Technical Manager – Asphalt Lab Ops & Growth

First Nations Jobs; City Of Kwinana; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tool of trade vehicle

Career development opportunities (Thru

Perks@Downer discounts

Job summary

Downer is seeking a Technical Manager for its WA asphalt labs in Gosnells and Hope Valley. You will oversee laboratory operations, quality systems, and NATA accreditation while driving process improvements and a lean, cost-conscious production mindset.

You will lead QA modernization, manage mix designs, and explore R&D with industry and university partnerships, while growing testing revenue and expanding regional coverage.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in asphalt and bituminous materials, mix design and MRWA specifications.
• Current or recent NATA Approved Signatory for asphalt and bituminous materials testing.
• Experience leading a NATA accredited laboratory or technical function under ISO/IEC 17025.
• Commercial mindset: cost a case, price an offering and discuss with clients.
• Track record of improving processes and outcomes.
• Comfort with data, SPC and reporting for action.

Responsibilities

• Overall accountability for laboratory operations, NATA accreditation and quality systems, delivered through the laboratory supervisors.
• Improve QA systems from retrospective checking to process control charting and hold suppliers to account against ITPs.
• Manage the mix design register and review cycle to meet specs at the lowest cost and prove savings against production cost.
• Develop a proprietary product pipeline with sustainability focus: high RAP, warm mix and recycled binders.
• Investigate what an R&D capability would take, incl. WARRIP and AfPA funding channels.
• Grow external testing revenue through business development and client relationships, including NATA scope and regional coverage.
• Bring outsourced testing in-house with Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement approach.

Skills

Asphalt expertise

NATA Signatory

Data analytics

ISO 17025

Education

Engineering or materials science degree

Job description

Downer is seeking a Technical Manager for its WA asphalt labs in Gosnells and Hope Valley. You will oversee laboratory operations, quality systems, and NATA accreditation while driving process improvements and a lean, cost-conscious production mindset.

You will lead QA modernization, manage mix designs, and explore R&D with industry and university partnerships, while growing testing revenue and expanding regional coverage.