Lab Manager

ECS Group of Companies; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies is seeking a certified Lab Manager to oversee daily operations of the CMT laboratory in Wisconsin. You will manage junior staff, ensure quality control, and coordinate testing, data interpretation, and reporting to meet department goals.

The role requires strong leadership, familiarity with ASTM standards, QA/QC, and the ability to lift heavy materials. You will also support safety training, staff certifications, and client relationships as needed.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED; degree in Civil Engineering preferred.
• 4 years of related experience.
• Certifications per ECS policy; advanced certs for soils/concrete labs if applicable.
• Valid driver's license if driving for ECS subsidiaries.
• Strong communication, leadership, and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Manages daily laboratory operations, personnel, and workload distribution.
• Oversees laboratory testing, data interpretation, and report preparation.
• Ensures testing meets ASTM standards and QA/QC requirements.
• Performs calculations and data reduction as needed.
• Maintains and calibrates laboratory equipment and calibration records.
• Maintains inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Ensures laboratory compliance with accreditation and quality requirements.
• Obtains and maintains laboratory certifications; ensures staff certifications.
• Oversees compliance with Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Supports Project Managers, Department Managers, and administrative functions.
• Leads recruitment and staffing in coordination with leadership.
• Promotes safety culture and PPE compliance.
• Participates in business development, marketing, and client relations.
• Occasionally performs laboratory testing and technician duties as needed.
• Promotes safety training and related activities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Team-building

MS Office

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Breakpro

Keylab

Job description

ECS Limited is offering a unique opportunity for a talented and certified Lab Manager to join our Waukeshateam. 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 management of junior staff within the construction materials testing (CMT) laboratory to ensure the department’s goals are met.

Responsibilities

• Manages daily laboratory operations, personnel, and workload distribution
• Oversees laboratory testing, data interpretation, and report preparation
• Ensures all testing meets applicable standards and quality requirements (e.g., ASTM, QA/QC)
• Performs calculations and data reduction as needed
• Maintains and calibrates laboratory equipment and manages calibration schedules and records
• Maintains inventory of supplies and equipment
• Ensures laboratory organization and compliance with accreditation and quality requirements
• Obtains and maintains laboratory certifications and accreditations; ensures staff achieve required certifications
• Oversees compliance with corporate and office-specific Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• Supports Project Managers, Department Managers, and administrative functions as needed
• Leads recruiting and staffing efforts in coordination with leadership
• Promotes safety culture and ensures compliance with safety requirements
• Participates in business development, marketing, and client relationship activities
• Occasionally performs laboratory testing and technician duties as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Promote safety and safety culture and ensure proper PPE is used
• Assist with company-required safety training

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate or Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering preferred
• 4 years of related experience
• Basic certifications as per the ECS Technician Certification Policy and any advanced certifications necessary for the work performed
• If managing both the soils and concrete labs, certifications are required for both laboratories
• If driving for or on behalf of any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and team-building skills
• Advanced knowledge of laboratory testing methods, ASTM standards, and equipment
• Ability to evaluate test results for specification compliance
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret and validate data
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to work effectively with clients, peers, and leadership
• Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Proficiency with laboratory systems (e.g., Breakpro and/or Keylab)
• Knowledge of laboratory accreditation requirements and Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• Ability to lift 60-80 pounds occasionally

Military Qualifications

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

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.