Petrographer | 2+ Years

Wiss Janney Elstner Associates • Austin, TX

16h • Onsite

About The Position

WJE Austin is seeking an experienced Petrographer to join their local team. The role involves applying a principles-first, problem-solving approach to determine root causes of problems, characterize materials, and evaluate performance for a variety of cementitious materials applications in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. The team investigates issues related to concrete, mortar, aggregate, dimension stone, stucco, and other building materials, addressing problems such as alkali-aggregate reaction, mix design verification, low strength, cement-admixture interaction, efflorescence, delamination, fire-damaged concrete, cracking, sulfate attack, freeze-thaw damage, and delayed ettringite formation. The position utilizes advanced methods like optical microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, image analysis, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), and electrical resistivity, with access to additional capabilities at WJE’s Janney Technical Center. Petrographers manage projects for external clients and collaborate with internal engineers and architects on diverse projects ranging from historic preservation to new construction challenges. The company is open to considering candidates at various experience levels, offering commensurate support, mentorship, and training.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in geology, materials science/engineering, geological engineering, or a related field with substantial coursework in mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry
• Minimum two years of applied petrographic laboratory experience
• Strong foundation in optical mineralogy, petrology, and petrographic sample preparation, including traditional petrographic microscopy, thin section analysis, immersion mount analysis, hand sample analysis with a stereomicroscope, point-count and modal analysis, and preparation of thin sections, polished sections, lapped hand samples, etc.
• Excellent technical, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing demands while maintaining a high standard of excellence, integrity, and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
• Visual acuity and listening ability
• Dexterity to operate office, laboratory, and field equipment
• Ability to work safely in a laboratory and testing environment
• Ability to travel and attend meetings at various office, field, laboratory, and construction sites
• Ability to perform inspections of buildings and other structures, both visually and with instruments
• Ability to safely work at heights, in confined spaces, and in a variety of occupationally hazardous locations, including outdoors with exposure to temperature extremes
• Ability to safely use and/or operate ladders, scaffolds, lifts, and other access equipment
• Ability to lift and carry materials, tools, and other heavy equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Medically fit to utilize respiratory protection devices and other forms of Personal Protective Equipment
• Ability to drive and safely operate a motor vehicle

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred
• Industry experience preferred to experience gained solely in an academic setting

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the day-to-day success of multiple concurrent projects and complete work with limited oversight, under the guidance of experienced petrographers
• Perform hands-on petrographic analyses, microscopy, field assessment, and physical testing, such as compressive strength and durability testing
• Accurately record and organize data for analysis, while exercising good judgment in assessing the reasonableness of test results
• Assume responsibility for key aspects of laboratory safety, maintenance, and quality assurance, including setting up, operating, and maintaining laboratory instruments; cleaning glassware; restocking laboratory supplies, reagents, and solutions

Benefits

• Robust and affordable health plans for employees and their families, including HSA as well as low and high-deductible PPO options
• Generous 401(k) matching of 110% for the first 6% of eligible pay, vesting immediately
• Time off to care for yourself and others
• Investments in employees’ educational assistance and professional development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level