Testing Manager in CHAMPLIN, Minnesota at States Manufacturing LLC

Position Summary

The Testing Manager is responsible for leading and developing the testing organization supporting the manufacture of low and medium voltage electrical switchgear. This role provides strategic direction for testing capabilities, ensures safe and compliant execution of testing activities, and develops a technically strong, accountable testing team. The Testing Manager partners closely with Quality, Engineering, and Operations leadership and reports directly to the Quality Director. This role is also responsible for clearly communicating testing performance, risks, and corrective actions to executive and senior leadership audiences.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop Test Engineers and Test Technicians.
• Establish clear expectations, performance goals, and development plans for the testing team.
• Build technical depth and leadership capability within the testing organization.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure required training, certifications, and qualifications are maintained.

Testing Strategy and Execution

• Develop and maintain testing strategies for low and medium voltage switchgear, including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).
• Ensure test plans, procedures, and documentation are accurate, current, and consistently applied across programs.
• Plan and balance testing resources to support production schedules, project timelines, and customer commitments.
• Provide leadership oversight of testing execution without acting as a routine hands on tester.

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Project teams to define test requirements and resolve test related issues.
• Provide structured feedback to Engineering regarding design robustness, manufacturability, and testability.
• Support resolution of nonconformances related to testing outcomes.
• Root Cause and Corrective Action
• Lead and participate in formal Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) activities related to test failures, safety incidents, and systemic process issues.
• Ensure corrective actions are clearly defined, implemented, and verified for effectiveness.

Safety, Quality, and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all electrical safety requirements including OSHA, NFPA, lockout/tagout, and PPE standards.
• Ensure testing activities meet applicable standards such as UL, IEEE, NEMA, and customer specifications.
• Support Quality Management System requirements as they relate to testing activities.
• Oversee calibration, maintenance, and readiness of testing equipment and test assets.

Continuous Improvement and Capability Building

• Identify opportunities to improve test efficiency, consistency, repeatability, and throughput.
• Lead development and maintenance of standardized test procedures, work instructions, and training and onboarding materials.
• Evaluate future testing needs and recommend investments in equipment, tools, automation, or staffing.

Communication and Representation

• Communicate testing performance, risks, and capability gaps clearly to the Quality Director.
• Prepare and present testing performance, risks, and corrective action status to executive and senior leadership groups.
• Represent the testing function during internal reviews, customer interactions, and audits as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in electrical power systems, testing, or manufacturing environments.
• Strong working knowledge of low and medium voltage switchgear and power distribution systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading and mentoring technical teams.
• Demonstrated experience leading formal Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) activities.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Strong understanding of electrical safety practices and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to executive level audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing testing or commissioning teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) for switchgear or power distribution equipment.
• Familiarity with protective relays, controls, PLC, and HMI systems.
• Experience with UL, IEEE, NEMA, or customer specific electrical standards.
• Experience supporting ISO 9001 or similar quality management systems.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience.

Skills and Competencies

• Strategic thinking and systems level perspective.
• Technical credibility with engineers and technicians.
• Coaching, mentoring, and people development.
• Executive level communication and presentation skills.
• Risk assessment and structured problem solving.
• Cross functional leadership and collaboration.
• Planning, prioritization, and disciplined execution.

Benefits:

• PTO/ESST
• Paid holidays
• $100 individual deductible and $300 family deductible health insurance
• Paid Weekly
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• 401K / Life Insurance / STD

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