Laboratory Manager in Saint Paul, Minnesota at American Engineering Testing Inc

Job Summary

The Lab Manager is responsible for leading the operations of AET’s Petrographic Laboratory, ensuring the delivery of high-quality materials testing services. This role provides direct oversight of Laboratory Supervisors, technicians, and analysts, ensuring that laboratory testing is accurate, compliant, and efficient. The Lab Manager is accountable for maintaining laboratory accreditation, optimizing workflow efficiency, and fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.

As a mid-level leadership position in AET’s Laboratory Services career path, this role serves as a bridge between technical lab personnel and senior management, developing future leaders and strengthening laboratory operations.

The Lab Manager works closely with Senior Lab Managers, engineers, project managers, and clients to ensure testing services align with project needs and regulatory standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodation or workable solutions may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Oversee daily laboratory operations, ensuring tests are conducted in compliance with ASTM, AASHTO, ACI, ISO/IEC 17025, and AASHTO R18 standards.
• Maintain and improve quality control programs, ensuring data integrity, repeatability, and regulatory compliance.
• Implement and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent testing methodologies.
• Monitor lab performance metrics, identify inefficiencies, and implement process improvements to enhance turnaround times and accuracy.
• Oversee calibration and maintenance of all laboratory equipment, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with industry standards.
• Directly supervise Laboratory Supervisors, guiding them in their leadership development and daily responsibilities.
• Lead and mentor technicians, analysts, and support staff, providing training in testing procedures, safety, and professional development.
• Conduct performance evaluations and develop career progression plans for lab personnel.
• Support succession planning efforts, identifying and preparing high-potential employees for leadership roles.
• Foster a positive work environment that prioritizes safety, teamwork, and technical excellence.
• Ensure the laboratory maintains accreditation by preparing for and managing internal/external audits, addressing findings, and ensuring corrective actions are completed.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA safety regulations, implementing safety training programs and enforcing proper use of PPE.
• Oversee laboratory documentation management, ensuring accurate and complete records for audits and regulatory reviews.
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to continuously improve compliance processes and risk mitigation strategies.
• Work closely with project managers and engineers to ensure laboratory testing meets project specifications and deadlines.
• Serve as a technical point of contact for clients, addressing testing-related inquiries and providing expert recommendations.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of test results, verifying data quality before submission to clients and internal teams.
• Assist in the development of proposals and client presentations, supporting business development efforts by offering technical insights.
• Process Improvement & Innovation.
• Identify and implement efficiency improvements, including automation opportunities and workflow optimization.
• Stay updated on emerging materials testing methodologies and technological advancements, making recommendations for innovation adoption.
• Support cross-functional collaboration between AET’s laboratories and field teams to enhance overall service delivery.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Direct supervision of Laboratory Supervisors, Technicians.
• Indirect oversight of Laboratory Technicians, Analysts, and Assistants.
• Works under the guidance of the Senior Lab Manager or Director of Laboratory Services.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Geology, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a materials testing laboratory, with at least 2 years in a leadership role (e.g., Laboratory Supervisor).
• Certifications in relevant testing standards (e.g., ACI, NICET, ASTM, AASHTO) required or must be obtained within 12 months.
• Strong knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 and AASHTO R18 accreditation requirements.
• Experience in team leadership, quality control, and process improvement.
• Proficiency in laboratory management software, data analysis tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Skills

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building abilities.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting and client interactions.
• Familiarity with budgeting and cost management related to laboratory operations.

Pay Transparency

Base compensation is expected to be in the range of $82,300 - $102,900 per year based on skill set and experience. AET offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health benefits, insurance, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), long term savings, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. The selected candidate must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily within a laboratory setting, with occasional office-based responsibilities. Some travel may be required for training, client meetings, or collaboration with other AET labs.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands or fingers, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

AAP/EEO Statement

It is the policy of AET to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Notice to Third Party Agencies: AET does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting firms. Absent a signed Service Agreement by AET’s Chief People Officer (CPO), AET reserves the right to pursue and hire these candidates without financial obligation to recruiters or agencies.