Test Operations Program Manager

Trust Automation•San Luis Obispo, CA

21d•$100,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineering Test Operations Program Manager is a multi-disciplinary role, responsible for the definition, implementation, training, and sustainment of new and existing sites for manufacturing and engineering testing. This strategic planning and oversight role develops the setup, maintenance, logistics, safety, and scheduling of test areas to ensure reliable, efficient, and compliant production operations. The position acts as a liaison between Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Facilities, and Safety teams to ensure all test sites meet operational requirements and regulatory standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related technical field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
3–5 years of experience in production testing, test engineering, or manufacturing operations.
Prior experience in coordinating facilities, logistics, or test site setups strongly preferred.
Strong understanding of production testing methods, equipment, and requirements.
Excellent organizational, planning, and scheduling skills.
Ability to lead training sessions and communicate technical instructions clearly.
Hands-on mechanical and/or electrical aptitude for test equipment setup and troubleshooting.
Knowledge of lean manufacturing, safety standards, and continuous improvement principles.
Proficiency with ERP systems, MS Office Suite, and scheduling tools.
This position may be asked to drive for company purposes during the course of employment. If asked and agreed upon, employees must possess a valid California Driver’s License and clean driving record.
May participate in the identity verification process to access secure client or government portals by authorizing certified supplier or customer management platforms to obtain information from your personal credit profile or other information, solely to verify your identity

Responsibilities

Plan and coordinate the setup and sustainment of production and development test sites.
Ensure test areas are equipped with the required infrastructure, tools, and equipment.
Provide operational oversight of site activities and personnel for compliance with internal procedures, safety rules, and government regulations.
Define, track and maintain all budgetary and spending records related to the creation and use of the test site.
Establish vision and strategies for possible future-states.
Develop and lead the rollout of new test site capabilities and processes.
Apply project management tools and concepts.
Design training on proper test procedures, equipment usage, and safety protocols.
Develop and maintain training materials and standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to the use and maintenance of the test site.
Create and manage Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) for sustained achievement.
Coordinate calibration, repair, and preventive maintenance of test equipment.
Manage inventory of test-related equipment, fixtures, and consumables.
Collaborate with Trust’s internal teams (e.g. Facilities, IT, MFGE, ENG), as well as with external companies to ensure site readiness (power, networking, HVAC, etc.).
Develop and maintain governing schedules, capacity plans, and prioritization frameworks related to test site usage that align with manufacturing requirements.
Ensure prompt and professional communication with all stakeholders regarding the use of a test site.
Partner with production supervisors and program managers to coordinate test priorities and throughput goals.
Identify opportunities to optimize test site efficiency, ergonomics, and safety.
Lead process improvement initiatives, lean manufacturing practices, and cost reduction projects.
Ensure test areas meet Cal-OSHA and company-specific safety standards.
Obtain FAA Part-107 Remote Pilot certificate, lead sUAS drone flight operations.
Lead relevant computer system improvement projects.
Other duties as assigned or approved.