Specialized Testing Supervisor

State of Indiana; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Wellness program

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Education reimbursement

LinkedIn Learning

Free parking

Job summary

The State of Indiana, at INDOT's Research and Development Center in West Lafayette, Indiana, is seeking a Specialized Testing Supervisor to lead statewide field‑testing programs and a nine‑person team of technicians. You will oversee calibration, maintenance, scheduling, and data quality across pavement evaluation, ground‑penetrating radar, skid testing, and other diagnostics.

Ideal candidates bring strong mechanical maintenance and supervisory experience; a CDL is required to assist in winter

Qualifications

• Valid Class A or B CDL or obtain within 90 days.
• Coaching and mentoring team members.
• Work with Construction and Materials staff to create staff training.
• Assemble project team and assign responsibilities.
• Understand project objectives and team roles.
• Ensure testing standards, safety, and project scope compliance.
• Prepare reports and analysis to manage risk and adjust as needed.
• Present project status and recommendations for workflow improvements.
• Delegate low-level tasks to team members.
• Ensure laboratories comply with AASHTO, ASTM, Indiana methods and safety standards.
• Complete scope of work meeting INDOT quality, financial, risk, and policy expectations.
• Oversee overall work progress and technical performance.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Four years of lab testing, developing, and leading project teams may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise specialized laboratory testing program operations and data analysis.
• Ensure calibration and upgrade/repair of testing systems.
• Assign technicians for testing and data analysis.
• Provide technical guidance and oversee training operations for lab staff.
• Direct maintenance, upgrades, and replacement of complex test equipment.
• Develop maintenance and operational manuals for test systems.
• Approve resource allocation for repairs and upgrades.
• Prepare performance metrics for program deliverables.
• Supervise staff of 3–10 technicians.
• Participate in special investigative studies as needed.

Skills

CDL

Team leadership

Training staff

Project management

Testing standards

Safety compliance

Risk analysis

Reports & analytics

Workflow improvement

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

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Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Transportation:
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) provides a dynamic workplace that serves Indiana citizens, improves our state’s quality of life, and enhances its economic opportunity. INDOT has a number of innovative programs and projects, including Public-Private Partnerships, Green Initiatives, and cutting-edge uses of materials and assets. As part of the State of Indiana, INDOT offers a competitive total compensation package, as well as outstanding work/life balance. Whether you are an established professional in the transportation field or just starting your career, INDOT has exciting and challenging opportunities for you.

Role Overview:

The Specialized Testing Supervisor leads INDOT’s statewide field‑testing programs, overseeing a team of nine research technicians and the operation, calibration, and maintenance of multiple electro‑mechanical testing systems. This role ensures high‑quality data collection, safety compliance, and timely execution of testing requests that directly inform roadway design, rehabilitation decisions, and long‑term infrastructure planning. They also manage scheduling, system upgrades and repairs, data quality standards, and technician training across diverse programs such as pavement evaluation, ground‑penetrating radar, skid testing, and other specialized diagnostic systems. This position also develops operational manuals, oversees budgeting and resource allocation for equipment repair and replacement, and prepares performance metrics for program deliverables.

Ideal candidates bring strong mechanical maintenance expertise, experience supervising technical teams, and the ability to operate complex testing systems. A CDL license is required to assist in winter snow removal operations. Between April 1 and November 1, this role also requires overnight travel 3 days per week to facilitate testing and data collection across the state. The Specialized Testing Supervisor plays a critical part in ensuring INDOT’s testing infrastructure supports accurate, reliable data for strategic transportation decision‑making.

Location:
This position is with INDOT’s Research and Development Center, West Lafayette, Indiana.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at$59,800.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Directly supervises all specialized laboratory testing program operations and data analysis requirements.
• Ensures testing system calibration of all testing systems and oversees upgrading and repair of multiple specialized test systems.
• Assigns technicians for testing, data analysis, during testing.
• Provides technical guidance and oversees training operations of new laboratory testing technicians and equipment calibrations.
• Directs specialized mechanical maintenance, repair, upgrades and replacement of complex testing and calibration systems/equipment.
• Develops maintenance and operational manuals for test systems.
• Responsible for approval of resource allocation for special test system repairs and upgrades.
• Prepares and achieves performance metrics for program deliverables.
• Supervises staff of 3-10 laboratory technicians.
• Participates in various special investigative studies as directed.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Must possess a valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or obtain one with the first 90 days of employment.
• Supports a strong management culture by coaching and mentoring team members.
• Work with Construction and Materials technical staff to create and provide training to staff members.
• Responsible for assembling project team and assigning individual responsibilities.
• Understands project objectives and role of each team members.
• Works with team to ensure testing standard, safety, and project scope compliance.
• Prepares reports and analysis to manage risk and recommend necessary adjustments.
• Presents project status and prepares recommendations for improving the project workflow.
• May delegate low-level project tasks to assigned team member.
• Responsible for ensuring the Laboratories compliance with all AASHTO, ASTM, Indiana Test Method, Directives, and other established standards, as well as all applicable laboratory and workplace safety standards.
• Completes the scope of work while ensuring INDOT’s quality, financial, risk management and policy expectations are met.
• Responsible for overall work progress and technical performance on project.
• Performs other related duties as required.

A degree is not required. However, at least four (4) years of Laboratory testing,developing, and leading project teams experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b)account (similar to401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parkingfor most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learningaccess

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail] .