Senior Manager, Test Engineering

Our client is a leading provider of advanced technology solutions serving highly regulated, mission-critical industries. With a strong focus on innovation, engineering excellence, and operational performance, the organization develops sophisticated systems utilized in complex maritime, defense, and industrial environments.

The company is seeking a Senior Manager, Test Engineering to lead its Test Engineering organization and develop the strategic vision for product testing across the business. This role oversees all aspects of Automated Test Equipment (ATE), including design, development, deployment, maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management. The successful candidate will ensure test systems deliver reliable, repeatable, and cost-effective solutions that support manufacturing, new product introduction (NPI), quality, and customer requirements.

The Senior Manager will drive continuous improvement initiatives, establish long-term test strategies, and ensure the organization is prepared to support future product technologies and manufacturing growth.

Note: Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the required security clearance due to the nature of the programs supported.

Leadership & Organizational Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of test engineers, technicians, and support personnel.
• Establish departmental goals, performance metrics, and development plans aligned with organizational objectives.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Manage staffing, succession planning, training, and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Quality, Product Development, Supply Chain, and Program Management teams.

Test Engineering Oversight

• Direct all test engineering activities supporting manufacturing operations and new product introductions.
• Ensure robust test methodologies, processes, and standards are implemented across all product lines.
• Drive improvements in test coverage, reliability, throughput, yield, and operational efficiency.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities related to test failures and equipment performance.
• Establish and maintain test engineering best practices, design standards, and documentation.

Automated Test Equipment (ATE)

• Provide strategic and operational oversight for all automated test equipment.
• Lead the design, development, validation, implementation, and optimization of ATE solutions.
• Drive standardization of test platforms, hardware architectures, software frameworks, and data collection methodologies.
• Oversee test equipment lifecycle management, including upgrades, obsolescence planning, and capital investment strategies.
• Partner with product development teams to ensure testability is incorporated early in product design.

Equipment Service, Support & Calibration

• Ensure effective service, maintenance, and technical support processes for all test systems.
• Oversee preventive maintenance programs and equipment reliability initiatives.
• Manage calibration programs and ensure compliance with applicable quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor equipment performance and establish KPIs related to uptime, utilization, and operational effectiveness.
• Develop contingency plans to minimize production disruptions resulting from equipment failures.

Strategic Planning & Future Technology Development

• Develop and execute the long-term vision and roadmap for product testing technologies.
• Evaluate emerging test technologies, automation solutions, Industry 4.0 initiatives, artificial intelligence, machine learning applications, and advanced analytics.
• Lead technology assessments and business cases for future test infrastructure investments.
• Drive digital transformation through enhanced data collection, traceability, analytics, and predictive maintenance capabilities.
• Support product roadmaps by ensuring test capabilities evolve to meet future requirements.

Project & Financial Management

• Develop departmental budgets and manage capital expenditure plans.
• Lead test equipment development projects from concept through deployment.
• Balance technical, operational, quality, and financial objectives when making business decisions.
• Manage relationships with external suppliers, equipment vendors, and service providers.
• Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and meet performance objectives.