Lab Manager

About the role

The Lab Manager oversees a construction and geotechnical materials testing laboratory, ensuring safe, accurate, and timely testing of soils, aggregates, concrete, and asphalt. The role manages day‑to‑day lab operations, leads and develops a team of technicians, maintains quality and safety standards, and supports business development and administrative processes. The Lab Manager plays a key role in upholding rigorous quality protocols and contributing to the growth and success of the laboratory and broader office.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage all activities of the construction and geotechnical materials laboratory, including testing of soils, aggregates, concrete, and asphalt.
• Ensure all laboratory testing services are performed safely, accurately, and in accordance with company quality protocols, project requirements, and agreed timelines.
• Develop and implement supplemental operating policies and procedures specific to the laboratory to maintain orderly, efficient, and compliant operations.
• Collaborate with office leadership to prepare proposals and quotations for laboratory testing services, ensuring proper scope, adequate staffing, and appropriate pricing.
• Ensure laboratory personnel are properly trained, supervised, and equipped with the tools and equipment needed to perform their work safely in both office and laboratory environments.
• Directly supervise or closely monitor laboratory activities to confirm work is completed on time, meets client and project requirements, and complies with company policies, procedures, and standards.
• Ensure laboratory processes and staff adhere to the company Quality program and the Construction Materials Quality Management System (QMS).
• Evaluate the performance of laboratory employees and support their professional development and growth in alignment with company policies and procedures.
• Oversee the efficient use of laboratory facilities and equipment, and request additional equipment or facilities as needed to meet client demand.
• Manage and oversee the calibration, maintenance, and reliability of all laboratory equipment.
• Maintain the organization, cleanliness, and professional appearance of the laboratory, ensuring work areas and equipment remain clean and uncluttered.
• Support department leadership with short‑range business development activities for laboratory services to help generate sufficient workload and revenue to support staffing levels.
• Oversee laboratory administrative systems to ensure reports, proposals, and client deliverables are prepared accurately, completely, and on time.
• Ensure laboratory personnel follow company administrative policies, including accurate and timely completion of timesheets, expense reports, and purchase order documentation.
• Plan, recruit, select, and train laboratory personnel in coordination with department leadership, aligning staffing with workload and strategic goals.
• Assist department leadership with preparation of the annual business plan for the materials and/or geotechnical department.
• Perform construction and geotechnical laboratory testing when needed based on workload and staffing requirements.
• Develop a strong understanding of project‑related risks and apply company risk management policies to protect the organization.
• Lead safety efforts for the laboratory team, model safe work practices, and ensure all team members follow safety rules and guidelines.
• Promote and facilitate pre‑task planning for all projects to identify hazards, coordinate activities, and maintain safe and efficient operations.
• Promote continuous quality monitoring and improvement on projects, actively monitoring quality standards and practices within the laboratory.
• Engage appropriate project reviewers at the onset of projects to support quality, risk management, and client satisfaction.
• Support and contribute to a culture that values career development, teamwork, and high‑quality project delivery across environmental, remediation, construction oversight, geotechnical, and infrastructure projects.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 7 years of experience in a construction or geotechnical materials testing environment.
• At least 3 years of experience managing a laboratory with a team of four or more staff.
• Extensive hands‑on testing experience with soils, aggregates, concrete, and asphalt.
• Proficiency with laboratory testing methods such as sieve analysis, gradation testing, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) testing, hydrometer testing, Proctor testing, specific gravity testing, plasticity index testing, lightweight pieces testing, sand equivalency testing, clay lumps testing, and fracture faces (aggregate) testing.
• Experience operating a universal testing machine for compressive and tensile testing of concrete and aggregate.
• Certification by qualified national, regional, or state authorities (ACI, NICET, DOT) or in‑house certification in concrete, aggregates, soil and rock, or road and paving materials.
• Certifications and at least 5 years of experience with ACI (including ACI Aggregate Level 1 and Level 2).
• Certifications and at least 5 years of experience with NICET, specifically in asphalt and concrete.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise, train, and mentor laboratory staff.
• Demonstrated ability to manage laboratory operations, including scheduling, resource allocation, and workflow coordination.
• Ability to interpret and apply quality management systems, including a Construction Materials Quality Management System (QMS).
• Proven capability to enforce and model strict safety practices in a laboratory and office environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain a clean, orderly, and efficient laboratory.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports, proposals, and internal documentation.
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable violation history, if required for the role.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering technology or a related field and at least 5 years of experience performing laboratory tests on construction and geotechnical materials, or in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 9 years of related experience.
• Experience supporting proposal development and pricing for laboratory testing services, including scoping services and aligning resources.
• Familiarity with risk management principles and the ability to identify, communicate, and mitigate project‑related risks.
• Experience contributing to or preparing annual business plans for a department or laboratory.
• Background in short‑range business development activities for laboratory services, including supporting client relationships and identifying project opportunities.
• Experience managing or overseeing administrative processes such as timesheets, expense reports, and purchase orders.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary environment that includes environmental assessment, remediation, construction oversight, geotechnical investigation, and infrastructure or development projects.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, quality monitoring, and adherence to established quality protocols.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions in a fast‑paced, project‑driven environment.
• Interest in career development and openness to working closely with leadership to plan and pursue a defined career path.

Work Environment

This position is based in a construction and geotechnical materials laboratory located in Lynnwood, WA. The lab tests soils, aggregates, concrete, and asphalt using specialized equipment, including a universal testing machine for compressive and tensile testing. The laboratory is directly connected to an office area with a pit‑style layout, high‑wall cubicles, and several private offices, accommodating approximately 35 people. The workspace emphasizes organization, cleanliness, and safety, with well‑maintained equipment and clearly defined procedures. Free onsite parking and easy commuting access are provided. The company culture supports employee ownership, long‑term growth, and career development, with diverse project work across environmental assessment, remediation, construction oversight, geotechnical investigation, and infrastructure development.

Location

Permanent, onsite position in Lynnwood, WA.

Pay and Benefits

• Salary range: $102,840 – $131,100 per year (actual compensation depends on qualifications, experience, geographic location, internal equity, and other factors).
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Life and disability insurance at no cost.
• Employee Assistance Program and well‑being resources covering physical, mental, financial, career, social, and community wellness.
• PTO, paid holidays, parental leave, and compassionate leave program.
• 401(k) matching: 60 % of the first 7 % of employee deferrals.
• Employee stock ownership plan.
• Annual opportunities to purchase Terracon stock.

Workplace Type

Fully onsite position.