Laboratory Manager

Engineering Consulting Service; Tennessee; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies seeks a Laboratory Manager to lead geotechnical and construction materials testing activities in our Tennessee labs. The role focuses on managing lab personnel, data interpretation, and QA/QC compliance across field and lab operations.

The candidate will oversee certifications, maintain accreditations (AASHTO, CMEC, A2LA), ensure safety, and align lab procedures with corporate QMS. ABET-accredited Civil Engineering degree preferred and 2–5 years in a similar role are

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited BS in Civil Engineering preferred.
• 2–5 years of relevant experience in geotechnical or construction materials testing labs.
• Nuclear gauge and basic concrete/soils certifications required.

Responsibilities

• Manage activities and personnel in geotechnical/construction materials lab testing.
• Oversee lab tests, interpret data, and prepare reports.
• Ensure day-to-day lab operations meet budget goals and financial performance.
• Ensure compliance with QA/QC policies and corporate procedures; maintain accreditation and proficiency testing.
• Obtain and maintain lab certifications from external agencies (AASHTO, CMEC, A2LA, etc.).
• Maintain lab accreditation per policy and participate in proficiency samples.
• Calibrate and maintain lab equipment; manage schedules and records.
• Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment; ensure safety and PPE use.
• Perform data calculations and data reduction; handle administrative duties as needed.
• Supervise and coordinate lab technicians; provide training and appraisals.
• Assist in staffing decisions with management approval; may perform technician duties occasionally.

Skills

Lab management

Team supervision

QA/QC compliance

Safety practices

Education

BS in Civil Engineering

Tools

Nuclear gauge

Concrete testing equipment

Job description

Position & Office Overview

As a Laboratory Manager, you have no problem successfully navigating competing priorities. Your technical expertise is something you take pride in, and you know how to exceed your clients expectations. Most of your career has been focused on construction materials testing in both the field and lab, and you have a passion for the industry. While your job duties may fluctuate day to day, we expect to see you proficient in geotechnical and construction materials testing laboratory and field work, managing and supervising all activities related to laboratory testing, managing laboratory technicians, and keeping the laboratory organized and in compliance with QA/QC initiatives, and DOT, AMRL, and AASHTO accreditation requirements.

Responsibilities

• Managing activities and personnel related to geotechnical/construction materials laboratory testing
• Overseeing laboratory tests, interpretation of test data, and preparing reports and/or summaries of test data
• Responsible for day-to-day operations of the lab with consideration of financial performance
• Responsible for complying with corporate-level and office-specific Quality Management Systems (QMS) related policies and procedures; including adoption, implementation, and enforcement
• Responsible for obtaining and maintaining appropriate lab-testing related certifications by external certifying agencies for the defined scope; and also ensuring Lab Technicians obtain the same
• Responsible for obtaining and maintaining accreditation by appropriate accrediting agencies in accordance with Corporate’s Lab Accreditation Policy (such as by AASHTO re:source, CMEC, A2LA, or equivalent), including participation and performance of required Proficiency Sample Testing
• Maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment, calibration schedules, and records
• Maintaining sufficient inventory of required supplies and equipment
• Promoting safe work practices and ensuring proper PPE is used
• Perform calculations and data reduction of test results and other administrative duties, as needed
• Oversee and coordinate the schedules and work of laboratory technicians
• Train and supervise both existing and new technicians
• Conduct and/or assist with coaching, performance evaluations, discipline, and termination of employees as needed and in accordance with company policy
• Assist and/or be responsible formaintaining appropriate staff levels with approval by your management
• The focus of this position will be on Laboratory Management, you may occasionally perform technician job duties

Qualifications

• High school diploma; BS in Civil Engineering from an ABET accredited university preferred
• 2-5 years of relevant experience
• Nuclear gauge and basic concrete and soils certifications

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.