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Geotechnical Lab Manager Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Manage work by geotechnical subconsultants including drilling firms, geophysical and special ... Hands-on expertise with subsurface investigations, field/lab testing, foundation design, slope ...

Manage work by geotechnical subconsultants including drilling firms, geophysical and special ... Hands-on expertise with subsurface investigations, field/lab testing, foundation design, slope ...

Senior Geomechanical Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$97K - $138K/yr

... analytical lab - the first of its kind in the Americas. Employees provide direct support in a ... Manage and review slope stability data collection, analysis and remedial work including slope ...

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Geotechnical Lab Manager information

See Arizona salary details

$32.1K

$100.3K

$160.3K

How much do geotechnical lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for geotechnical lab manager in Arizona is $100,267.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $121,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a geotechnical lab manager do?

A Geotechnical Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of a laboratory specializing in soil, rock, and construction material testing. They coordinate testing procedures, ensure that equipment is properly maintained and calibrated, and supervise lab staff. Additionally, they are responsible for maintaining quality control standards, interpreting test results, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Their work supports civil engineering projects by providing essential data for design and construction decisions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a geotechnical lab manager?

To thrive as a Geotechnical Lab Manager, you need a solid background in civil engineering or geology, with expertise in soil and material testing, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and significant laboratory experience. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), geotechnical testing equipment, and certifications such as ASTM or AASHTO standards are typically required. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and effective communication set top performers apart in managing teams and ensuring accurate results. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining laboratory quality, ensuring compliance, and delivering reliable data for engineering projects.

What are some common challenges faced by a geotechnical lab manager, and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge for Geotechnical Lab Managers is ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results while managing a high volume of projects with tight deadlines. Maintaining rigorous quality control procedures and regularly calibrating equipment are essential to meet industry standards. Additionally, effective communication and coordination with field teams and project managers are crucial to clarify testing requirements and adapt to changing project scopes. Building a strong, well-trained laboratory team helps distribute workload efficiently and fosters a collaborative work environment.

What is the difference between Geotechnical Lab Manager vs Geotechnical Engineer?

AspectGeotechnical Lab ManagerGeotechnical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in geotechnical engineering, geology, or related field; lab management experienceBachelor's or master's degree in geotechnical engineering or geology; engineering licensure may be preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, overseeing testing procedures and lab staffField and office settings, designing projects and analyzing soil data
Industry UsageCommonly employed in geotechnical testing labs within construction, mining, or environmental firmsUsed across consulting firms, construction companies, and government agencies for project design

The main difference is that a Geotechnical Lab Manager oversees laboratory operations and staff, focusing on testing and quality control, while a Geotechnical Engineer designs projects and analyzes soil data. Both roles require relevant technical credentials, but their daily responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Geotechnical Lab Manager jobs in Arizona?

For Geotechnical Lab Manager jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Geotechnical Lab Manager jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Geotechnical Lab Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Geotechnical Lab Manager job openings in Arizona as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,267 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Geotechnical Engineer III

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Universal Engineering Sciences
Construction • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Universal Engineering Sciences rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

417th of 454 rated engineering


Job description

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.
Position Overview
The Senior Geotechnical Engineer (Level 3) is a highly experienced technical leader responsible for overseeing complex geotechnical projects, driving innovation in engineering solutions, and leading strategic business development initiatives. This role serves as a technical authority within the organization, providing mentorship, quality assurance, and high-level client engagement. The Senior Geotechnical Engineer is expected to secure and manage large-scale, high-profile projects and guide the geotechnical team's growth and technical excellence.
Responsibilities
  • Serve as the technical expert on geotechnical engineering projects of significant complexity and scope.
  • Lead multidisciplinary project teams, coordinating geotechnical input for large infrastructure, transportation, energy, and commercial projects.
  • Develop innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable geotechnical design solutions.
  • Manage project budgets, schedules, and resources, ensuring delivery of high-quality work products.
  • Build and maintain strategic client relationships, leading proposal efforts and negotiations for major contracts.
  • Provide senior-level review and approval of geotechnical reports, specifications, and engineering analyses.
  • Mentor, train, and develop junior and mid-level engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
  • Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and professional associations.
  • Contribute to company-wide technical standards, research initiatives, and best practices.
  • Ensure strict compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and quality control procedures.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering (Master's strongly preferred).
  • 8+ years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience, with at least 3 years in a senior or lead role.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
  • Recognized expertise in advanced geotechnical modeling, soil-structure interaction, and ground improvement technologies.
  • Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale, complex projects.
  • Exceptional communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
  • Active participation in professional organizations (e.g., ASCE, DFI, Geo-Institute) preferred.
  • Ability to travel extensively for client and project needs.
    Travel Requirements
    • This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.
    Physical Demands & Work Environment
    • Work is primarily conducted outdoors with exposure to outdoor conditions, including:
      • Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
      • Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
      • Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.
    • Physical requirements include:
      • Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
      • Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
      • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
      • Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).
      • Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

    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

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    About Universal Engineering Sciences

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    Universal Engineering Sciences, based in Orlando, FL, US, is a reputable name in the field of geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, construction materials testing, and inspection services. With an impressive industry presence of over six decades since its establishment in 1964, Universal Engineering Sciences specializes in providing engineering consulting services that effectively address multiple civil, structural, and geotechnical challenges. Their extensive service portfolio includes environmental assessments, field testing services, laboratory testing services, and quality control consulting, among others. As a stalwart advocate of integrity, excellence, service, and people, Universal Engineering Sciences takes pride in delivering exceptional services that realize their mission of setting industry standards through technical superiority and efficient communication.

    Industry

    Construction

    Company size

    1,001 - 5,000 Employees

    Headquarters location

    Orlando, FL, US

    Year founded

    1964

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