initiatives.

Technical Expertise & Analysis

• Design and evaluate asphalt mixtures using Superpave, BMD, and performance-based methodologies.
• Analyze laboratory and field-related data to identify performance trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Translate research findings into technical guidance for internal teams and leadership.
• Collaborate with Binder, Emulsion, and Field teams to ensure alignment between materials and mixture performance.

Collaboration & Internal Support

• Position reports to the Mix Design & Field Services Technical Director to align research activities with operational and strategic goals.
• Support internal stakeholders by providing expert technical input on mix performance, materials selection, and troubleshooting.
• Interface with field services teams to incorporate field observations and performance data into research priorities.
• Participate in internal technical reviews, strategy discussions, and Innovation Council initiatives.

Documentation, Knowledge Sharing & Development

• Prepare high-quality technical reports, internal white papers, and presentations summarizing research findings.
• Contribute to internal standards, guidance documents, and best practices related to mix design and performance.
• Support technical publications and industry research initiatives as appropriate.
• Mentor junior engineers and technical staff in mix design principles, performance testing, and research methodologies.

Laboratory & Safety Oversight

• Ensure research activities follow established laboratory quality systems and EHS requirements.
• Promote data integrity, repeatability, and technical rigor in all research efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline (Master's or Ph.D. strongly preferred).
• Extensive experience in asphalt mix design, performance testing, and applied research.
• Demonstrated expertise in balanced mix design (BMD) concepts and performance-based testing methods.
• Strong understanding of aggregate properties, asphalt binders, additives, RAP/RAS, and mixture interactions.
• Proven ability to organize and execute multi-phase research projects.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex technical data into clear conclusions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership potential consistent with a director-track role.
• Highly collaborative, intellectually curious, and driven by continuous improvement.

Why Paragon?

At Paragon Technical Services, research is not academic - it directly influences the performance of pavements across the country. This role offers a rare opportunity to:

• Lead meaningful, applied research that shapes real-world outcomes
• Work closely with senior technical and business leadership
• Help define future mix design and performance strategies
• Grow into a broader technical leadership role within Ergon

Here, engineering judgment, scientific rigor, and practical impact come together.