Job Title: Test Engineering (Mechanical Focus)

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Test Engineering Manager with a Mechanical Focus to lead and manage the test engineering department. In this senior leadership role, you will oversee the planning, execution, and optimization of mechanical testing for products and systems, ensuring they meet all quality and performance standards. You will manage a team of engineers, provide strategic direction, and ensure the effective deployment of testing procedures. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure product development, quality assurance, and manufacturing processes are aligned with testing requirements. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your technical expertise and leadership skills to influence product quality and innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Team Management:

   • Lead, manage, and develop a team of test engineers, providing guidance, mentorship, and professional development to ensure optimal performance.
   • Allocate resources effectively and ensure that all test projects are completed on time and meet quality standards.
   • Conduct performance reviews, set goals, and foster a collaborative, results-driven work environment.
   • Provide technical leadership and act as a point of escalation for complex testing issues.

2. Test Strategy Development:

   • Develop and implement comprehensive test strategies for mechanical systems, ensuring they align with product design and performance requirements.
   • Oversee the creation of detailed test plans, including test objectives, methodologies, resource allocation, and scheduling.
   • Continuously assess and improve testing processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure that the testing outcomes meet high-quality standards.

3. Test Execution and Optimization:

   • Ensure the execution of mechanical tests (e.g., strength, fatigue, vibration, thermal, stress) to validate product designs and performance under various conditions.
   • Lead the implementation of advanced testing techniques and processes to ensure that all tests are performed accurately and meet the required specifications.
   • Analyze test data, identify trends, and ensure that test results are properly documented and communicated to relevant stakeholders.

4. Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams:

   • Work closely with design, engineering, quality control, and production teams to ensure that testing is aligned with product development and manufacturing timelines.
   • Collaborate with product development teams to ensure the testability of designs and provide feedback for continuous product improvement.
   • Communicate regularly with senior management, stakeholders, and customers on the status of testing efforts, findings, and actionable next steps.

5. Problem Resolution and Continuous Improvement:

   • Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve complex mechanical testing issues, providing guidance to the team in diagnosing root causes and implementing corrective actions.
   • Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the testing team, identifying opportunities to optimize testing processes, reduce testing time, and increase test accuracy.
   • Foster a culture of innovation and quality within the test engineering team, encouraging the adoption of new testing methods, tools, and technologies.

6. Compliance and Documentation:

   • Ensure all test procedures and activities comply with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and internal quality standards.
   • Maintain thorough documentation for all testing activities, including detailed reports, specifications, and deviations from the standard protocols.
   • Ensure proper tracking and reporting of test results, ensuring transparency and traceability for all test activities.

7. Test Equipment and Resources Management:

   • Oversee the maintenance, calibration, and management of test equipment, ensuring all tools and systems are functioning optimally.
   • Ensure the availability and proper utilization of resources required for mechanical testing, including test equipment, materials, and personnel.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Test Engineering Strategy and Leadership:

   • Develop and implement comprehensive test strategies for mechanical systems while leading and managing a high-performing test engineering team.

2. Testing Process Optimization:

   • Drive process improvements in test execution, test data analysis, and test reporting to reduce cycle time and improve test accuracy.

3. Team Development and Mentorship:

   • Provide leadership and mentorship to the test engineering team, encouraging growth and continuous learning.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

   • Work closely with engineering, design, production, and quality control teams to ensure testing is aligned with product development goals and timelines.

5. Continuous Improvement and Innovation:

   • Lead initiatives to continuously enhance test methodologies, ensuring the team adopts new technologies and techniques to improve product testing and validation.

Qualifications and Skills:

Educational Requirements:

1. • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Systems, or a related field.
   • 8+ years of experience in mechanical testing, test engineering, or a related field, with at least 3-5 years in a managerial or leadership role.

2. Technical Skills:

   • Extensive knowledge of mechanical systems, materials, and testing methods (e.g., tensile, fatigue, vibration, thermal testing).
   • Experience with data analysis software and tools such as MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar platforms for processing and interpreting test data.
   • Strong understanding of industry standards, regulations, and best practices related to mechanical testing (e.g., ISO, ASTM, ASME).
   • Experience with test equipment such as universal testing machines, strain gauges, and environmental test chambers.

3. Leadership and Management Skills:

   • Proven leadership skills with experience managing, developing, and mentoring teams of engineers.
   • Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, allocate resources, and meet deadlines.
   • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy.

4. Soft Skills:

   • Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues and implement effective solutions.
   • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
   • High attention to detail and the ability to make data-driven decisions.
   • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

5. Certifications (Preferred):

   • Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, Lean Manufacturing certifications, or similar qualifications.
   • Certified Test Engineer (CTE) or equivalent certification is a plus.
   • OSHA or other relevant safety certifications are beneficial.