Principal Scientist

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

The Principal Scientist is responsible for se curing significant work and provide technical expertise in environmental compliance and construction oversight. Assume responsibility for the technical capability and growth of the department in construction oversight, stormwater compliance, SWPPP development, and related environmental services.

A fully competent professional in all conventional aspects and a recognized expert in their field. Performs specific marketing duties and implements established marketing goals for the department and company.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations or workable solutions may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Work independently securing, directing, and overseeing environmental services, including environmental construction oversight, stormwater compliance, contractor coordination, site investigation and mitigation, and other environmental compliance activities.

Assist with the development, review, and implementation of QA/QC procedures and policies. Review formal environmental reports, large proposal pursuits and RFPs. Maintain current working knowledge of applicable regulations, policies, procedures and technologies in and assist in identifying proposed modifications and potential impacts to AET and clients.

Represent AET by presenting ideas, solutions, and innovative advancements to clients, peer groups, public audiences, and regulatory agencies. Identify and lead large proposals and perform marketing duties to meet established department and company goals leading to noticeable client and project growth and opportunities within environmental compliance and construction sector.

Provide senior review and guidance of project work. Maintain and grow client relationships with one or more targeted clients. Coach and train staff and connect AET staff with client contacts for meetings and business development efforts. Manage large-scale projects or projects for key clients. Participate in professional organizations.

Maintain professional registration(s). Review contract terms and conditions to identify potential risks/liabilities. Other Areas of Accountability Ensure that field, laboratory and office activities are conducted 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.

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 required within regional area. Occasional out-of-town travel.

Coordinate with other AET staff companywide with the ultimate goal of increasing efficiency, productivity and communication. Market AET services to prospective clients. Perform other duties as required to meet departmental and company goals. Required Qualifications and Education Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Geology or Hydrogeology with a minimum of 15-20 years related experience; OR Advanced degree in Engineering, Geology, or Hydrogeology with 20 or more years of related experience.

Ability to develop and implement creative/innovative solutions to a wide range of environmental-related problems. Demonstrated skill in cultivating and managing external relationships (with clients, prospects, professional associations, etc.) to generate business development opportunities for self and others. Excellent communication skills including the ability to present ideas to large groups in a clear and compelling manner.

Ability to interact effectively 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. Demonstrated leadership ability both within the company and in external business relationships. Should be a recognized expert in their field.

Ability to anticipate, recognize, and manage risk/liability. Ability to be forward-thinking with respect to technologies, practices, policies, and other areas in order to promote and advance the company. Skill in reviewing contract terms and conditions and making recommendations for final review by company officer. Pay Transparency Base compensation is expected to be in the range of $120,000 to $130,000 per yea r 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.