Sr Manager Test Engineering

Itron•Oconee, SC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Itron is innovating new ways for utilities and cities to manage energy and water. We create a more resourceful world to protect essential resources for today and tomorrow. Join us. The Global Test Engineering Manager leads the global test engineering function and is responsible for defining and executing the strategy, development, deployment, standardization, and continuous improvement of manufacturing test solutions across New Product Introduction (NPI) and sustaining product programs. This leader enables high-quality, reliable, and cost-effective test systems that support product performance, manufacturing excellence, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making across global operations. The ideal candidate is a customer-centric and collaborative leader who brings deep technical expertise in electronics manufacturing test engineering, fosters innovation, drives accountability, and thrives in a fast-paced global environment supporting utility and energy technology solutions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
10+ years of progressive experience in electronics manufacturing test engineering, including responsibility for complex products and manufacturing environments.
7+ years of leadership experience managing global, multi-site, or geographically distributed engineering teams.
Demonstrated experience developing and implementing global test engineering strategies and organizational roadmaps.
Strong expertise in In-Circuit Test (ICT), Functional Test, System-Level Test, Reliability Test, and manufacturing test methodologies.
Deep knowledge of Automated Test Equipment (ATE), fixture design, hardware/software integration, test automation, and manufacturing test architectures.
Experience programming and developing automated test solutions using Python, LabVIEW, C#, or similar tools.
Strong understanding of hardware validation, RF testing principles, data acquisition, and test system performance optimization.
Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing operations and working with Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) partners.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, influence stakeholders, and drive measurable business outcomes.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with experience translating complex technical challenges into scalable solutions.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively engage global teams and diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrated commitment to customer-centricity, accountability, collaboration, agility, and innovation.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience supporting connected devices, communication technologies, smart infrastructure, utility, energy, industrial, or IoT products.
Knowledge of manufacturing quality systems, statistical process control, reliability engineering, and failure analysis methodologies.
Experience implementing digital manufacturing, Industry 4.0, test analytics, or factory data integration solutions.
Six Sigma Green Belt, Six Sigma Black Belt, Lean Manufacturing, or similar continuous improvement certification.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Experience leading global standardization initiatives across multiple manufacturing sites and contract manufacturing partners.
Familiarity with regulatory, compliance, and quality requirements applicable to utility, energy, and industrial technology products.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a global test engineering strategy aligned with product development, manufacturing, and operations roadmaps.
Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing global team of test, automation, and manufacturing engineers, fostering an inclusive culture built on collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
Ensure test readiness throughout all phases of New Product Introduction (NPI), including prototype, beta, pilot, and production ramp activities.
Partner with Product Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to deliver scalable, reliable, and customer-focused test solutions that support successful product launches and ongoing manufacturing performance.
Drive early engagement in Design for Test (DFT), manufacturability assessments, risk mitigation planning, and product validation activities to improve product quality and operational outcomes.
Lead structured problem-solving efforts, root cause analysis, and corrective actions to resolve test-related issues during development and production.
Establish and maintain global standards for test platforms, architectures, fixtures, automation frameworks, and engineering processes across internal manufacturing sites and external manufacturing partners.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on test coverage, yield improvement, cycle time reduction, capital efficiency, and overall test performance.
Enable robust test data collection, traceability, analytics, and reporting capabilities that support informed decision-making and integration with factory systems.
Evaluate emerging technologies, tools, and methodologies to promote innovation and strengthen manufacturing competitiveness.
Manage budgets, capital expenditure (CAPEX) planning, equipment strategy, supplier relationships, and external engineering partnerships related to test systems and infrastructure.
Influence cross-functional stakeholders and provide technical leadership to align test engineering priorities with business objectives.
Support global manufacturing operations with an agile mindset while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, delivery, and customer satisfaction.
Champion a culture of technical excellence, authenticity, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across the organization.