Test Engineering Manager

About Company:

Element U.S. Space & Defense stands at the forefront of testing innovation, serving as a trusted partner to NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, government agencies, and prominent industry leaders across the space and defense sectors. Founded as NTS Technical Systems, our company brings over 60 years of experience and expertise in handling the most complex projects and programs in the world.

From centrifuge testing for the latest Mars rover, vibration testing for the Space Launch System (SLS), to environmental simulations for next-generation missiles, we are the pioneering partner for highly custom, end-to-end testing design and implementation. By advancing our state-of-the-art testing technologies, subject matter expertise, and service to critical missions, Element U.S. Space & Defense has become the go-to partner for ground-breaking industries. 

What We Offer:

Growth & Development:

• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment.
• The chance to work on groundbreaking projects that shape the future of space and defense.
  
  

Benefits:
Employees are eligible to participate in the benefits offered throughout their availability, including the following: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts
• Seven (7) paid holidays and four (4) paid floating holidays, depending on your hire date
• Paid Time Off (PTO), accrued biweekly
• 401k with employer match 
• Twelve (12) hours of Paid Volunteer Time Off (PVTO) each year
• Tuition reimbursement and other employee programs
• Flexible schedules offered at some of our labs 
• Monthly Lab Bonus plans (Based on position)

About the Role:

Plans and oversees the engineering activities for a group of engineers which may include different disciplines (mechanical and/or electrical). This role will be responsible for developing new designs, proposing budgets for engineering-related projects and overseeing all the activities related to each project, and work alongside the engineers on various testing projects.

 Primary Responsibilities:

• Designs, implements, and refines test engineering processes
• Manage and guide the activities of the engineering function; plan engineering projects and oversee the efficient running of those projects
• Recruit and manage engineers, providing supervision and guidance to the team; act as liaison between team and upper management.  Hire, train, coach, and develop engineers.
• Assess the feasibility of potential engineering projects and determine and assign resources to complete them
• Assures that processes meet quality and safety compliance guidelines
• Engage with Application Engineers in the development of proposals
• Evaluate results of mechanical design and test to assure accomplishment of technical objectives
• Ensures that proper documentation, such as test specifications and procedures, is provided to the appropriate functional area
• Lead research and development of projects that produce new designs and processes
• Work with vendors to scope proper equipment
• Work with customers on an as needed basis for the project 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• 5 years' experience working in a production or technical environment as an engineering manager
• Experience in leading and managing a team of engineers to deliver high-quality services on time and within budget
• Experience in managing technical engineering projects
• Must be able to work onsite in a lab daily 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in engineering or physics
• 8 years' experience working in a production or technical environment as an engineering manager 
• Professional Engineering license
• Masters Degree in Business (MBA) 

Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to red line engineering drawings, test procedures, test standards
• Critical and analytical thinking for evaluating information carefully and solving complex problems
• Ability to innovate and solve problems with creative solutions as needed, with the ability to pivot and try new approaches when faced with challenges
• Expert-level knowledge of sector technology and processes
• Must demonstrate foresight and mature judgement in planning and organizing projects
• Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments
• Ability to effectively communicate instructions while leading the teams to meet their goals   
• Detailed oriented for understanding complex systems
• Leadership, teambuilding, and people management skills to effectively manage engineers
• Team player who can collaborate with others working at the plant and with functional corporate leader
• Must maintain technical knowledge including technical competence of national standards and codes
• Able to muti-task and prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Comfortable working with maintenance and electrical staff for optimal equipment functioning
• Ability to work with external customers and vendors to manage equipment and 

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel; crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

EEO Policy Statement: 

It is the policy of NTS to offer Equal Employment Opportunity to all individuals without regards to race, creed, ancestry, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, physical disabilities, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions.

 Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V