Aggregate/Asphalt Mix Design Specialist

Location: Alexandria, MN with travel expected 30% of time
Employment Type: Exempt, Full-Time, Year Round
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (hours will vary based on project needs and the time of year)

About Us

Central Specialties, Inc. is a third generation, family owned, general road contracting company serving Minnesota and the Dakotas. We take pride in the reputation we have built for providing quality aggregate & asphalt, on the job safety. Our skilled workforce of 425+ employees is dedicated to quality and excellence. It's the pride our employees take in their work that keeps CSI at the top of the industry. We are expanding our Quality Control and Materials Engineering team and are seeking a skilled Aggregate/Asphalt Mix Design Specialist to help support our production, design, and field operations.

Position Summary

The Aggregate/Asphalt Mix Design Specialist is responsible for developing, testing, and optimizing aggregate and asphalt mix designs to meet project specifications, DOT requirements, and company performance goals. This role works closely with plant operations, quality control technicians, project managers, and state and local agencies to ensure consistent quality and efficient production.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, refine, and submit asphalt mix designs to local and state DOT and project superintendent.
• Perform aggregate gradation analysis, volumetric calculations, and performance testing.
• Manage materials sampling, testing procedures, and documentation.
• Support asphalt plant operations with troubleshooting, material adjustments, and production optimization.
• Analyze test data and provide recommendations to ensure mixes meet spec and field performance expectations.
• Maintain and calibrate lab equipment; ensure all testing is performed accurately and safely.
• Conduct aggregate source evaluations and coordinate with pits on material suitability.
• Collaborate with field crews to monitor paving performance and quality during construction.
• Prepare and maintain mix design records, quality reports, and submittal documents.

Qualifications

Required:

• 2–5+ years of experience in asphalt mix design, materials testing, or QC in road construction.
• Understanding of AASHTO, ASTM, Superpave, and DOT mix design procedures.
• Experience operating gyratory compactors, ovens, sieves, balances, and related lab equipment.
• Strong analytical skills and accuracy with data and documentation.
• Proficiency with mix design and QC software.

Preferred:

• DOT certifications for asphalt mix design, BIT Level 1/2 QC, or aggregate technician.
• Experience with RAP/RAS optimization and performance-based testing (Hamburg, IDEAL-CT, etc.).
• Knowledge of asphalt plant operations and production troubleshooting.

Skills & Attributes

• Detail-oriented and quality-driven.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Comfortable working in both lab and field settings.
• Ability to travel to plant sites, pits, and project locations as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Health, dental, vision, life and 401k
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional certification and training support
• Opportunities for growth within the company

Central Specialties is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.