Assistant Lab Manager

Engineering Consulting Service; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Limited is seeking an Assistant Lab Manager in Austin to supervise junior staff in the construction materials testing laboratory, ensuring quality control and compliance with QA/QC standards. The role emphasizes safety, calibration, data interpretation, and coordination with project teams.

Ideal candidates bring 3+ years in labs, certifications in concrete/soil testing, and strong communication skills to mentor staff and support business development efforts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 3+ years of related experience.
• Must have and be willing to maintain basic concrete and/or soils lab certifications.
• Must be able to lift 60-80 pounds.
• Strong communication skills (speaking, reading, writing).
• Ability to work effectively with peers, supervisors, and clients.
• Good understanding of construction materials laboratory testing equipment, methods, principles, applications, and ASTM testing standards.
• Proficient at data interpretation and evaluation of CMT techniques and results.
• Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems.
• Knowledge of ECS systems and procedures is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safety and calibration of laboratory equipment according to schedule and records.
• Supervise activities related to soils, concrete, and other tests in the CMT lab.
• Interpret test data and prepare reports summarizing results for project teams.
• Mentor and train lab staff; coordinate scheduling for technicians.
• Collaborate with project managers and recruiters to maintain adequate staffing and support client development.

Skills

Strong communication

Leadership

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Laboratory equipment maintenance

Job description

Responsibilities

ECS Limited is offering a unique opportunity for a talented and certified Assistant Lab Manager to join our Austin team. We offer opportunities for professional development with additional incentives as you advance your skills and gain experience. In this role, you will primarily be responsible for the quality control and supervision of junior staff within the construction materials testing (CMT) laboratory to ensure the department’s goals are met.

• Laboratory Safety and Compliance: Assist the lab manager with supervision of all activities related to the laboratories, including overseeing the laboratory testing on construction materials for various projects; Promote safety and safety culture and ensure proper PPE is used; Assist with company required safety training; Oversee calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment following the manufacturer’s schedule and records; Ensure your lab follows corporate-level and office-specific Quality Management Systems (QMS) related policies and procedures, including adoption, implementation, and enforcement; Ensure that all team members earn and maintain relevant laboratory certifications by external certifying agencies; maintain laboratory organization and cleanliness in compliance with Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) initiatives to maintain accreditation compliance with various organizations, including DOT, AMRL, CCRL, and AASHTO.
• Soils Testing: Oversee routine laboratory tests for soils including Atterberg limits, gradation analyses, swell testing, moisture content testing, unconfined compressive strength testing, standard and modified proctor testing, and begin learning how to visually classify soils.
• Concrete Testing: Oversee routine laboratory tests for concrete including labeling and setting samples for curing, monitoring temperature logs, and breaking of samples.
• Data Collection: Interpret test data and prepare reports and summaries of data as requested by lab technicians.
• Communication: Actively mentor and train lab staff; Assist with the coordination and schedule of work for laboratory technicians; Provide assistance to project managers and the department manager as requested; Collaborate with recruiting and your supervisor to maintain adequate staffing for your lab; Participate in business development, marketing, and client development.

Career Development

As your experience grows, ECS will:

• Support you in further enhancing your professional skills as a leader.
• Encourage continued participation in internal and external training programs and certification opportunities provided by organizations such as ACI, ASNT, AWS, ICC, NICET, NRCA, RCI, various State DOTs, WACEL, and others, as appropriate.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 3+ years of related experience.
• Must have and be willing to maintain basic concrete and/or soils lab certifications.
• Must be able to lift 60-80 pounds.
• Strong communication skills (speaking, reading, and writing).
• Ability to work effectively with peers, supervisors, and clients.
• Good understanding of construction materials laboratory testing equipment, methods, principles, applications, and ASTM testing standards.
• Proficient at data interpretation and evaluation of CMT techniques and results.
• Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems.
• Knowledge of ECS systems and procedures is a plus.

Military Qualifications

• The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education and certification requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":
• E-5

About Us

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,200 employees in 125 offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #38 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (June 2026). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.