Lab Manager-Tacoma, WA

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

CERTERRA (formerly RMA Companies) is a growing national provider of testing, inspection, and certification services that support innovation in new product development, quality assurance, for project delivery, and engineered solutions for asset management. We are passionate about contributing to the sustainable development of the communities we serve.

 We are a national firm with a global reach serving national and international clients from 30 offices located in 10 states and are ranked on ENR’s Top 500 list alongside the nation’s top firms.

 With a 60-year history, CERTERRA has a passion for high-end services, constant innovation, and investment in the development of world-class laboratory facilities, and interactive management technologies. Each member of our staff is committed to service, innovation, and the success of our clients.

Certerra is actively seeking a knowledgeable and driven Laboratory Manager to lead operations within our Geotechnical and Construction Materials Testing Laboratory based in Tacoma, WA. This leadership role calls for a well-rounded professional with hands-on experience in geotechnical, soil, rock, asphalt, and concrete testing, as well as laboratory equipment maintenance, calibration, and safety management. The Lab Manager will be responsible for overseeing daily lab functions, managing personnel, and upholding our commitment to delivering accurate, high-quality test data to support diverse infrastructure and construction projects.

Duties: 

The Laboratory Manager leads laboratory operations, personnel, and accreditation compliance in support of high-profile construction projects throughout the Tacoma region. This role is responsible for delivering accurate, timely, and compliant testing services that contribute to safe, code-compliant, and high-quality project delivery.

Success in this position requires strong organizational and leadership skills, sound technical judgment, the ability to interpret construction documents and specifications, and clear communication with project managers, contractors, clients, and accreditation agencies.

• Oversee laboratory testing of soil, asphalt, concrete, and aggregate materials in accordance with ASTM, AASHTO, WAQTC, WSDOT, and project-specific requirements
• Lead and maintain laboratory accreditation programs (AMRL, CCRL, and other applicable agencies) under the direction of the Technical Director
• Manage proficiency testing programs (AMRL/CCRL) and implement corrective actions as needed
• Supervise and develop Laboratory Technicians, including scheduling, timesheets, performance reviews, and training
• Direct daily laboratory workflow and coordinate scheduling with Dispatch and Project Managers
• Maintain laboratory quality systems and documentation
• Oversee equipment calibration, maintenance, inventory, and purchasing approvals
•  Review and approve laboratory reports for accuracy and completeness
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment
• Participate in continuing education and professional development

Education/Qualifications: 

Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, or a comparable combination of education and experience.

Certifications/Licenses: Preferred certifications include (examples – not all are required)

• ACI Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician – Grade I
• ACI Aggregate Base Testing Technician
• ACI Aggregate Testing Technician
• ACI Masonry Testing Technician
• NICET or equivalent certifications
• ACI Field Testing Technician – Grade I

Candidates are not required to hold all listed certifications. Certerra supports certification attainment, and ongoing professional development for motivated team members.

Geography: Seattle, Seattle Area, Puget Sound, Western Washington, Bremerton, Everett, Bellevue, Olympia, Lacey, Lynnwood, Marysville, Bellingham, Anacortes, Fife, Federal Way

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This Company is dedicated to both the letter and the spirit of the equal opportunity employment laws. All applicants and all employees will be evaluated on the basis of their ability, competence, and performance of the essential functions of their positions. There will be no discrimination on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, age 40 and over, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other classification which may be protected by federal, state, or local laws. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we specifically offer equal opportunity for all employees or job applicants who may have a physical or mental disability. Such persons will be hired on the basis of their ability to perform the essential functions of the job in question. Likewise, their work will be evaluated on their performance of these essential functions. We will offer reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities, to the extent that Company resources allow without undue hardship. As part of our equal employment policy, there will be no wage differentials based on gender, between men and women employed in the same establishment, on jobs that require equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and which are performed under similar working conditions.