Laboratory Director Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

About Us

At American Engineering Testing (AET), we believe that people are the heart of innovation. We create an environment that values teamwork, curiosity, and continuous improvement while delivering innovative engineering and consulting solutions. As a 100% employee-owned firm, we deliver comprehensive testing, analysis, and design to reduce uncertainty in construction projects and offer rewarding work, exceptional training, and career development opportunities.

Job Summary

Field Technician 2 plays a critical role by performing field and laboratory testing of construction materials, including soils, concrete, bituminous materials, masonry, and reinforcing steel, to ensure compliance with AET QA/QC procedures and industry standards. This position is responsible for conducting tests such as field density and Proctor density of soils, plastic concrete testing, laboratory testing of bituminous materials, and performing hand auger borings under project manager direction, as well as reporting results and maintaining equipment, ensuring high-quality, accurate data collection and adherence to safety and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will demonstrate technical proficiency, attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently in the field, and contribute to AET’s mission of delivering reliable, high-quality engineering and testing services.

Essential Functions

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

• Perform field and laboratory testing:
  • Perform field density and Proctor density test of soils.
  • Perform field testing of plastic concrete.
  • Perform laboratory testing of bituminous materials.
  • Observe excavations and correlate the observations with soil boring logs.
  • Perform hand auger borings under the direction of the project manager.
  • Perform other laboratory tests and calibrations.
• Report test results.
• Communication with project managers, clients, contractors and other project personnel.
• Conduct miscellaneous projects involving work procedures, laboratory and equipment.
• Laboratory maintenance duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

This role does not have direct reports, however, may provide work direction to junior technicians.

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.
• Increase proficiency in assigned testing.
• Maintain high chargeable productivity.
• Maintain the quality of service and work product.
• Properly use and maintain company instruments and equipment.
• Coordinate with other staff with the ultimate goal of increasing efficiency, productivity, and communication.
• Maintain valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record. Some positions may require use of personal vehicle for company business. Maintain compliance with DOT driver regulations if required for position. Maintain appropriate physicals if required for position.
• Frequent travel within the regional area. Occasional out-of-town travel.
• Many duties outdoors and away from main office/laboratory location.
• Occasional work nights or weekends.
• Perform other tasks as necessary to meet departmental or company goals.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Associates or technical degree in a related field, AND 3 or more years of related experience; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field AND at least one year of related experience.
• Other certifications may be required.

Preferred Skills

• Communication skills sufficient to work effectively with clients and coworkers.
• 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 in the field.
• Capable of the physical labor required including work at hazardous waste sites, with personal protective equipment.
• Ability to:
  • Frequently lift 30-60 pounds from the floor to 2 feet.
  • Occasionally lift 60-100 pounds from the floor to 2 feet.
  • Frequently carry 30-60 pounds for 10-30 feet.
  • Occasionally carry 60-100 pounds for 10-30 feet.
  • Stand for up to 8 hours, often on uneven surfaces.
  • Move for up to 8 hours, with frequent bending and stooping.

Pay Transparency

Base compensation is expected to be in the range of $26.00 - $28.00 per hour 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.   

Other Duties   

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Third Party Disclosure

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.