Concrete R&D Lab Supervisor

The Fricks Company is a leading design/build floor contractor renowned for delivering the most durable concrete floors in the industry. With over 45 years of experience, we utilize our own trained personnel and equipment to ensure high-quality, long-lasting results across nationwide projects. Our commitment to safety, precision, and customer satisfaction sets us apart in the construction industry.

Summary: The primary responsibility of this position is to execute the Director's laboratory program and act as the operational and technical supervisor for concrete materials testing. Key duties include implementing the Director’s research and development roadmap, overseeing materials testing to ensure adherence to standardized procedures, managing accreditation and quality systems, and exercising independent scientific judgment within the established framework. Additionally, the position coordinates testing and logistics, provides training for technicians, and implements research and development projects under the Director’s guidance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead laboratory and field research and development projects in alignment with the Director’s research roadmap.
• Oversee daily laboratory operations to ensure that testing activities are performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with relevant standards (e.g., ASTM, ACI, AASHTO).
• Develop and execute laboratory testing programs, encompassing experimental procedures, instrumentation setup, and monitoring of test samples.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret test data, and prepare technical reports detailing findings and recommendations.
• Maintain laboratory quality control procedures to ensure consistency across all testing programs.
• Maintain a high standard of laboratory organization, cleanliness, and operations readiness, and demonstrate a proactive, hands-on approach identifying and resolving technical and operational challenges.
• Support the attainment and maintenance of laboratory accreditation (e.g., AASHTO R18, CCRL, or equivalent) and assist in preparing for audits and inspections.
• Train, mentor, and supervise laboratory technicians and support personnel.
• Coordinate testing logistics, including materials procurement, scheduling of tests, and documentation of laboratory activities.
• Travel to active project sites as needed to support concrete kickoffs, observe field performance, assist with quality control, and troubleshoot field-related issues in coordination with project teams.
• Provide regular updates to the director on project progress, challenges, and outcomes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance research initiatives and achieve operational objectives.
• Ensure adherence to company safety policies and applicable regulatory standards.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Basic Qualifications:

Formal Education, Licenses, and Certifications Required:

• Must possess one or more of the following:

o A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction engineering, materials science, or a related field is required.

o ACI Certification is a plus. Candidates without certification must be willing to obtain it through the company's sponsored program.

Type and Length of Specific Experience Required:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in concrete, construction materials, or testing laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading laboratory operations, technical teams, or quality control programs, with the ability to both supervise and actively contribute to hands-on work.

Knowledge and Skills Required:

• Possesses comprehensive technical knowledge of concrete materials, admixtures, and construction materials testing.
• Demonstrates the ability to design, execute, and interpret both laboratory and field experiments.
• Comfortable working in both laboratory and field environments, with a strong interest in bridging research, testing, and real-world construction applications.
• Demonstrates a hands-on, detail-oriented approach to laboratory and field work, including the ability to operate testing equipment, perform physical testing procedures, and support field activities as needed.
• Familiar with industry testing standards and methods, including ASTM, ACI, and AASHTO.
• Exhibits supervisory and leadership skills, including the capacity to train and mentor technical staff.
• Demonstrate advanced analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.
• Possesses excellent organizational and project management skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and laboratory data collection or analysis systems.
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to work collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.

Physical Requirements and Environment:

• The physical demands associated with this role are limited, encompassing tasks such as standing, bending, and lifting materials weighing up to 50 pounds, as well as stretching and reaching.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• This position requires the capability to work in our lab, shop, and at client locations, both indoors and outdoors, which may involve occasional exposure to adverse weather conditions.
• Exposure to construction materials, dust, noise, and temperature fluctuations.
• This position may require overtime and flexible scheduling to meet project and laboratory testing demands, including travel periodically to support field operations and project needs.
• Candidates must be prepared to undergo drug screening in accordance with applicable legal regulations.