Director of Concrete Science

AET

. Set the technical vision and research roadmap for AET's concrete materials services .

Posted 10/27/2026full-timeSt. Paul • Minnesota • United StatesLead💰 $140,000 - $160,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in concrete materials, including mix design, durability evaluations, and compliance with industry standards. Proven ability to lead technical projects, mentor staff, and manage senior client relationships while driving business development and innovative service offerings.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Concrete Materials ExpertiseMix Design DevelopmentClient Relationship ManagementACI, ASTM, AASHTO Standards KnowledgeMentoring Engineers and Technical Staff

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Cement ChemistryDurability MechanismsField Testing ProceduresForensic InvestigationsTechnical Report WritingSales and Proposal LeadershipLow-Carbon Concrete KnowledgeLaboratory Accreditation ExperiencePerformance Specification SupportData Analysis

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsDecision-Making SkillsCommunication SkillsPresentation Skills

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office SuiteField InstrumentsCRM Software

Certifications & Qualifications

Professional Engineer (PE) LicenseACI Certifications

Industry Keywords

Concrete ServicesStructural ConcretePrecast ConcreteHigh-Performance ConcreteSulfate AttackAlkali-Silica ReactionChloride IngressFreeze-Thaw DurabilityQuality SystemsConstruction Standards

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Set the technical vision and research roadmap for AET's concrete materials services
Oversee mix design development, optimization and qualification for structural, mass, precast, high-performance and specialty concretes
Lead durability and service-life evaluations, including alkali-silica reaction, sulfate attack, freeze-thaw, chloride ingress, corrosion and shrinkage cracking
Direct forensic investigations and failure analyses, and author or approve expert reports, including litigation support and expert testimony where required
Ensure laboratory and field testing meets ASTM, AASHTO, ACI, USACE and applicable state DOT standards
Support AET accreditations and USACE validations
Serve as final technical reviewer on high-risk or high-value concrete materials deliverables
Document technical knowledge through Standards and Practices and promote knowledge sharing across Business Groups
Track regulatory and market shifts and turn them into service offerings
Develop and execute long-term growth plans for concrete services
Identify and pursue opportunities with owners, DOTs, contractors, producers, manufacturers, design firms, insurers and law firms
Coordinate major pursuits, including capture planning, proposal preparation, presentations and negotiations
Develop emerging service lines such as low-carbon mix qualification, embodied-carbon consulting, performance specification support and research partnerships
Maintain a qualified CRM pipeline with accurate monthly or quarterly forecasts
Drive thought leadership through conference presentations, technical papers, webinars, client seminars and ACI/ASTM committee work
Establish partnerships with subconsultants, universities and professional organizations
Collaborate with other disciplines and Business Groups to cross-sell concrete expertise
Serve as senior relationship owner and trusted technical advisor for dozens of key client accounts
Build account plans and conduct quarterly relationship reviews
Expand relationships into master service agreements, multi-year programs and preferred-provider status
Lead critical or sensitive client work and resolve escalations
Track account health using revenue, margin, repeat-work rate and client satisfaction
Mentor and train engineers, scientists, petrographers and laboratory technicians
Coach project managers and staff on client communication, scoping and business development
Lead technical training, lunch-and-learns and case-study reviews
Provide peer review and guidance on complex or high-risk projects
Identify technical expertise gaps and support key hiring decisions
Support staff pursuing PE licensure and ACI certifications
Advise leadership on laboratory capabilities and equipment investment
Adhere to safety policies, report hazards and incidents, use required PPE, participate in safety activities, and exercise stop-work authority when necessary
Individual contributor role with no supervisory responsibility; may provide technical mentoring and work direction on assigned projects

Requirements

What you’ll need

Undergraduate degree in civil engineering, materials science or a related field, with a focus on cementitious materials
12 or more years of progressive experience in concrete materials
5 or more years mentoring engineers and technical staff
Deep knowledge of cement chemistry, SCMs, admixtures, mix design, durability mechanisms and test methods
Working command of ACI, ASTM and AASHTO standards and state DOT specifications
Proven record of winning work, including originating clients, leading proposals and meeting sales or backlog targets
Experience managing senior client relationships and resolving high-stakes technical issues
Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills, including explaining complex science to non-technical audiences
Ability to work at industrial and construction sites and perform field work, including collecting samples and cores, operating field instruments, following procedures, arranging job logistics, and documenting field activities and data collected
Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future
Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
Preferred: MS or PhD in civil engineering, materials science or a related field
Preferred: Professional Engineer (PE) license, or eligibility to obtain one within 12 months
Preferred: ACI certifications and active ACI or ASTM committee involvement
Preferred: Experience with low-carbon concrete, EPDs, life-cycle assessment or performance-based specifications
Preferred: Forensic and expert-witness experience
Preferred: Strong publication and presentation record, and an established network across owners, contractors and producers
Preferred: Laboratory accreditation and quality-system experience
Preferred: Ability to develop and implement creative/innovative solutions
Preferred: Skill in reviewing contract terms and conditions and making recommendations for final review by company officer

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health benefits
Insurance
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Long term savings
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities
100% employee-owned firm