Laboratory Manager (ACI)- Phoenix, AZ

Certerra; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Certerra is seeking an ACI Laboratory Manager to lead our Phoenix materials testing laboratory, drive accreditation, and ensure timely, compliant project deliverables.

You will supervise technicians, manage testing programs, and coordinate with project teams while upholding safety and quality standards. Certerra supports professional development and ongoing certification attainment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; plus relevant experience.
• Certifications may be pursued to support lab accreditation and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee soil, asphalt, concrete, and aggregate testing per ASTM/AASHTO.
• Lead lab accreditation programs (AMRL, CCRL) with the Technical Director.
• Manage proficiency testing and implement corrective actions.
• Supervise Technicians; schedule, review, and train.
• Direct daily workflow; coordinate with Dispatch and Project Managers.
• Maintain quality systems and documentation.
• Oversee calibration, maintenance, inventory, and purchasing.
• Review lab reports for accuracy and completeness.
• Keep lab clean, organized, and safe.
• Pursue ongoing education and professional development.

Skills

Leadership

Laboratory management

Accreditation

Project management

ASTM/AASHTO

Quality systems

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Certerra is a nationally recognized provider of engineering, testing, inspection, and certification services supporting innovation, quality assurance, and resilient infrastructure. With over 1,800 professionals nationwide, we combine technical expertise with practical field knowledge to ensure the communities we serve are built to last.

We are expanding in the Southwest Division market and are seeking an ACI Laboratory Manager to lead our materials testing laboratory and spearhead the Laboratory accreditation process. Our current backlog includes several large, multi-year projects in the region, providing long- term stability and meaningful project involvement for our Phoenix, AZ team.

If you’re looking for a company that invests in your growth and gives you exposure to meaningful, high-impact projects, we want to talk to you.

Duties

The Laboratory Manager leads laboratory operations, personnel, and accreditation compliance in support of high-profile construction projects throughout the Phoenix AZ area. This role is responsible for delivering accurate, timely, and compliant testing services that contribute to safe, code-compliant, and high-quality project delivery. Success in this position requires strong organizational and leadership skills, sound technical judgment, the ability to interpret construction documents and specifications, and clear communication with project managers, contractors, clients, and accreditation agencies.

• Oversee laboratory testing of soil, asphalt, concrete, and aggregate materials in accordance with ASTM, AASHTO, and project-specific requirements
• Lead and maintain laboratory accreditation programs (AMRL, CCRL, and other applicable agencies) under the direction of the Technical Director
• Manage proficiency testing programs (AMRL/CCRL) and implement corrective actions as needed
• Supervise and develop Laboratory Technicians, including scheduling, timesheets, performance reviews, and training
• Direct daily laboratory workflow and coordinate scheduling with Dispatch and Project Managers
• Maintain laboratory quality systems and documentation
• Oversee equipment calibration, maintenance, inventory, and purchasing approvals
• Review and approve laboratory reports for accuracy and completeness
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment
• Participate in continuing education and professional development

Education/Qualifications

• Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, or a comparable combination of education and experience.

Certifications/Licenses

Must have at least one from the list below.

• ACI Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician – Grade I
• ACI Aggregate Base Testing Technician
• ACI Aggregate Testing Technician
• ACI Masonry Testing Technician
• NICET or equivalent certifications
• ACI Field Testing Technician – Grade I

Candidates are not required to hold all listed certifications. Certerra supports certification attainment, and ongoing professional development for motivated team members

Hawaii

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This Company is dedicated to both the letter and the spirit of the equal opportunity employment laws. All applicants and all employees will be evaluated based on their ability, competence, and performance of the essential functions of their positions. There will be no discrimination based on race, sex, national origin, religion, age 40 and over, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other classification which may be protected by federal, state, or local laws. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we specifically offer equal opportunity for all employees or job applicants who may have a physical or mental disability. Such people will be hired based on their ability to perform the essential functions of the job in question. Likewise, their work will be evaluated on their performance of these essential functions. We will offer reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities, to the extent that Company resources allow without undue hardship. As part of our equal employment policy, there will be no wage differentials based on gender, between men and women employed in the same establishment, on jobs that require equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and which are performed under similar working conditions.