Senior Performance Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (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

Senior Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for managing and executing complex construction materials testing projects. This role emphasizes leadership in technical decision-making, project management, and client engagement while driving operational efficiency and quality assurance. As a technical expert, the Senior Engineer develops innovative solutions to construction material performance challenges, mentors’ junior staff, and plays a key role in expanding client relationships. This position serves as a technical leader, mentoring junior staff and driving process improvements to enhance operational efficiency. The role involves overseeing multiple projects, collaborating with clients and contractors, and contributing to strategic growth within the Building and Construction service line.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead multiple concurrent materials testing projects, including those of higher complexity, overseeing all phases from pursuit to final reporting.
• Manage project resources, including staffing, budgets, and schedules, to ensure successful completion and profitability.
• Manage project data and information, specifications, plans, change orders and requests for information to the client or contractor.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation plans for technical and logistical project challenges.
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for construction materials testing, providing advanced technical guidance to clients and internal teams.
• Design and implement specialized testing protocols for unique or complex materials performance requirements.
• Oversee investigations into material failures, preparing detailed analyses and recommendations for resolution.
• Act as the primary point of contact for high-value clients, ensuring their technical and project needs are met.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships by providing consistent, high-quality deliverables and solutions.
• Represent the company in client meetings, project pursuit discussions, and project kickoff sessions.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians, providing technical training and guidance to support their professional growth.
• Review and approve reports prepared by junior staff, ensuring accuracy and compliance with standards.
• Collaborate with team members to develop career development plans and identify training opportunities.
• Develop and refine quality assurance practices to improve efficiency, accuracy, and reliability in materials testing operations.
• Evaluate and integrate new technologies, methodologies, and best practices to enhance service offerings.
• Participate in internal process improvement initiatives to increase operational effectiveness.
• Ensure that projects comply with specifications, industry standards, & applicable building codes.
• Champion a culture of safety by ensuring that all field and laboratory operations adhere to company and industry safety protocols.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Leads project teams for complex engineering projects.
• Assigns tasks, monitors progress, and provides technical mentorship to junior engineers.
• Reviews and approves work to ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices.

Required Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in construction materials testing or a similar role.
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure required.
• In-depth knowledge of materials testing standards (e.g., ASTM, AASHTO) and advanced testing methodologies.
• Proficiency with project management software and tools.

Preferred Skills

• Proven ability to manage and deliver complex projects on time and within budget.
• Advanced problem-solving skills, particularly in engineering analysis and material performance optimization.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience in client interaction and report preparation.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including mentoring and developing junior staff.

Pay Transparency

Base compensation is expected to be in the range of $100,000 to $140,000 per year 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 role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. This position will occasionally be required to operate in a field or laboratory environment.

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 and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands or fingers, 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 75 pounds. 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.