Laboratory Operations Manager

UES; Katy (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

UES, a leading geotechnical and environmental services firm, seeks a Laboratory Manager to direct the Katy, Texas operation and drive growth across testing and inspection services. You will manage 15 technicians and 5 direct-report managers, ensuring quality results and client satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, staff development, safety, and ongoing process improvements to support critical infrastructure projects in North America.

Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Geology, Natural Sciences, Construction related field or equivalent experience/certifications.
• Minimum 5 years in laboratory geotechnical and construction materials testing; at least 2 years in supervisory/leadership role.
• Familiarity with ASTM/AASHTO test methods; quality management systems; MS Office; lab equipment and calibration.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of thermal resistivity testing services in a high-volume lab.
• Oversee lab and office operations; ensure quality, safety, and customer service.
• Coach and mentor staff; implement training and safety programs.
• Serve as client contact; provide technical guidance and responsive communication.
• Collaborate with leadership on operations, scheduling, quotations, and growth.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Training and mentoring

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word/Excel)

Geotechnical testing equipment

Calibration procedures

Job description

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

Geotherm, now a UES Company, is the global leader in thermal resistivity testing, supporting some of North America's most critical infrastructure projects, including hyperscale data centers, renewable energy developments, and underground power transmission systems.

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

Geotherm, now a UES Company, is the global leader in thermal resistivity testing, supporting some of North America's most critical infrastructure projects, including hyperscale data centers, renewable energy developments, and underground power transmission systems. We are seeking a Laboratory Manager to lead our Katy, Texas operation and help drive the next phase of growth for a highly specialized and respected organization. This is an opportunity for a hands-on leader who enjoys building high-performing teams, solving operational challenges, and making a meaningful impact on both the business and its customers.

In this role, you'll provide leadership for a team of 15 laboratory technicians, including five direct-report managers and supervisors, within a fast-paced, high-volume testing operation. You'll oversee both laboratory and office operations, ensuring quality results, developing staff, supporting client needs, and helping drive the continued success of the Katy office.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of industry-leading thermal resistivity testing services within a high-volume laboratory environment, ensuring quality, efficiency, and exceptional client service
• Oversee day-to-day laboratory and office operations, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently while maintaining exceptional quality, safety, and customer service standards.
• Develop, coach, and mentor laboratory and office personnel through ongoing training initiatives focused on technical proficiency, professional development, and workplace safety.
• Serve as a key point of contact for clients, providing technical guidance, project support, and responsive communication throughout the testing process.
• Partner with leadership on operational improvement initiatives, workforce planning, project scheduling, quoting, and broader business objectives that support continued growth.

Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED required
• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Geology, Natural Sciences, Construction related field, or other appropriate technical fields are highly preferred (in lieu of a degree, work experience and applicable certifications from nationally recognized certification agencies such as NICET, ACI, ICC, etc. will be considered)
• Minimum 5 years combined experience in laboratory geotechnical and construction materials testing; at least 2 years’ experience in a supervisory, management, or leadership role, required
• Familiarity with ASTM and AASHTO test methods specific to geotechnical and construction materials, AASHTO R18 Quality Management System (or comparable quality management system), Experience with Microsoft Office (Word and Excel), geotechnical and material testing equipment, and calibration procedures required
• Demonstrated positive leadership with a good understanding of business metrics, safety policies/procedures
• Good written and oral communication skills required

Preferred Qualifications

• 8-10+ years of geotechnical experience with a strong understanding of soil behavior, soil classification, moisture-density relationships, and construction materials testing.
• Technical proficiency with the ability to interpret Proctor curves and understand the Plasticity Index (PI) of various materials.
• Experience leading geotechnical laboratory or Construction Materials Testing (CMT) operations, including the management and development of technical staff.
• A hands-on, coaching-oriented leadership style with the ability to balance operational priorities, client expectations, and team development.

Travel Requirements

• Minimal travel required. Occasional local or regional travel may be necessary for client meetings, training opportunities, company meetings, or business-related activities

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This position operates within both a laboratory and office environment and requires the ability to move throughout the facility, stand and walk for extended periods, and occasionally lift or move materials weighing up to 15 pounds.
• The role requires frequent use of a computer, communication with employees and clients, and the ability to safely navigate active laboratory work areas

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here