Materials Testing Department Manager

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the engineers, scientists, technicians, and support staff, fostering a positive culture of safety, accountability, and technical excellence.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the CSD lab and field teams, ensuring timely, high-quality testing services for various public and private sector projects.
• Serve as the primary technical and operational liaison for key clients in the Gainesville area, developing strong, long-term business relationships.
• Review and sign off on technical reports, ensuring compliance with ASTM, AASHTO, and FDOT standards.
• Collaborate with the Branch Manager and Business Development team to pursue new opportunities and support proposal writing, cost estimating, and client presentations.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and certification guidance (ACI, NICET, FDOT) to staff, supporting career advancement and retention.
• Directly oversee and monitor the engineers and technicians to ensure, from a technical standpoint, project requirements are being met on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
• Maintain accreditation standards for AASHTO, CCRL, and FDOT, and prepare for external audits.
• Evaluate department KPIs and implement continuous improvement practices to increase efficiency, reduce risk, and maintain profitability.
• Support cross-functional collaboration with other departments on integrated project delivery.
• Represent the company at local industry events (e.g., ASCE, ACEC, FDOT forums), helping to raise visibility and strengthen community ties.
• Drive innovation by evaluating and recommending new testing equipment, software, or methods that can increase department capability and competitiveness.
• Act as a mentor and technical lead for high-profile Gainesville-area projects, with potential to lead regional CMT growth in North Florida.
• Other duties may be assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Valid Florida Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record (in accordance with our Driver’s License and Motor Vehicle Record Check Criteria)
• Ability to pass a background check screening in accordance with Florida’s Jessica Lunsford Act (or equivalent state classification)
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or related field
• Engineer-in-Training (EI) certification
• 5+ years of progressive experience in construction materials testing, with at least 2+ years in a leadership or supervisory role, in a lab or CMT field environment
• Strong knowledge of ASTM, AASHTO, and FDOT procedures
• Excellent organizational, communication, and client relationship skills
• Proficiency in report writing, data management systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or the ability to obtain
• Certifications such as ACI, NICET, Nuclear Gauge Safety, and/or other relevant credentials
• Previous experience with FDOT or commercial/public projects
• Familiarity with LIMS or other lab management software

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Occasionally required to lift and carry materials, equipment, or samples weighingup to 50 pounds
• May be exposed to outdoor elements (heat, cold, rain, dust) during site visits or when assisting with field operations
• Tasks such as observing field/lab tests or checking equipment may require bending, kneeling, or reaching.
• May be required to drive to project sites, client meetings, or lab facilities.
• When assisting in the lab or training staff, precision in handling tools, samples, and equipment is necessary
• Must have adequate vision and hearing to safely navigate job sites, interpret test results, and communicate clearly in a field environment
• Significant time will also be spent at a desk or computer reviewing reports, managing schedules, and communicating with clients/staff
• Job site conditions may or may not be accessible by vehicle, including wetlands, swamps, grasslands, and fields with uneven surfaces, sand, brush, and other natural and man-made obstacles.
• This job is primarily and regularly exposed to outside weather conditions and construction sites where the noise level is usually moderate to loud

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here