Laboratory Manager – Construction Materials Testing (CMT)

About Comat Engineering

Comat Engineering is a growing, Michigan-based construction materials testing and engineering firm dedicated to providing reliable, accurate, and efficient testing services for concrete, asphalt, aggregates, and soils. We combine technical expertise with a hands-on approach to help contractors, developers, and owners build confidently—on schedule, on budget, and on solid ground.

Position Summary

The Laboratory Manager will oversee daily operations of the CMT laboratory, ensuring all testing is performed in compliance with applicable ASTM, AASHTO, and AASHTO R18/ASTM C1077 quality standards. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, experienced in managing lab staff and equipment, and passionate about maintaining a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations

• Manage and coordinate all laboratory testing activities for concrete, asphalt, soils, and aggregates.
• Supervise lab technicians, assign testing tasks, and review data for accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain and calibrate testing equipment in accordance with manufacturer and accreditation standards.
• Implement and uphold the laboratory’s Quality Management System (QMS) under AASHTO R18 and ASTM C1077.
• Ensure compliance with ASTM, AASHTO, MDOT, and other client specifications.
• Schedule testing to meet client deadlines and project priorities.
• Oversee sample receipt, logging, curing, and retention processes.

Quality Assurance & Accreditation

• Prepare for and maintain accreditation with AASHTO R18, ASTM C1077, ASTM D3740, and CCRL/AMRL programs.
• Develop and maintain laboratory SOPs and calibration records.
• Lead internal audits and corrective action programs.
• Assist in proficiency sample programs and inter-laboratory comparisons.

Safety & Facility Oversight

• Maintain safe laboratory operations and ensure compliance with company safety policies, OSHA standards, and Chemical Hygiene Plans.
• Manage proper handling and disposal of materials and chemicals (e.g., asphalt binders, solvents, concrete curing agents).
• Coordinate maintenance of the lab facility, ventilation systems (including fume hoods), and environmental controls.

Administrative & Business Support

• Assist with equipment procurement, vendor coordination, and inventory management.
• Prepare reports, data summaries, and technical deliverables for clients.
• Support proposal preparation, cost estimating, and client communication as needed.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate laboratory and field personnel.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Materials, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent experience in CMT lab management may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years of progressive experience in materials testing, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or QA/QC role.
• Demonstrated familiarity with ASTM and AASHTO testing standards.
• Experience with AASHTO R18/ASTM C1077 quality systems highly preferred.

Certifications (Preferred but not required)

• ACI Concrete Field and Laboratory Testing Technician (Level I or II)
• NICET Level III or IV in Construction Materials Testing (Soils, Concrete, or Asphalt)
• WAQTC, MDOT, or similar regional certifications

Skills

• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Working knowledge of LIMS or ForneyVault / QEST / MetaField.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PDF report preparation.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development and certification reimbursement
• Opportunities for career advancement in a growing company