Pavement Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job ID: 2026_07_SME

Role/Title: Subject Matter Expert
Priority: High – Immediate Hire

Remote/Hybrid Opportunity - Must be able to travel to the NJ customer location when needed.

iCatalyst, Inc. is a next-generation technology company specializing in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning (ML), and Robotic Process Automation (RPA).

Since 2007, we have partnered with federal and commercial clients to deliver innovative, mission-driven solutions that enhance operational efficiency, digital transformation, and business outcomes.

Our solutions are built on a foundation of agility, security, and scalability, guided by our CMMI ML 3 Services and Software Development framework and backed by globally recognized certifications in ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 (Information Security).

We specialize in AI-Driven Digital Transformation, Cloud and Infrastructure Modernization, Data Engineering and Advanced Analytics, Enterprise IT Modernization and Mission-Focused Program and Change Management.

At iCatalyst, our people are at the center of everything we do.

• Award-winning culture of innovation and a friendly workplace
• Work on cutting-edge AI and digital transformation projects
• Be part of a mission-driven team
• Grow your career in a stable, certified, high-performing organization
• Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, competitive pay

We are seeking a Subject Matter Expert to join our growing team in support of our federal program.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and contribute to impactful, mission-critical initiatives.

• Provide recognized subject matter expertise supporting airport pavement research initiatives.
• Advise the agency on emerging pavement technologies, materials, and testing methodologies.
• Review complex engineering analyses, research findings, and technical recommendations.
• Provide independent technical review of reports, standards, specifications, and guidance documents.
• Recommend improvements to airport pavement testing procedures and performance-based specifications.
• Support development of Engineering Briefs, Advisory Circulars, and technical standards.
• Participate in technical reviews, peer reviews, workshops, and industry collaboration activities.
• Support special projects requiring specialized engineering or scientific expertise.
• Provide consultation to the Program Manager, Laboratory Manager, and Civil Engineer on complex technical issues.
• Represent the program during technical exchanges with industry, academia, and government organizations, as requested.
• Provide support and expertise in assigned domain.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions.
• Ensure adherence to security, compliance, and quality standards
• Support continuous improvement and innovation initiatives.
• Special projects as needed.

• Nationally recognized expertise in pavement engineering, materials science, or airport infrastructure research.
• Expert knowledge of ASTM, AASHTO, and transportation research standards.
• Ability to develop technical policy, specifications, standards, and research recommendations.
• Experience conducting peer reviews and providing independent technical evaluations.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to advise senior government officials on complex technical issues.
• Strong publication and technical writing capabilities.

• 10 years of progressively responsible engineering or scientific experience.
• Recognized expertise in airport pavement research or transportation materials engineering.
• Experience supporting FHWA, state DOTs, or national research programs.
• Experience authoring technical standards, specifications, peer-reviewed publications, or national guidance documents.
• Demonstrated experience serving as a technical authority or principal investigator on major research initiatives.
• Proven ability to work in fast-paced, client-focused environments.
• Experience supporting federal programs preferred.

• Position requires a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Materials Engineering, Pavement Engineering, or closely related discipline, with 10 years of experience.

• Remote/Hybrid/New Jersey
• Monday – Friday 8AM – 5:30PM EST
• Work schedules and arrangements may be adjusted based on client and program needs

• Full-Time, Salaried (Exempt)

• Federal Agency

• The likely salary range or Hourly rate for this position is $140k-$175k.

Salary range reflects our commitment to pay equity and transparency. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, certifications, labor qualifications, geographic location and contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.

• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence required
• Ability to successfully pass a federal background check
• Employment is subject to verification of eligibility to work in the United States

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete a background verification process that may leverage artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.

• Some Travel Required

We regularly review our Total Rewards package to ensure our offerings are competitive and reflect what our employees have told us they value most.

Our benefits package for eligible employees includes a variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts, a dental plan option, a vision plan, and a 401(k)-plan offering the ability to contribute both pre- and post-tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match.

To encourage work/life balance, iCatalyst offers employees a variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick, 11 Federal holidays, military, bereavement and jury duty leave. To ensure our employees are able to protect their income, other offerings such as short and long-term disability benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, insurance are provided or available.

In addition, we offer our full‑time employees the following benefits subject to eligibility and iCatalyst policies.

• Phone and internet Reimbursement for eligible employees
• Transportation Support (Uber rides to & from HQ to select locations)
• Training & Education Assistance (per eligibility)
• Annual Wellness Benefit
• Social and Community giveback

• iCatalyst, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics
• Candidates will be required to adhere to client-specific compliance requirements and sign NDAs
• iCatalyst reserves the right to modify job responsibilities, duties, or requirements as business needs evolve

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