🚀 Director of Test Engineering

Industrial Electric Mfg. (IEM) is the largest independent full-line manufacturer of custom power distribution systems in North America. Founded more than 75 years ago in Fremont, California, IEM grew alongside Silicon Valley and today operates over 1.7 million square feet of manufacturing capacity. With $1B+ in annual sales and 10,000+ commissioned projects across technology, data centers, commercial, energy, utilities, healthcare, industrial, and infrastructure markets, IEM continues to deliver exceptional product quality, dependable service, and the flexibility to meet complex technical requirements at scale.

IEM is seeking a seasoned and strategic Director of Test Engineering to lead our test engineering function responsible for completing production testing per applicable standards and functional tests for custom low and medium voltage metal enclosed power products. This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining world-class test protocols and processes for low and medium voltage electrical equipment, ensuring product reliability, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate will bring technical expertise in electrical and controls systems related to power distribution, a strong foundation in engineering best practices, and a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, high-reliability manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and lead a high-performing test engineering team to support comprehensive production testing for IEM built-products covering various manufacturing facilities across North America.
• Define the strategic direction of the test engineering function aligned with company goals and product roadmaps.
• Working with R&D engineers and Validation test engineers, support New Product Introduction efforts by generating functional test plans to support a defect free product launch for mass production ramp.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, Product Management) to ensure seamless integration of test strategies.

Test Protocol Development

• Design and validate comprehensive test protocols and procedures for low and medium voltage equipment, including switchgear, control panels, circuit breakers, transformers, and related systems.
• Establish and maintain best practices in automated and manual testing methodologies for performance, durability, safety, and compliance.

Process Optimization

• Drive continuous improvement in testing processes, methodologies, and tools to enhance quality, reduce cost, and improve time-to-market.
• Implement robust metrics and KPIs to monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of testing operations.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all test protocols meet relevant industry standards (e.g., UL, IEC, ANSI, IEEE).
• Work closely with regulatory bodies and third-party testing labs to ensure certifications and approvals are obtained in a timely manner.
• Evaluate and adopt emerging testing technologies and methodologies to stay ahead of industry trends.
• Foster a culture of innovation and technical excellence within the test engineering team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in test engineering or related roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity.
• Deep knowledge of low and medium voltage power equipment, including electrical characteristics, failure modes, and safety considerations.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing test plans and processes in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of testing per IEEE C37.20 and related standards (e.g., UL, IEC, ANSI, NFPA, ASTM).
• Familiarity with automated test equipment (ATE), data acquisition systems, and PLCs is a plus.
• Demonstrated career ambition with a track record of growth and increasing responsibility; highly promotable with the potential to take on broader leadership roles within a fast-paced, high-growth organization.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience working in or with ISO 9001 or similar quality systems.
• Strong analytical mindset with a data-driven approach to problem-solving.
• Passion for mentoring and developing engineering talent.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.

IEM does not discriminate against any applicant based on any characteristic protected by law.