Lead, Test Engineering
About The Position
Every idea starts with a problem. Ours was simple: Boats are special — but they’re loud, pollutant, unreliable, and stuck in the past. Gas-powered boats dominate not because they’re great, but because no better option has existed. Until now. Arc is here to change that. We’re building 100% electric boats from the ground up — quicker, quieter, easier to maintain, and better for the water they ride on. We’re not just swapping gas for batteries. We’re rethinking every detail on the boat — from propulsion and powertrain to software and ownership model — applying first-principles engineering from aerospace and EVs to deliver a better boating experience. Electric boats haven’t taken over yet. The tech hasn’t been ready. The talent hasn’t been focused here. That’s our opportunity — and we’re moving fast. We’re looking for someone who’s fired up by our mission and ready to build. You’ll thrive here if you adapt quickly, take ownership, and care about the details. As Lead, Test Engineering, you’ll be responsible for managing and growing a team of test engineers and technicians. You will play a crucial role in shaping Arc’s approach to product validation, system reliability, and production readiness. This role is ideal for a technical hands-on leader who enjoys building processes, solving hard problems, mentoring talent, and delivering real-world testing results that shape the future of our boats. You’ll work cross-functionally with product design, electrical, mechanical, software, and manufacturing teams to lead and support testing at every stage — from prototype to production. This is a highly collaborative, leadership-intensive role with significant influence across the organization This is a full-time, on-site role at our Los Angeles headquarters. You’ll report to the Leader of Hardware Engineering and work closely with a lean, high-trust team where everyone’s work matters.
Requirements
- 3+ years of experience in product testing, validation, or systems engineering, including hands-on work in lab and field settings
- 1+ years of experience managing technical teams (engineers, technicians, or both)
- Proven track record of delivering effective test campaigns for complex electro-mechanical systems
- Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, instrumentation, data acquisition, and failure analysis
- Working knowledge of test planning, report writing, and documentation
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, hardware-heavy startup or R&D environment
Nice To Haves
- Experience with automotive, aerospace, marine, or high-performance EV systems
- Background in building and managing test labs, field test programs, or production end-of-line testing
- Familiarity with data acquisition tools (e.g., NI, Dewesoft) and test instrumentation (e.g., strain gauges, thermocouples, load cells)
- Hands-on prototyping and fabrication skills (welding, machining, electronics, etc.)
- Passion for boating, clean energy, and electrification
Responsibilities
- Leading and managing the Test Team, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback
- Owning and continuously evolving Arc’s test strategy, infrastructure, and execution across development, qualification, and production phases
- Overseeing the development of test plans, test fixtures, instrumentation strategies, and documentation standards
- Coordinating and prioritizing test campaigns across boat systems — mechanical, electrical, thermal, software — to meet program milestones
- Driving test resource planning, asset management, and lab/facility development
- Supporting the recruitment, onboarding, and career development for team members
- Acting as a key decision-maker on test-related trade-offs between engineering, safety, quality, and time-to-market
- Collaborating with engineering teams to ensure designs are testable and that results translate into actionable product improvements
- Leading root cause analysis and corrective actions for failures or anomalies uncovered during testing
- Ensuring safety protocols and best practices are followed rigorously in both lab and field environments
- Representing the Test team in design reviews, technical discussions, and executive briefings
Benefits
- Ownership – Equity in Arc
- 99% employer-paid health coverage – Medical, dental, and vision
- Arc Water Fund – Annual stipend to get out on the water, however you choose
- Captain Training – Get certified to take the boat out with friends and family
- 401(k) access – Plan your future
- Semi-annual bonuses – Tied to your impact, not just your tenure
- Daily team lunches, snacks, and good coffee while onsite
- Parental leave – Because family comes first
- Boat days – Yes, we actually go out on the water. A lot.
- A chance to define the future of boating
- The ability to drive positive environmental change through your work
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
