Quality and Technical Support Manager

Position Summary:
Seeking an experienced Quality and Technical Support Manager to lead our quality assurance, laboratory operations, technical service, and product development initiatives for a leading modified asphalt manufacturer. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in modified asphalt binders, liquid asphalt testing, and asphalt materials research while maintaining the highest standards of quality in an AASHTO-accredited laboratory.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring product quality, supporting customers with technical expertise, driving continuous improvement, and leading research and development efforts to expand and enhance our product portfolio.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage daily operations of an AASHTO-accredited asphalt materials laboratory, ensuring compliance with all applicable accreditation requirements and quality management systems.
• Oversee quality assurance and quality control programs for modified asphalt binders, emulsions, liquid asphalt products, and related materials.
• Ensure laboratory testing is performed in accordance with AASHTO, ASTM, and applicable state DOT specifications.
• Maintain laboratory accreditation, coordinate proficiency sample programs, and prepare for internal and external audits.
• Lead product development and research initiatives focused on polymer-modified asphalt binders, specialty asphalt products, and emerging technologies.
• Evaluate raw materials and finished products to optimize performance, consistency, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Provide technical support to customers, contractors, consultants, and agency personnel regarding product selection, specifications, troubleshooting, and performance.
• Investigate product quality issues, conduct root cause analyses, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Work closely with manufacturing, operations, sales, and engineering teams to support production quality and customer satisfaction.
• Develop and maintain laboratory procedures, quality documentation, calibration programs, and testing protocols.
• Analyze laboratory data and prepare technical reports, recommendations, and presentations.
• Stay current with industry standards, research, and innovations in asphalt binder technology and pavement performance.
• Represent the company in industry organizations, technical committees, customer meetings, and conferences as appropriate.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop laboratory personnel while fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline. Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in asphalt materials, with significant experience in modified asphalt binders and liquid asphalt products.
• Demonstrated experience managing or working within an AASHTO-accredited laboratory.
• Extensive knowledge of AASHTO, ASTM, and state DOT asphalt binder testing procedures.
• Hands-on experience with modified asphalt testing, including rheological and performance-based testing.
• Experience with Superpave binder specifications and PG grading.
• Strong understanding of polymer modification technologies, asphalt chemistry, and pavement performance.
• Experience supporting manufacturing quality systems and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proven technical problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical information to customers and stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, project management, and team development experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with research and development of polymer-modified asphalt binders or specialty asphalt products.
• Familiarity with balanced mix design concepts and asphalt mixture performance testing.
• Experience working with state DOTs, contractors, and consulting engineers.
• Knowledge of ISO quality systems and laboratory quality management practices.
• Active participation in industry organizations such as AASHTO, ASTM, or regional asphalt associations.

Technical Expertise:
The successful candidate should have experience with many of the following laboratory tests and equipment:

• Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR)
• Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR)
• Rotational Viscometer (RV)
• Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV)
• Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO)
• Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR)
• Elastic Recovery
• Force Ductility
• Penetration, Softening Point, and Flash Point testing
• Asphalt emulsions and liquid asphalt characterization
• Polymer-modified asphalt performance evaluation
• Statistical quality control and laboratory information management systems (LIMS)

Desired Attributes:

• Customer-focused technical leader with exceptional analytical skills.
• Passion for innovation, research, and continuous improvement.
• Strong commitment to quality, laboratory excellence, and safety.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Collaborative leadership style with excellent interpersonal skills.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically accomplished professional to lead quality, laboratory operations, and product innovation while supporting customers and advancing the development of high-performance modified asphalt products in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

For additional information:
Lauren Sands
Phone: 610-421-1230
E-mail: Lauren@UnitedEmployment.com