Lab Manager, Construction Materials & Geotechnical Testing

SOCOTEC US; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package including

Job summary

SOCOTEC US in Dallas, TX is establishing a new construction materials testing laboratory focused on soils, concrete, masonry, aggregate, asphalt, and geotechnical testing. You will supervise staff, maintain QA/QMS, and ensure safety and productivity in a growing facility.

The role demands 5–10 years in lab testing, leadership, relevant certifications, and strong collaboration with project managers and clients. This on-site position requires travel and hands-on lab management.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in a related discipline (BS in civil engineering preferred) or equivalent experience.
• 5-10 years of hands-on experience performing construction materials / geotechnical laboratory testing, including demonstrated experience leading and motivating lab technicians.
• ACI and NICET certification in Construction Materials Testing, including soils, concrete, or asphalt, and TxDOT certifications are preferred. Required certifications must be obtained within 1 year of your start date if not already held.

Responsibilities

• Manage, oversee, perform testing, review, and submit testing results for soils, concrete, masonry, asphalt, aggregate, and related construction materials testing, as well as geotechnical related testing.
• Generate, calculate, and compile laboratory testing reports and issue to clients and supervise others performing the same.
• Maintain and organize laboratory workload to meet given deadlines and be proactive in assessing bottlenecks in workflows and processes to ensure efficient laboratory operations.
• Oversee overall lab testing procedures, including setup, application of loads, instrumentation, data acquisition, analyses, and cleanup.
• Ensure the timely entry of lab KPIs and billing information weekly.
• Identify needs and perform the required research for new testing procedures.
• Maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) and ensure testing is in accordance with applicable ASTM, AASHTO, AASHTO re:source, CCRL, and company quality system requirements.
• Lead the laboratory through initial AASHTO re:source and TxDOT DMS-7400 accreditation, including document control, equipment records, calibration files, technician competency records, internal audits, and corrective action follow-up, and maintain accreditation status going forward.
• Recommend, specify, and manage procurement of new laboratory equipment to build out testing capabilities, in addition to overseeing ongoing calibration, maintenance, upgrades, and repairs.
• Internal and external communication with outside clients.
• Coordinate with Dallas field staff, project managers, clients, and contractors to support timely sample intake, testing priorities, reporting, and project communication.
• Assist in cultivating client relationships with existing and new clients.
• Mechanically inclined to help with equipment troubleshooting and repairs is preferred.
• Ensure that the lab is clean, organized, and adequately stocked, including but not limited to supply inventory, labeling, and record-keeping procedures.
• Oversee lab safety and lab SOP (standard operating procedures), including but not limited to proper specimen and chemical handling, disposal, and storage processes and procedures.
• Communicating effectively and efficiently with contractors, clients, and team members.
• Work Environment may include moderate to loud noise, dusty conditions, and require standing for extensive periods of time. The position may require occasional lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 lbs. Corrected vision, color perception and hearing to normal range are required.
• Weekend and overtime work may be required as needed based on laboratory workload; Limited overnight or regional travel may be required with this position.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned by their manager. The omission of specific responsibilities does not preclude their manager from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Problem solving

Self-starter

MS Excel

Lab operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline

Tools

MS Word

Job description

SOCOTEC US in Dallas, TX is establishing a new construction materials testing laboratory focused on soils, concrete, masonry, aggregate, asphalt, and geotechnical testing. You will supervise staff, maintain QA/QMS, and ensure safety and productivity in a growing facility.

The role demands 5–10 years in lab testing, leadership, relevant certifications, and strong collaboration with project managers and clients. This on-site position requires travel and hands-on lab management.