Materials Engineer I

ICON is seeking a Materials Engineer to join our Material Science team and help drive the development of the next generation of industrial-scale printable materials. As a Materials Engineer I, you will contribute to shaping the product roadmap and portfolio in collaboration with the Senior Engineering team. You will design and execute testing protocols, develop experimental setups to translate concepts into printable materials, and establish standards for testing, application, and quality control. Additionally, you will support R&D initiatives to optimize and improve existing material formulations. This role is based at ICON’s Austin, TX office and reports to the Director of Concrete Materials.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the development of new 3D-printable cementitious and non-cementitious materials targeting new developments in high-strength concrete, binary and ternary dry mix mortar formulations, and multiple concrete mixtures for diverse applications.
• Design and execute testing programs focused on evaluating local raw materials, performance assessment, and optimization of 3D-printed materials, developing a project—and company-specific quality control program.
• Optimize current proprietary mix proportions to improve performance and durability while lowering its embodied carbon footprint.
• Analyze data and elaborate technical reports as a result of testing and deploying 3D-printed technologies and materials.
• Perform benchmark studies to identify new stakeholders, sources, and technologies that help execute testing protocols and promote a breakthrough innovation strategy and the development of more sustainable solutions.
• Must be willing to perform a wide range of tasks daily (e.g. Transition from office work to field work at a moment’s notice, conduct tests individually).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related field. 
• 2+ years of demonstrable hands-on experience testing cement-based materials and their constituents.
• Proven advanced knowledge of concrete, cement-based materials, and/or alternative binders.
• Ability to operate specialized laboratory equipment without supervision.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and remain composed in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Experience in evaluation and product certification following ASTM and ACI standards.
• Experience in developing, optimizing, and performing troubleshooting of concrete mixtures and/or cement-based products.
• Must be able to travel 4+ weeks per year.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work, occasionally, on weekends.
• Must be able to work, in part, in extreme environments at a moment’s notice (T>100°F or T < 32°F, direct sunlight, rain, mud, sand storms, lack of electricity/internet, night shifts).
• Ability to prioritize tasks and remain composed in a fast-paced startup environment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

• M.Sc. in Civil Engineering focused on cement-based materials.
• 2+ years of advanced knowledge in cementitious materials and concrete technology.
• ACI Concrete Field Technician Grade I
• Experience in developing concrete products tailored to user-centered applications, including high early-strength concrete, fiber-reinforced concrete, and high-performance concrete.
• Experience with ready-mix concrete and/or dry mix mortar mixes, sourcing, testing, development, manufacturing, and application.