Test Engineering Manager

Actalent•Burnsville, MN

32d•$55 - $65•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager of Test Engineering leads the full lifecycle of environmental and functional testing for systems operating in harsh or critical climates. This role emphasizes people leadership while maintaining strong technical oversight, ensuring testing meets contractual, quality, and budget requirements. The Manager fosters a high-performing, inclusive, and forward-looking team culture.

Requirements

Test engineering expertise with 12+ years technical experience and 5+ years direct leadership.
BS degree in engineering.
Proven track record of technical delivery and customer engagement.
Direct experience with environmental and functional testing, including humidity, temperature, shock, vibration, airborne noise, structureborne noise, enclosure, pressure, EMI/EMC.
Hands-on experience with compliance standards like the person-STD-901, the person-STD-810, the person-STD-461.

Nice To Haves

Proven ability to grow people and develop future leaders.
Solid organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple test programs and priorities.
Comfortable with clear and confident written and verbal communication.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, test management tools, and configuration/data management systems.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

Create and execute comprehensive staff growth, technical development, and succession plans to ensure organizational depth and readiness.
Provide structured coaching and mentoring that raises both technical expertise and professional maturity across the team.
Establish and enforce clear role definitions, balanced workloads, and performance accountability.
Build and sustain strong relationships with customers, vendors, and suppliers.
Act as a visible leader who sets expectations, addresses performance issues directly, and develops future leaders within the organization.
Promote and model a culture of candid feedback, constructive debate, and mutual respect.
Serve as the primary advocate for the Test Engineering organization within the company.
Lead and oversee all environmental and functional testing, ensuring compliance with applicable standards.
Maintain holistic control of the testing process from procedure development through execution.
Manage calibration, preventive maintenance, and upgrades for lab equipment.
Plan, forecast, and manage budgets for capital improvements, staffing, and operating costs.
Identify and implement test capability enhancements aligned with future program needs.
Lead external customer-facing presentations and technical communications.