Soils and Concrete Laboratory Manager

ECS Group of Companies; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Limited is seeking a talented Lab Manager to join our Charlotte team. You will manage the quality control and staff in the construction materials testing laboratory to meet department goals, while promoting safety and ensuring certification compliance.

Lead testing activities in soils and concrete, mentor technicians, and coordinate scheduling. Strong data interpretation, knowledge of QMS, and ASTM standards are essential for success.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 4+ years of experience performing laboratory tests on construction materials.
• Must maintain basic concrete and/or soils lab certifications.
• Ability to lift 60-80 pounds.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of ASTM testing standards and lab accreditation requirements.
• Leadership and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Promote laboratory safety and ensure proper PPE usage.
• Oversee calibration and maintenance of lab equipment per schedule and records.
• Ensure compliance with Quality Management Systems and lab accreditation policies.
• Lead laboratory testing activities in geotechnical and construction materials.
• Oversee scheduling and work of laboratory technicians and interpret test data.
• Prepare and review reports and findings; perform data reduction.

Skills

Laboratory leadership

Strong communication

Data interpretation

Quality Management Systems (QMS)

ASTM testing standards

Geotechnical testing

Construction materials testing

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Laboratory testing equipment

Job description

ECS Limited is offering a unique opportunity for a talented and certified Lab Manager to join our Charlotteteam. We offer opportunities for professional development with additional incentives as you advance your skills and gain experience. In this role, you will primarily be responsible for the quality control and management of junior staff within the construction materials testing (CMT) laboratory to ensure the department’s goals are met.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Safety and Compliance: Promote safety and safety culture and ensure proper PPE is used; Oversee calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment following the manufacturer’s schedule and records; Ensure your lab is in compliance with corporate-level and office-specific Quality Management Systems (QMS) related policies and procedures, including adoption, implementation, and enforcement; Ensure that all team members earn and maintain relevant laboratory certifications by external certifying agencies and in accordance with Corporate's Lab Accreditation Policy, such as AASHTO, CMEC, or A2LA, including performance of required Proficiency Same Testing.
• Laboratory Leadership: Manage activities and personnel related to geotechnical and construction materials laboratory testing with consideration of financial performance; Oversee and coordinate the schedules and work of laboratory technicians; Oversee laboratory tests and interpretation of test data.
• Soils Testing: Oversee routine laboratory tests for soils including Atterberg limits, gradation analyses, swell testing, moisture content testing, unconfined compressive strength testing, standard and modified proctor testing, and begin learning how to visually classify soils.
• Concrete Testing: Oversee routine laboratory tests for concrete including labeling and setting samples for curing, monitoring temperature logs, and breaking of samples.
• Data: Prepare and review reports and summaries of findings; Perform calculations and data reduction of test results.
• Communication: Actively mentor and train lab staff; Assist with the coordination and schedule of work for laboratory technicians; Provide assistance to project managers and the department manager as requested; Collaborate with recruiting and your supervisor to maintain adequate staffing for your lab; Participate in business development, marketing, and client development.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 4+ years of related experience performing laboratory tests on construction materials.
• Must have and be willing to maintain basic concrete and/or soils lab certifications.
• Must be able to lift 60-80 pounds.
• Strong communication skills (speaking, reading, and writing).
• Ability to work effectively with peers, supervisors, and clients and to build a team.
• Good understanding of construction materials laboratory testing equipment, methods, principles, applications, and ASTM testing standards to include evaluation of results in terms of specification compliance.
• Proficient at data interpretation and evaluation of CMT techniques and results.
• Leadership and decision‑making skills.
• Sound knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS) implementation and laboratory accreditation requirements.
• Knowledge of ECS systems and procedures is a plus.

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.