Senior Lab Technician

UES; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a Senior Lab Technician to join their dynamic team. In this pivotal role, you will conduct advanced laboratory testing and quality assurance on various construction materials, ensuring compliance with industry standards. You'll collaborate closely with engineers and project managers to deliver high-quality results while optimizing lab processes. This position offers the opportunity to lead quality assurance initiatives and mentor junior staff, making a significant impact on the company's success. If you are passionate about materials testing and laboratory excellence, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in materials testing and geotechnical laboratory work.
• Strong knowledge of ASTM and AASHTO standards and compliance.
• Ability to mentor and guide junior technicians in laboratory procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced laboratory testing and quality assurance on construction materials.
• Analyze test results and provide recommendations for process improvements.
• Mentor junior technicians and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Skills

Laboratory Testing

Analytical Skills

Quality Control

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

High School Diploma

Associate Degree in Engineering or Geology

Tools

Microsoft Office

Field Data Collection Software

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Lab Technician to perform advanced laboratory testing and quality assurance on soil, concrete, asphalt, aggregates, and other construction materials. In this role, you will play a key role in maintaining compliance with industry regulations, improving lab processes, and collaborating with engineers and project managers to ensure accurate, high-quality results. The Laboratory Technician III is responsible for conducting complex testing, troubleshooting equipment, mentoring junior technicians, and optimizing laboratory efficiency.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in materials testing, strong analytical skills, and a deep understanding of laboratory procedures and quality control standards. They will have a strong passion for compliance understanding ASTM, AASHTO, and other industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform routine and advanced laboratory testing on construction materials ensuring compliance with ASTM, AASHTO, and other industry standards.
• Oversee complex testing procedures and contribute to the development and validation of new test methods, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in laboratory operations.
• Oversee sample preparation, handling, and chain-of-custody compliance, ensuring integrity, traceability, and adherence to laboratory best practices.
• Analyze and interpret test results, identifying irregularities, compliance risks, and trends, and provide recommendations for corrective actions and process improvements.
• Prepare, review, and validate technical reports and test results, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and compliance with internal and external requirements.
• Lead internal quality assurance initiatives, participating in audits, continuous improvement efforts, and compliance verifications to maintain industry and company standards.
• Collaborate with engineers, project managers, and field personnel, serving as a key technical resource for materials testing, troubleshooting, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Act as a technical expert, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, procedural inconsistencies, and testing anomalies, ensuring the reliability of laboratory operations.
• Ensure strict compliance with safety regulations, OSHA standards, and laboratory protocols, including the proper handling of hazardous materials and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Mentor, train, and provide technical guidance to junior laboratory technicians, ensuring proper testing procedures, equipment operation, and quality control measures are followed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, supporting laboratory operations, field teams, and project managers as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or technical coursework in engineering, geology, construction science, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in construction materials testing, geotechnical laboratory work, or a related field (prior laboratory experience preferred but not required).
• Commitment to workplace safety, following OSHA, company, and laboratory safety protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Knowledge of exploratory and laboratory testing techniques, with a willingness to learn and develop technical skills in materials testing and geotechnical engineering.
• Computer proficiency, with experience in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and Field Data Collection (FDC) software.
• Ability to read, write, and interpret procedures, manuals, technical documents, and reports related to construction materials testing and laboratory protocols.
• Excellent mathematical skills with the ability to perform calculations related to material testing, including unit conversions, density, volume, and moisture content analysis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with colleagues, supervisors, field personnel, and clients to carry out instructions and report findings.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Detail-oriented and quality-focused, ensuring accuracy in sample preparation, testing procedures, and data documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop technical staff, fostering professional growth and team performance.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time and perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting and moving materials or equipment.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record; ability to travel to job sites as needed.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Work is sometimes conducted in a laboratory setting, but may also involve fieldwork and exposure to outdoor conditions, including:

• Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.• Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.• Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.

Physical requirements include:

• Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.• Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, handling samples, operating lab instruments, and performing testing procedures.• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).• Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) and smell.

Who We Are

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statementhere