Petrographer

American Engineering Testing Inc; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Insurance

ESOP

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

American Engineering Testing Inc. in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is seeking a Petrographer to perform microscopic examination and forensic analysis of concrete, aggregates, and related construction materials, following ASTM C295, C856, and C457 guidelines.

The role requires independent lab work, detailed technical reporting, and collaboration with engineers, chemists, and clients to support quality control, failure analysis, and durability assessments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in geology, materials science, chemistry, civil engineering, or a related field required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in petrography, materials characterization, or forensic material analysis, in accordance with ASTM standards.
• Demonstrated proficiency in microscopy techniques, failure analysis, and construction material evaluations.
• Strong working knowledge of ASTM standards related to petrography and construction materials testing (C295, C856, C457, etc.).
• Experience with forensic failure analysis of concrete, aggregate, and cementitious materials.
• Ability to write technical reports and communicate findings to engineers, contractors, and legal professionals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed petrographic examinations using microscopy to analyze concrete, aggregates, cementitious materials, and asphalt.
• Identify mineralogical composition, reaction products, air-void parameters, and deterioration mechanisms in compliance with ASTM standards.
• Evaluate ASR, sulfate attack, DEF, and other degradation factors affecting construction materials.
• Interpret microscopic observations, chemical interactions, and material defects to provide reliable forensic assessments.
• Compile detailed technical reports summarizing findings, interpretations, and recommendations for engineers, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Provide expert insights on material performance, failure causes, and mitigation strategies.
• Participate in client discussions and technical presentations, articulating petrographic conclusions clearly.
• Support litigation and forensic investigations with material analyses for legal and engineering disputes.
• Maintain and calibrate petrographic instruments, ensuring accurate and repeatable results.
• Implement quality control measures to ensure testing consistency and compliance with AET and industry standards.
• Assist in developing and refining laboratory procedures, optimizing testing methodologies for increased efficiency and accuracy.
• Stay informed on advancements in petrography, cement chemistry, and material degradation mechanisms.
• Contribute to internal training programs, mentoring junior staff and supporting Petrographers-In-Training.
• Collaborate with industry organizations and participate in research projects to advance AET’s expertise.

Skills

Microscopy techniques

Forensic analysis

Technical reporting

Communication with engineers/clients

Education

Bachelor’s degree in geology, materials science, chemistry, civil engineering, or related field

Tools

XRD

SEM

Job description

Petrographer

American Engineering Testing Inc, St Paul, Minnesota, United States

About this position

Job Summary

The Petrographer is a specialized professional responsible for the microscopic examination and forensic analysis of concrete, aggregates, asphalt, and other construction materials. This role involves identifying material characteristics, diagnosing degradation mechanisms, and assessing compliance with industry standards such as ASTM C295, C856, and C457.

The Petrographer works independently on laboratory investigations, prepares technical reports, and provides material evaluations for quality control, failure analysis, and durability assessments. As a key technical expert, the Petrographer collaborates with engineers, chemists, and clients to deliver detailed insights into material performance and deterioration.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodation or workable solutions may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Conduct detailed petrographic examinations using stereo, polarized light, and fluorescence microscopy to analyze concrete, aggregates, cementitious materials, and asphalt.
• Identify mineralogical composition, reaction products, air-void parameters, and deterioration mechanisms in compliance with ASTM standards.
• Evaluate alkali-silica reactivity (ASR), sulfate attack, delayed ettringite formation (DEF), and other degradation factors affecting construction materials.
• Interpret microscopic observations, chemical interactions, and material defects to provide reliable forensic assessments.
• Compile detailed technical reports summarizing findings, interpretations, and recommendations for engineering consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Provide expert insights on material performance, failure causes, and mitigation strategies.
• Participate in client discussions and technical presentations, articulating petrographic conclusions in a clear and professional manner.
• Support litigation and forensic investigations, offering detailed material analysis for legal and engineering disputes.
• Maintain and calibrate petrographic instruments, ensuring accurate and repeatable results.
• Implement quality control measures to ensure testing consistency and compliance with AET and industry standards.
• Assist in developing and refining laboratory procedures, optimizing testing methodologies for increased efficiency and accuracy.
• Stay informed on advancements in petrography, cement chemistry, and material degradation mechanisms.
• Contribute to internal training programs, mentoring junior staff and supporting the development of Petrographers-In-Training.
• Collaborate with industry organizations and participate in research projects to advance AET’s expertise in construction materials analysis.

Supervisory Responsibility

May provide mentorship and technical guidance to Petrographers-In-Training and Petrography Technicians.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in geology, materials science, chemistry, civil engineering, or a related field required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in petrography, materials characterization, or forensic material analysis, in accordance with ASTM standards.
• Demonstrated proficiency in microscopy techniques, failure analysis, and construction material evaluations.
• Strong working knowledge of ASTM standards related to petrography and construction materials testing (C295, C856, C457, etc.).
• Experience with forensic failure analysis of concrete, aggregate, and cementitious materials.
• Ability to write technical reports and communicate findings to engineers, contractors, and legal professionals.

Preferred Skills

• Advanced knowledge of concrete chemistry, mineralogy, and deterioration mechanisms.
• Familiarity with X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and chemical analysis techniques.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for material evaluations and forensic casework.
• Effective communication skills for client interactions, technical presentations, and litigation support.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in petrography and material science.

This position operates within a laboratory setting, conducting microscopic analyses, material characterization, and forensic evaluations. The role involves prolonged periods of microscope use, data documentation, and sample preparation utilizing precision cutting, staining, and polishing techniques. Employees may work with chemical reagents and fine particulates, requiring compliance with strict laboratory safety procedures and PPE guidelines.

Pay Transparency

Base compensation is expected to be in the range of $70,000-$75,000 annually based on skill set and experience. AET offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health benefits, insurance, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), long term savings, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. The selected candidate must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands or fingers, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.