Petrographer

With oversight and supervision by a supervising Petrographer, perform technical microscopic investigations, prepare samples of construction materials (concrete, rock, aggregate, brick, mortar, etc.), and prepare factual reports for assigned projects.  Assist with both Petrography and Chemistry projects as department workload requires.  Work is subject to review and supervision by senior staff. 

Essential Functions 

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

• Perform microscopic studies with stereo and polarization microscopes.


• Prepare factual reports for assigned testing, subject to review by supervising Petrographer.


• Prepare samples for petrographic testing using concrete saws, lap polishing wheels, and thin sectioning equipment. 


• Prepare samples for chemical testing using concrete saws, pulverization equipment, and sieves.


• Perform water-soluble chloride level determination testing.


• Evaluate the complexity of a project or its conditions, recognize when more difficult judgements or situations are present such that higher-level engineering supervision/assistance should be provided.


• Assist in preparation of training manuals and QA procedures.


• Maintain client, project team and in-house communication.


• Review and/or prepare project documentation as needed.

Other Areas of Accountability 

• Conduct field, laboratory and office activities in a manner consistent with federal, state, and local regulations, along with AET’s QA and Health and Safety Policies, to promote the safety and protection of employees, clients and the public.


• Properly use and maintain company instruments and equipment.


• Develop and maintain business contacts.


• Document marketing and business development efforts and provide such documentation to supervisor on a regular basis.


• Participate in at least one professional organization. Participate in at least one professional organization.


• Increase knowledge of petrographic laboratory procedures and skills.


• Complete assigned projects within budget and satisfy client needs.


• Maintain high chargeable productivity.


• Coordinate with other AET staff with the ultimate goal of increasing efficiency, productivity and communication.


• Perform other tasks as necessary to meet departmental or company goals.

Qualifications and Education Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree in applicable field.


• 0-3 years of related experience.


• Previous laboratory technician expertise preferred, especially experience as an AET Petrography Technician.

Preferred Skills 

• Knowledge of fundamental engineering or scientific principles within specialty area and ability to apply that knowledge to the job.


• Experience using personal computer software, especially Microsoft Office.


• Experience analyzing and interpreting data, accurately observing and recording activities as related to the position.


• Communication skills sufficient to convey complex technical information in a clear manner to diverse audiences.


• Ability to interact successfully with a wide variety of people, work effectively within project teams, resolve issues and problems in a constructive manner, and work independently.  


• Experience determining and coordinating daily work schedule based on project priorities and client/department schedules.


• Physically capable of the physical labor required, with personal protective equipment.  

Pay Transparency 

Base compensation is expected to be in the range of $87,000-$100,000 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. 

Work Environment    

This job primarily operates in a professional office environment. This position also may require field work in outdoor conditions on construction sites with uneven ground and adverse weather conditions. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers.     

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 finger, 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 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50-100 pounds. The employee will occasionally push or pull equipment weighing up to 200 pounds. The employee is required to frequently work outside.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.    

 Notice to Third Party Agencies: AET does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting firms. Absent a signed Service Agreement by AET’s Chief People Officer (CPO), AET reserves the right to pursue and hire these candidates without financial obligation to recruiters or agencies.