Senior Chemist: Advanced Materials Analysis & Forensics

AET; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

American Engineering Testing (AET) is seeking a Senior Chemist to lead advanced chemical analyses, forensic evaluations, and technical reporting in its Chemistry Laboratory. You will guide complex material investigations, troubleshoot analyses, and ensure high-quality deliverables for clients in construction-related testing and consulting.

Operating independently, you will mentor chemists and technicians, oversee data interpretation, and contribute to project scoping and proposals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in analytical chemistry, construction materials testing, product testing, forensic evaluation, or consulting environments.
• Demonstrated ability to independently interpret complex analytical data and prepare clear, defensible technical reports.
• Advanced knowledge of laboratory practices, analytical methods, QA/QC procedures, and applicable standards.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey technical information clearly to diverse audiences, including clients.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while working independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary, consulting-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced chemical analysis and laboratory testing of construction and building materials, including cement, concrete, aggregates, soils, admixtures, coatings, sealants, and related products.
• Interpret complex laboratory data to evaluate material performance, contamination, deterioration, and failure mechanisms.
• Lead technically complex projects and serve as the primary laboratory resource for challenging analytical investigations and forensic evaluations.
• Lead or play a key role in forensic investigations involving complex material performance, contamination, deterioration, or failure analyses.
• Prepare and review technical reports for accuracy, quality, and clarity, ensuring deliverables meet AET and client standards.
• Provide technical review and quality oversight of laboratory analyses, calculations, and reports prepared by Chemists, Technicians, and other laboratory personnel.
• Serve as a technical resource for internal teams and clients, supporting project teams with subject matter expertise.
• Support client consultations by providing technical expertise related to testing methodologies, analytical findings, material performance, and failure investigations.
• Contribute technical input to project scoping, proposal development, and laboratory cost estimating for specialized testing and consulting services.
• Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and work direction to Chemists, Technicians, and Interns as needed.
• Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, ensuring reliable and accurate data output.
• Ensure all laboratory activities follow established testing procedures, QA/QC practices, and documentation standards.
• Identify and drive improvements to laboratory processes, testing methodologies, and service delivery.
• Coordinate with Petrographers, Engineers, and cross-functional teams to support multidisciplinary testing and consulting work.
• Manage workload to meet project timelines, budgets, and quality expectations.
• Conduct laboratory activities in accordance with applicable regulations and AET's Health and Safety Policy.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Construction materials testing

Forensic evaluation

Technical reporting

QA/QC procedures

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Tools

XRF

XRD

FTIR

SEM

Spectroscopy

Chromatography

Job description

American Engineering Testing (AET) is seeking a Senior Chemist to lead advanced chemical analyses, forensic evaluations, and technical reporting in its Chemistry Laboratory. You will guide complex material investigations, troubleshoot analyses, and ensure high-quality deliverables for clients in construction-related testing and consulting.

Operating independently, you will mentor chemists and technicians, oversee data interpretation, and contribute to project scoping and proposals.