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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 ...

Construction Materials Lab Tech

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

We're 100% Arizona owned and managed, which means you'll never feel like a number here. Our team ... geotechnical and materials testing, environmental, and EHS - giving you exposure to many paths and ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jul 17, 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 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Geotechnical Lab Manager, and why are they important?

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 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 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 job categories do people searching Geotechnical Lab Manager jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Geotechnical Lab Manager jobs in Arizona 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,267 per year, or $48.2 per hour.
Senior Geotechnical Engineer (PE)

Senior Geotechnical Engineer (PE)

HDR

Phoenix, AZ

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago


HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 369 rated engineering


Job description

Geotechnical Engineer - Phoenix, AZ


Shape the Southwest with HDR

At HDR, we believe that diverse perspectives fuel smarter solutions. As an employee-owner in a global architecture, engineering, and consulting firm, you'll collaborate across disciplines to deliver some of the most impactful infrastructure projects in the Southwest and beyond.

From highways to transit systems, railroads to military facilities, water facilities to renewable energy, our geotechnical engineers play a key role in shaping the future of communities across Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and California. If you're looking for more than routine design work, HDR offers the opportunity to stretch your skills on complex, large-scale projects while being supported by a team that values innovation, professional growth, and cross-discipline collaboration.

In the role of Geotechnical Engineer, we'll count on you to:

  • Scope, plan, and execute site characterization studies and field/laboratory investigations.
  • Manage work by geotechnical subconsultants including drilling firms, geophysical and special testing consultants, and testing labs.
  • Develop geologic and geotechnical designs, plans, specifications, and cost estimates for major transportation and infrastructure projects.
  • Support and execute geotechnical analysis and design of foundations, retaining walls, slope stability, site grading, ground improvement, and pavement systems.
  • Provide QA/QC reviews of geotechnical deliverables, including those prepared by subconsultants.
  • Partner with single and multidisciplinary teams through all phases of a project-from concept to construction support
  • Deliver projects on time and on budget while helping our clients navigate complex geotechnical challenges.

  • Provide geotechnical planning, oversight and review in the role of Owner's Engineer for Alternative Delivery projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's in Civil, Geotechnical, Geological, or related Engineering.
  • 8+ years of geotechnical or geological engineering experience.
  • Hands-on expertise with subsurface investigations, field/lab testing, foundation design, slope stability, settlement, and ground improvement.
  • Experience with software such as SHAFT, LPILE, SETTLE3D, SLOPE/W, SEEP/W, RocScience Programs, AASHTO MEPDG, gINT, GIS, or Civil 3D.
  • Active participation in professional societies (ASCE, AEG, DFI, Geo Institute of ASCE).
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, technical writing ability, and the drive to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Why HDR?

  • Diversity of projects: From transportation corridors to water resources and energy, no two projects are alike.
  • Cross-discipline collaboration: Work alongside structural, water, environmental, and construction professionals to solve challenging geotechnical problems.
  • Large-scale impact: Contribute to high-profile projects across the Southwest and the West that shape communities for generations.
  • Employee-ownership culture: Build your career in a firm where your voice matters, and your success is shared.

At HDR, you'll do more than geotechnical engineering-you'll help shape the infrastructure of the future.

Ready to make your mark? Apply today and bring your expertise to HDR's growing Phoenix team.

#LI-JM8

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree
  • 10 years of experience
  • Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office applications, GIS, and CADD, as appropriate
  • Experience with GeoStudio/Ensoft slope stability, settlement, seepage, and deep foundation response software, as appropriate
  • Experience with Bentley suite of geotechnical data management and visualization software (gINT/OpenGround/LeapFrog)
  • Knowledge of advanced numerical modeling techniques such as Finite Difference, Finite Element, Discrete Element, etc. and commercial software for advanced numerical modeling (Bentley, PLAXIS, Itasca FLAC)
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


What HDR employees say

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917