Senior Petrographer: Concrete Materials Expert

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

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.