Senior Manager, Test Engineering

Senior Manager, Test EngineeringAbout the OpportunityOur 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.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & 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.
QualificationsEducation
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Master's degree preferred.
Experience
10+ years of progressive experience in test engineering within a manufacturing environment.
5+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams.
Proven experience with automated test equipment design, implementation, and support.
Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing and new product introduction initiatives.
Demonstrated success leading complex engineering projects and cross-functional teams.
Technical Skills
Strong knowledge of automated test systems, instrumentation, controls, and data acquisition systems.
Experience with LabVIEW for test development and automation platforms.
Understanding of calibration systems, metrology, and quality system requirements.
Knowledge of Design for Test (DFT), statistical process control, and manufacturing quality methodologies.
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement principles.
Experience with manufacturing data analytics and Industry 4.0 technologies is considered an asset.
Leadership Competencies
Strategic Thinking
Organizational Leadership
Talent Development
Change Management
Business Acumen
Customer Focus
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Problem Solving & Decision Making
Results Orientation
Continuous Improvement Mindset
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Manufacturing yield performance
Test equipment uptime and reliability
Calibration compliance rate
Test coverage effectiveness
Cost of test reduction
New product introduction readiness
Capital project execution
Engineering team engagement and development
Test cycle time improvement
Defect detection and containment effectiveness
Additional Requirements
Lean Six Sigma certification is considered an asset.
Must be eligible to obtain and maintain the required security clearance.
Experience working within highly regulated manufacturing, aerospace, defense, marine, industrial technology, or similarly complex engineering environments is advantageous.
Compensation & BenefitsA competitive total rewards package is offered, including:
Extended health and dental coverage
Life insurance
RRSP program
Deferred profit-sharing plan
Optional critical illness insurance
Employee and family assistance program (EFAP)
Educational assistance and student bursary programs.
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