Director of Testing

Smart Wires Inc • Durham, NC

108d

About The Position

Smart Wires provides advanced power flow control solutions and analytics that enable controllable power systems. This gives grid operators more control over where power flows and helps them use their existing networks more efficiently. Our solutions support system reliability, reduce congestion, and make it easier to integrate new load and generation while minimizing costs and community disruption. We collaborate with customers to achieve their strategic objectives and help them face an uncertain energy future with flexible, high-impact solutions. As our Director of Testing, you will define and lead our global testing and quality strategy — ensuring our technologies meet the highest standards of reliability, performance, and safety. This is a high-impact leadership role with visibility across the organization. You will guide a global team, partner with engineering, operations, and customer-facing groups, and build a culture that reflects our core values: ownership, resilience, impact, and inclusive excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• 5+ years in power, energy, or utilities with 3+ years in testing/QA leadership.
• Experience developing and deploying manufacturing test systems at scale.
• Proven experience as a technical leader for transmission and distribution grid standards (IEEE, IEC, utility-specific).
• Strong knowledge of T&D equipment testing methodologies and compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with test automation tools (LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python), PLM/MES systems, and test execution systems.
• Experience with PCBA/electronic assembly testing, ESS/HASS testing, and calibration programs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead global teams, manage complex programs, and deliver results.
• Willingness to travel up to 40% annually (domestic and occasional international travel).

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in data acquisition systems and statistical analysis software.
• Experience with digitalization of test fields and predictive analytics.
• Six Sigma, Lean, or other continuous improvement certification.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute Smart Wires’ global testing and QA strategy, aligning with business goals and product roadmaps.
• Standardize and continuously improve testing methodologies and best practices across the organization.
• Establish KPIs and metrics that measure test performance, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Develop a long-term roadmap for testing infrastructure, capacity planning, and staffing.
• Direct and mentor a global organization covering contract manufacturers, factory, R&D, and field testing.
• Partner with HR to drive workforce planning, hiring, and succession efforts.
• Build training programs and career pathways that grow technical expertise and leadership capability.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement — celebrating wins and learning from challenges.
• Standardize test methodologies and ensure global consistency and efficiency.
• Oversee test infrastructure strategy, calibration, and maintenance programs to maximize uptime and compliance.
• Lead digitalization efforts to connect test systems, automate data collection, and deliver actionable insights.
• Manage budgets, resources, and ROI for testing investments while maintaining safety and exceeding quality standards.
• Integrate testing into every stage of the product life cycle, championing design-for-testability.
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, and project teams to accelerate time-to-market and resolve issues quickly.
• Present data-driven insights and risk assessments to senior leadership to guide product and operational decisions.
• Collaborate with commercial sales support to include interfacing with customers as needed as it relates to testing.

Benefits

• Unlimited annual leave.
• Eighteen weeks of paid parental leave to support you and your family.
• Competitive total compensation packages that include salary, bonus and equity.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees