Research Associate

Critical Playground LLC; Blacksburg, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech seeks a Research Associate to conduct multidisciplinary research in construction engineering and materials. You will work under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, apply both standard and non‑standard methods, and prepare clear technical reports for technical and non‑technical audiences.

The role blends laboratory research, field and warehouse support, and partner coordination. The candidate should be hands‑on, organized, and comfortable working across materials labs,

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Environmental Design and Planning, Architecture, Materials or Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience with construction-scale additive manufacturing (3D concrete printing) or prefabricated construction.
• Experience with SOPs for 3D concrete printing operations.
• Proficiency with BIM tools and digital design workflows.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research under supervision, apply standard and non-standard methods.
• Prepare clear technical reports and presentations.
• Coordinate field and laboratory activities, budgeting, scheduling, and student support as needed.

Skills

3DCP experience

BIM tools

Data analysis

Education

Master's in Civil Engineering or related field

Bachelor with significant relevant experience

Tools

SOPs for 3DCP

Revit/Navisworks

Job description

Job Description

The Research Associate conducts research under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior project staff, applying both standard and non-standard methods appropriate to construction engineering, materials, and building science. The incumbent recognizes problems and inconsistencies in data, proposes solutions and interpretations, and prepares clear technical reports. The Research Associate may provide input into project development, budgeting, and scheduling, and may coordinate the work of students and support personnel, but has limited independent authority for research conceptualization or resource acquisition. This position is not eligible to serve as Principal Investigator.

The role blends laboratory research, field and warehouse production support, digital documentation, and partner coordination. The successful candidate is a hands‑on, organized, and adaptable professional who is comfortable moving between a materials laboratory, an active printing and construction environment, academics, and a data and reporting workspace.

The successful candidate should be familiar with construction field operations, site logistics, scheduling, and quality control, and be able to work in a laboratory, warehouse, and active construction environments. They must also have the willingness and ability to work on‑site in Blacksburg, Virginia, with periodic travel to project field sites within the Commonwealth (including Richmond-area deployment sites).

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Environmental Design and Planning, Architecture, Materials or Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field. (An exception may be considered for candidates holding a bachelor’s degree with significant relevant experience, consistent with Virginia Tech research faculty rank criteria.)
• Demonstrated research or applied experience with one or more of the following: construction-scale additive manufacturing (3D concrete printing), industrialized or prefabricated construction, and advanced construction materials evaluation.
• Experience working with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for 3DCP operations.
• Working knowledge of digital design and construction tools, such as building information modeling (e.g., Revit, Navisworks, or equivalent), computational design, reality capture, or robotic/automation workflows.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and documenting technical data, and preparing reports, presentations, or publications communicating results to technical and non‑technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience operating or supporting 3D concrete printing systems, including print file preparation, printing layout and scheduling, mix design, and on‑site or warehouse robotic operation.
• Experience with materials testing and durability characterization (e.g., strength, freeze‑thaw, or non‑destructive evaluation) and with quality assurance/quality control documentation.
• Familiarity with performance verification and code‑acceptance pathways for innovative construction methods, including UL 3401 information requirements or analogous alternative‑materials approval processes.
• Experience with digital twins, LiDAR or 3D scanning, progress monitoring, or data visualization and dashboarding (e.g., Power BI or equivalent).
• Experience collaborating with nonprofit housing providers, builders, or public agencies.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$61,800

Hours per week

40 hours - regular schedule

Review Date

08/17/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands‑on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem‑solvers. A comprehensive land‑grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Sara Phillips at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.