Laboratory Responsible - Phoenix, AZ

Lane Construction is one of America's leading construction companies, specializing in large, complex civil infrastructure. For 135 years, it has contributed to the development of the country's transportation systems including the Interstate Highway System and a vast network of roads, bridges, airports, metros, and railways. Lane specializes in mobility, tunneling, and water resources to address sustainable development and climate change adaptation challenges.

Position Summary

The Laboratory Responsible is accountable for the management, operation, and quality oversight of the construction materials laboratory supporting a heavy civil hydropower project. This role ensures that all testing activities for concrete, aggregates, soils, and other construction materials meet project specifications, international standards, and regulatory requirements.

The role is critical to ensuring structural integrity, durability, and compliance of dam and associated infrastructure works.

Key Responsibilities

1. Laboratory Management & Operations

• Establish, manage, and operate the on-site construction materials laboratory.
• Ensure laboratory compliance with project specifications, ISO/ASTM/AASHTO standards, and client requirements.
• Oversee calibration, maintenance, and proper use of laboratory equipment.
• Develop and implement laboratory procedures, workflows, and quality systems.

2. Materials Testing & Quality Control

• Supervise testing of:
• Concrete (fresh and hardened)
• Cement and admixtures
• Aggregates (gradation, abrasion, etc.)
• Soils and earthworks (compaction, classification, permeability)
• Rock materials (for dam foundations and embankments)
• Ensure accuracy and reliability of test results.
• Validate mix designs for structural and mass concrete used in dam construction.
• Monitor mass concrete temperature control and cracking risk mitigation.

3. Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure all testing aligns with:
• Project technical specifications
• International standards (ASTM, BS, AASHTO, ISO)
• Client/Engineer requirements
• Prepare and review:
• Test reports and certificates
• Quality control reports
• Non-conformance reports (NCRs)
• Maintain detailed laboratory records and traceability of materials.

4. Coordination & Communication

• Coordinate with:
• Construction teams (site engineers, contractors)
• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) teams
• Client representatives and consultants
• Provide technical advice on materials performance and suitability.
• Support inspections, audits, and third-party testing.

5. Mix Design & Technical Support

• Develop and optimize concrete mix designs, especially for:
• Mass concrete (dam body)
• High-strength structural elements
• Durability in aggressive environments
• Analyze test data to improve material performance and reduce risks.
• Support troubleshooting for:
• Concrete defects
• Strength issues
• Material inconsistencies

6. Personnel Management

• Supervise laboratory technicians and staff.
• Train team on testing standards, safety procedures, and best practices.
• Ensure adequate staffing and competency levels.

7. Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance

• Enforce strict adherence to HSE policies within the laboratory.
• Ensure safe handling of chemicals, materials, and testing equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in:
• Civil Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• or related field

Experience

• 7-15 years of experience in construction materials testing.
• Strong experience on large-scale infrastructure projects (hydropower, dams, bridges, or heavy civil works).
• Proven experience with mass concrete and dam construction preferred.

Technical Skills

• Deep knowledge of:
• Concrete technology (especially mass concrete)
• Soil mechanics and earthworks
• Rock testing (preferred)
• Proficiency in standards:
• ASTM, AASHTO, BS, EN, or equivalent
• Familiarity with laboratory quality systems (ISO 17025 is a plus)

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership and team management ability
• High attention to detail and analytical thinking
• Excellent communication and reporting skills
• Ability to work in remote, project-site environments

Certifications (Preferred)

• ACI (American Concrete Institute) Certification
• Laboratory Quality Management (ISO 17025)
• Relevant national/international material testing certifications

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Accuracy and timeliness of test results
• Compliance with project specifications and standards
• Reduction in material-related defects or rework
• Laboratory audit and inspection outcomes
• Efficiency of laboratory operations

Working Conditions

• Site-based role in a remote construction environment
• May involve extended working hours aligned with project schedules
• Exposure to construction site conditions

Additional Notes

This role is critical to ensuring the long-term safety and performance of the dam structure, particularly given the complexity of mass concrete placement, thermal control, and geotechnical conditions in hydropower projects.

Lane Construction offers a comprehensive benefits package with an excellent opportunity to grow and be part of one of the most respected names in the construction industry. Lane is an Equal Opportunity Employer.