Lab Manager - Construction Materials Testing Tampa

SOCOTEC, Inc.; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

SOCOTEC, Inc. seeks an autonomous leader to set up and run a new Construction Materials Testing (CMT) lab in Tampa, focusing on geotechnical soils, concrete, and asphalt testing. You will supervise staff, maintain QA/QC, safety, and the lab’s production and reporting workflows.

The role requires a BS in civil engineering (PE preferred), 5–10 years of lab leadership, and experience with AASHTO/FDOT accreditation. Expect extensive coordination with clients and internal teams and occasional travel.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in a related discipline (BS in civil engineering preferred) or equivalent experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred but not required.
• 5-10 years’ experience in leading and motivating a laboratory or technical group.
• ACI and FDOT/CTQP certifications are preferred and should be obtained within 1 year of start date.
• Experience in soil and rock laboratory work is preferred.
• Experience in process driven operations and people management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage, oversee, perform testing, and submit testing results for both public and private clients.
• Generate, calculate, and compile laboratory testing reports and issue to clients and supervise others performing the same.
• Maintain and organize laboratory workload to meet deadlines and identify bottlenecks for efficient operations.
• Oversees lab testing procedures: setup, loads, instrumentation, data acquisition, analyses, and cleanup.
• Ensure timely entry of lab KPI’s and billing information weekly.
• Identify needs and perform research for new testing procedures.
• Maintain QMS and ensure testing aligns with AASHTO and FDOT accreditation.
• Oversee equipment calibrations, maintenance, upgrades, procurement, and repairs.
• Communicate with clients and CED staff; cultivate client relationships.
• Assist in equipment troubleshooting and ensure lab is clean, stocked, and safe.

Skills

Laboratory leadership

Geotechnical testing

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

BA/BS in Civil Engineering

Tools

MS Excel

MS Word

Job description

SOCOTEC is a provider of niche consulting services within the architecture, engineering and construction industries focusing on high-performance buildings and specialty structures. Through an integrated, holistic approach, our professionals provide solutions for building envelope, energy efficiency, sustainability, code advisory and construction advisory projects.

Job Description

Reporting to the Principal Engineer in charge, this role will ensure the efficient daily operation of the Geotechnical and Construction Material Laboratory operations at our new Tampa location. SOCOTEC is looking for an autonomous self-starter who will relish the opportunity to set up a new CMT lab which will focus on geotechnical soils testing, concrete testing, and asphalt testing. Successful candidates will be responsible for supervising staff working in the lab, the general maintenance of laboratory equipment, quality assurance, safety, and lab productivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage, oversee, perform testing, and submit testing results for both public and private clients.
• 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.
• Oversees overall lab testing procedures, including setup, application of loads, instrumentation, data acquisition, analyses, and cleanup.
• Ensure the timely entry of lab KPI’s and billing information weekly.
• Identifies needs and performs the required research for new testing procedures.
• Maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) and ensure testing is in accordance with AASHTO and FDOT accreditation.
• Oversee equipment calibrations, maintenance, upgrades, procurement and repairs.
• Internal and external communication with outside clients and CED staff.
• 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. Occasionally lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 lbs. Requires corrected vision, color perception and hearing to normal range.
• Weekend and overtime work is required as needed based on laboratory workload; some limited overnight and interstate travel may be required with this position
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned. The omission of specific responsibilities does not preclude the laboratory director from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in a related discipline (BS in civil engineering preferred) preferred or equivalent experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred but not required.
• 5-10 years’ experience in leading and motivating a laboratory or technical group.
• ACI and FDOT/CTQP certifications are preferred. If you do not have the required certifications you will need to acquire them within 1 year of your start date.
• Experience in soil and rock laboratory work is preferred.
• Experience in process driven operations and people management.
• MS Excel and Word.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Additional Information

For more information, please visit www.socotec.us

Job Type: Full-Time

Your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

SOCOTEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.