Department Manager, CMT

Universal Engineering Sciences

Gainesville, Florida

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Acceptance Testing, Accreditation Standards, Background Investigation, Business Development, Civil Engineering, Coaching, Communication Skills, Construction, Construction Materials Testing, Consulting, Continuous Improvement, Cost Estimates, Cross-Functional, Customer Relations, Data Management, Drilling, Driver's License, Engineer in Training (EIT), Environmental Engineering, External Audit, Field Trials, Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, Healthcare, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Laboratory Management, Laboratory Testing, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Materials Testing, Mentoring, Microsoft Office, Organizational Skills, Performance Metrics, Physical Demands, Professional Engineer, Profit & Loss Management, Proposal Writing, Reporting Skills, Risk Management, Sales Presentation, Sample/Specimen Processing, Schedule Development, Staff Training, Team Player, Technical Leadership, Test Equipment, Time Management
LOCATION
Gainesville, Florida
POSTED
30+ days ago
Who We Are:

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.

Responsibilities:
  • Lead and inspire the engineers, scientists, technicians, and support staff, fostering a positive culture of safety, accountability, and technical excellence.
  • Manage day-to-day operations of the CSD lab and field teams, ensuring timely, high-quality testing services for various public and private sector projects.
  • Serve as the primary technical and operational liaison for key clients in the Gainesville area, developing strong, long-term business relationships.
  • Review and sign off on technical reports, ensuring compliance with ASTM, AASHTO, and FDOT standards.
  • Collaborate with the Branch Manager and Business Development team to pursue new opportunities and support proposal writing, cost estimating, and client presentations.
  • Provide coaching, mentorship, and certification guidance (ACI, NICET, FDOT) to staff, supporting career advancement and retention.
  • Directly oversee and monitor the engineers and technicians to ensure, from a technical standpoint, project requirements are being met on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
  • Maintain accreditation standards for AASHTO, CCRL, and FDOT, and prepare for external audits.
  • Evaluate department KPIs and implement continuous improvement practices to increase efficiency, reduce risk, and maintain profitability.
  • Support cross-functional collaboration with other departments on integrated project delivery.
  • Represent the company at local industry events (e.g., ASCE, ACEC, FDOT forums), helping to raise visibility and strengthen community ties.
  • Drive innovation by evaluating and recommending new testing equipment, software, or methods that can increase department capability and competitiveness.
  • Act as a mentor and technical lead for high-profile Gainesville-area projects, with potential to lead regional CMT growth in North Florida.
  • Other duties may be assigned
Job Responsibilities Note:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. UES retains the right to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

  • Valid Florida Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record (in accordance with our Driver’s License and Motor Vehicle Record Check Criteria)
  • Ability to pass a background check screening in accordance with Florida’s Jessica Lunsford Act (or equivalent state classification)
  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or related field
  • Engineer-in-Training (EI) certification
  • 5+ years of progressive experience in construction materials testing, with at least 2+ years in a leadership or supervisory role, in a lab or CMT field environment
  • Strong knowledge of ASTM, AASHTO, and FDOT procedures
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and client relationship skills
  • Proficiency in report writing, data management systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or the ability to obtain
  • Certifications such as ACI, NICET, Nuclear Gauge Safety, and/or other relevant credentials
  • Previous experience with FDOT or commercial/public projects
  • Familiarity with LIMS or other lab management software
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
  • Occasionally required to lift and carry materials, equipment, or samples weighing up to 50 pounds
  • May be exposed to outdoor elements (heat, cold, rain, dust) during site visits or when assisting with field operations
  • Tasks such as observing field/lab tests or checking equipment may require bending, kneeling, or reaching.
  • May be required to drive to project sites, client meetings, or lab facilities.
  • When assisting in the lab or training staff, precision in handling tools, samples, and equipment is necessary
  • Must have adequate vision and hearing to safely navigate job sites, interpret test results, and communicate clearly in a field environment
  • Significant time will also be spent at a desk or computer reviewing reports, managing schedules, and communicating with clients/staff
  • Job site conditions may or may not be accessible by vehicle, including wetlands, swamps, grasslands, and fields with uneven surfaces, sand, brush, and other natural and man-made obstacles.
  • This job is primarily and regularly exposed to outside weather conditions and construction sites where the noise level is usually moderate to loud
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

About the Company

U

Universal Engineering Sciences

Universal Engineering Sciences, Inc. (Universal) is a consulting engineering firm specializing in geotechnical engineering, environmental sciences, construction materials testing, and threshold inspection. We are a growing, competitive firm with a strong position and reputation in our industry. We are always looking for ways to provide enhanced services. With this in mind, we began offering private provider inspection (PPI) and plan review in 2003, and added in-house geophysical engineering and surveys to our already wide range of construction-related services.

Universal’s mission is to do “WHATEVER IT TAKES” to provide our services with a primary focus on understanding and delivering solutions for each of our individual client’s needs, be that timeliness, cost-saving recommendations, ingenuity or any other requirement they may have.

COMPANY SIZE
500 to 999 employees
INDUSTRY
Construction
FOUNDED
1964
WEBSITE
http://universalengineering.com/