Laboratory Manager, Construction Materials Testing and Geotechnical Services

SOCOTEC US; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive health benefits

401(k) plan

Dental and vision insurance

Job summary

SOCOTEC US is seeking a Laboratory Manager for their new Nashville facility. You will oversee the geotechnical and construction material laboratory, ensuring operational efficiency, quality assurance, and staff supervision while managing testing of various materials.

The ideal candidate should have a BA/BS in civil engineering and 5-10 years of leadership experience in a lab setting. A competitive benefits package and full-time employment offer.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years’ experience in leading a technical group.
• Experience in soil and rock laboratory work preferred.
• Ability to manage and motivate a laboratory team.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee testing and reporting for construction materials.
• Maintain the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Coordinate with project managers and clients for sample intake.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Mechanical aptitude

Education

BA/BS in civil engineering or related discipline

ACI and NICET certification in Construction Materials Testing

Tools

MS Excel

MS Word

Job description

Company Description

SOCOTEC company 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. SOCOTEC’s combination of expertise, experience and methods are increasingly recognized as best‑in‑class fueling significant growth. With a rapidly growing US footprint and over $360M in annual revenue, SOCOTEC is building the infrastructure to match its ambitions. We are proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work by the global authority on workplace culture.

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 Nashville location. SOCOTEC is looking for an autonomous self‑starter who will relish the opportunity to set up a new laboratory focused on construction materials testing (soils, concrete, masonry, aggregate, asphalt) and geotechnical 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, 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 KPI’s 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 resource, CCRL, and company quality system requirements.
• Support laboratory accreditation readiness activities, including document control, equipment records, calibration files, technician competency records, internal audits, and corrective action follow up.
• Oversee equipment calibrations, maintenance, upgrades, procurement and repairs.
• Internal and external communication with outside clients and CED staff.
• Coordinate with Nashville 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 proper specimen and chemical handling, disposal, and storage processes and procedures.
• Communicate 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.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in a related discipline (BS in civil engineering preferred) or equivalent experience.
• Master degree or higher in a relevant area is preferred but not required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred but not required.
• 5-10 years’ experience in leading and motivating a laboratory or technical group.
• ACI and NICET certification in Construction Materials Testing, including soils, concrete, or asphalt, and TDOT certifications are preferred. Required certifications must be obtained within 1 year of your start date if not already held.
• 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

Competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and 401(k).

For more information, please visit www.socotec.us.

Job Type: Full‑Time.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

SOCOTEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.