Building Materials Testing Lab Director
About The Position
The Building Materials Testing Lab Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the IBHS Research Center's laboratory and large-scale testing environments. Reporting to the General Manager, this role ensures that laboratory infrastructure, personnel, safety systems, and operational processes consistently support world-class research focused on reducing property loss from natural hazards. This leader is accountable for operational readiness, safety compliance, equipment reliability, workforce capability, and continuous improvement across all testing environments. The Director ensures laboratory operations are disciplined, predictable, and aligned with the Research Center's long-term strategic priorities.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Construction Science, or related technical field
- 8–12+ years of progressive experience in laboratory operations, technical facility leadership, or large-scale testing environments
- Demonstrated leadership of technical teams in complex, safety-sensitive settings
- Experience managing instrumentation systems, mechanical infrastructure, and testing equipment
- Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and safety standards
- Proven ability to drive operational discipline and continuous improvement
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree in engineering or related discipline
- Experience with construction materials testing, environmental simulation, or full-scale testing
- Experience overseeing capital projects or facility expansion initiatives
Responsibilities
- Lead laboratory and large-scale testing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality execution
- Oversee calibration, maintenance, and system reliability of all testing equipment and infrastructure
- Ensure operational readiness for wind, hail, fire, and related resilience testing programs
- Maintain standardized operating procedures and quality controls across all laboratory functions
- Champion a culture where safety is job one and embed safety principles into all operations
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and regulatory standards
- Oversee safety training, documentation, and hazard mitigation practices
- Conduct regular safety audits and implement corrective actions to address identified risks
- Lead and develop laboratory technicians and technical staff, fostering professional growth and engagement
- Establish clear accountability, performance expectations, and development pathways for direct reports
- Build technical capability and operational bench strength through targeted training and mentorship
- Foster strong collaboration with engineers, researchers, and operations leaders across the organization
- Partner with the General Manager and Head of Research to align laboratory capabilities with research strategy
- Identify modernization opportunities for facilities, equipment, and testing methodologies
- Support capital planning and infrastructure investment decisions with data-driven recommendations
- Contribute to long-range planning for Research Center growth and operational capacity
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
