Laboratory Manager – Construction Materials Testing (CMT)

Southern Arkansas University; Michigan; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development reimbursement

Opportunities for career advancement

Job summary

A Michigan-based construction materials testing firm is seeking a Laboratory Manager to oversee daily operations and ensure compliance with quality standards. The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of experience in materials testing and a degree in a related field. Responsibilities include managing testing activities and supervising lab staff. The position offers competitive salary and benefits, with opportunities for advancement.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in materials testing, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Familiarity with ASTM and AASHTO testing standards required.
• Experience with AASHTO R18/ASTM C1077 quality systems is preferred.
• Experience with AASHTO R18/ASTM C1077 quality systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and testing activities of the CMT laboratory.
• Supervise and manage laboratory technicians.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and safety protocols.
• Implement and uphold the laboratory’s Quality Management System (QMS) under AASHTO R18 and ASTM C1077.
• Ensure compliance with ASTM, AASHTO, MDOT, and client specifications.
• Schedule testing to meet client deadlines and project priorities.
• Oversee sample receipt, logging, curing, and retention processes.
• Lead internal audits and corrective action programs.

Skills

Organizational skills

Leadership skills

Knowledge of LIMS or equivalent

Proficient in Excel and Word

Communication skills

Microsoft Excel

Communication

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Tools

Laboratory information management systems (LIMS)

Microsoft Excel

QEST

MetaField

Job description

Laboratory Manager – Construction Materials Testing (CMT)

Comat Engineering is a growing, Michigan-based construction materials testing and engineering firm dedicated to providing reliable, accurate, and efficient testing services for concrete, asphalt, aggregates, and soils. We combine technical expertise with a hands‑on approach to help contractors, developers, and owners build confidently—on schedule, on budget, and on solid ground.

Position Summary

The Laboratory Manager will oversee daily operations of the CMT laboratory, ensuring all testing is performed in compliance with applicable ASTM, AASHTO, and AASHTO R18/ASTM C1077 quality standards. The ideal candidate is detail‑oriented, experienced in managing lab staff and equipment, and passionate about maintaining a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations

• Manage and coordinate all laboratory testing activities for concrete, asphalt, soils, and aggregates.
• Supervise lab technicians, assign testing tasks, and review data for accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain and calibrate testing equipment in accordance with manufacturer and accreditation standards.
• Implement and uphold the laboratory’s Quality Management System (QMS) under AASHTO R18 and ASTM C1077.
• Ensure compliance with ASTM, AASHTO, MDOT, and other client specifications.
• Schedule testing to meet client deadlines and project priorities.
• Oversee sample receipt, logging, curing, and retention processes.

Quality Assurance & Accreditation

• Prepare for and maintain accreditation with AASHTO R18, ASTM C1077, ASTM D3740, and CCRL/AMRL programs.
• Develop and maintain laboratory SOPs and calibration records.
• Lead internal audits and corrective action programs.
• Assist in proficiency sample programs and inter‑laboratory comparisons.

Safety & Facility Oversight

• Maintain safe laboratory operations and ensure compliance with company safety policies, OSHA standards, and Chemical Hygiene Plans.
• Manage proper handling and disposal of materials and chemicals (e.g., asphalt binders, solvents, concrete curing agents).
• Coordinate maintenance of the lab facility, ventilation systems (including fume hoods), and environmental controls.

Administrative & Business Support

• Assist with equipment procurement, vendor coordination, and inventory management.
• Prepare reports, data summaries, and technical deliverables for clients.
• Support proposal preparation, cost estimating, and client communication as needed.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate laboratory and field personnel.

Qualifications

Education:

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Materials, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent experience in CMT lab management may be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum 3–5 years of progressive experience in materials testing, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or QA/QC role.
• Demonstrated familiarity with ASTM and AASHTO testing standards.
• Experience with AASHTO R18/ASTM C1077 quality systems highly preferred.

Certifications (Preferred but not required):

• ACI Concrete Field and Laboratory Testing Technician (Level I or II)
• NICET Level III or IV in Construction Materials Testing (Soils, Concrete, or Asphalt)
• WAQTC, MDOT, or similar regional certifications

Skills:

• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Working knowledge of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or ForneyVault/QEST/MetaField.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PDF report preparation.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development and certification reimbursement
• Opportunities for career advancement in a growing company

Comat Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview, [e-mail]