Job DescriptionGeotechnical Laboratory Manager - Houston, TexasThis is a fantastic opportunity to grow a versatile career in the architectural, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) industry.
What are we looking for?This position is responsible for overseeing daily operations of the Intertek PSI geotechnical testing laboratory in Houston, Texas. The Laboratory Manager leads lab personnel, maintains equipment and accreditation, ensures quality and turnaround compliance, and supports project teams across the Houston region.
Salary & Benefits InformationIn addition to competitive compensation packages, when working with Intertek you can expect benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k) with company match, generous vacation / sick time (PTO), tuition reimbursement and more.
What you'll do:- Plan, direct, and supervise daily geotechnical laboratory testing activities including soil classification, compaction, consolidation, shear strength, permeability, and other routine and special tests per ASTM/AASHTO standards.
- Maintain laboratory equipment in proper calibration and working order; develop and manage preventive maintenance and equipment replacement schedules.
- Manage sample intake, logging, storage, and chain-of-custody procedures to ensure full traceability and client confidentiality.
- Develop, implement, and maintain laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) in accordance with ASTM, AASHTO, and other applicable standards.
- Serve as the laboratory's primary point of contact for AASHTO Accreditation Program (AAP) and applicable third-party accreditation bodies; manage audits, proficiency sample programs, and corrective actions.
- Review and approve test reports for technical accuracy, completeness, and conformance with applicable standards prior to release.
- Monitor non-conformances and maintain quality records in compliance with Intertek PSI QMS requirements.
- Perform and oversee geotechnical engineering analyses including foundation design, settlement analysis, slope stability evaluation, and lateral earth pressure calculations in support of project teams.
- Conduct and interpret in-situ testing and instrumentation programs including CPT/SCPTu data reduction, pressuremeter testing, and inclinometer monitoring.
- Prepare geotechnical laboratory and engineering reports, scopes of work, project budgets, and schedules in accordance with client specifications and PSI standards.
- Serve as technical reviewer for geotechnical reports prepared by junior engineers and technicians; provide mentoring and guidance on engineering methodology.
- Collaborate with project managers, field crews, and client representatives to align lab and field testing scope with project requirements and deadlines; attend client meetings as needed.
- Support business development and proposal preparation by providing laboratory cost estimates, turnaround schedules, accreditation documentation, and technical input.
- Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate laboratory technicians and engineering staff; assign workloads and manage scheduling and lease technicians to other PSI offices to maintain operational continuity.
- Enforce safe laboratory and field practices in accordance with Intertek PSI HSE policies, OSHA standards, and applicable environmental regulations; maintain SDS files and ensure proper chemical handling and disposal.
This position outline is a general guideline and does not represent all encompassing details. The position assumes that the incumbent has both the mental and physical requirements to carry out the above defined duties.
Minimum Requirements & Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geology, or related field required.
- Minimum 10 years of progressive geotechnical engineering and laboratory experience, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management capacity
- Demonstrated experience managing AASHTO Accreditation Program (AAP) or CCRL-accredited laboratory operations
- Proficiency in ASTM and AASHTO standard test methods for soils and aggregates (D698, D1557, D2435, D2850, D3080, D4318, D4767, T99, T180, and related methods)
- Proficiency in geotechnical engineering analysis and design including settlement, slope stability, deep and shallow foundations, and lateral earth pressure; experience with engineering software such as GeoStudio, LPILE, APILE, SHAFT, GROUP, SLIDE, and/or Settle3D
- Demonstrated instrumentation experience including inclinometer monitoring, pressuremeter installation and interpretation, and CPT/SCPTu data reduction and analysis
- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
- Strong supervisory and leadership skills
- Be aware of, and adhere to, safety practices and policies to ensure your own safety, as well as the safety of others who may be affected by your actions at work
- Ability to work in fast-paced, multi-tasking environment with shifting priorities and demanding deadlines
- Must be detailed-oriented and able to effectively prioritize and organize workload, with efficient time management
- Ability to communicate and interact effectively in verbal written and presentation formats
- Must possess the fundamental technical and administrative skills required to perform the job duties
- Must be customer focused and quality driven
- Ability to travel as business needs dictate
- Valid Driver's License and reliable driving record required
Preferred Requirements & Qualifications:- Master's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering
- EIT preferred
- Familiarity with TxDOT and local soil and materials testing specifications and requirements
- Experience supporting environmental or CMT laboratory functions in a multi-discipline firm
- Proficiency with OpenGround, GINT, or similar geotechnical data management platforms
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
