Test Engineering Manager

About Us:

Panelmatic, Inc. was founded in 1957 in Youngstown, OH to serve manufacturing industries with the design and build of custom electrical, instrument, and pneumatic control panels. Our business has sufficiently grown over the years to support expansion for our clients. We have produced control packages for many of America's top corporations in the chemical, environmental, food, pulp and paper, rubber, petroleum, pharmaceutical, glass, metals, and utilities industries. We also deliver equipment for use worldwide. Our rigorous methodology assures compliance with domestic and international standards. We can meet the needs of our diverse clientele from start to finish through sales, design, fabrication, testing, and delivery.

Since 1957, we have been known for our high-quality, custom-built control packages, our comprehensive service, and our technological and manufacturing expertise. This expertise assures you of our ability to handle the largest and most complex packages quickly and efficiently.

Requirements:
Job Summary:

Panelmatic is seeking a detail-oriented experienced Quality Control Inspector.

The Test Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the development, execution, and continuous improvement of product testing and verification processes in support of manufacturing operations. This role ensures that testing methods, equipment, and data systems meet internal requirements, customer specifications, and applicable industry standards.

This position provides technical direction to test technicians and test operators, sets the testing strategy for the facility, and uses data-driven analysis to drive reliability improvements, reduce defects, and resolve top product and process issues. The role is responsible for test work instructions, test method development, equipment calibration oversight, and cross-functional collaboration to improve product quality, safety, and performance.

Job Duties:

Test Engineering Leadership & Team Development

• Provide technical leadership, direction, and daily prioritization for test technicians and test operators.
• Coach and develop testing personnel to ensure competency, consistency, and adherence to test methods.
• Identify training needs and coordinate skill development for test personnel.
• ·Participate in hiring, performance evaluations, and succession planning for the test team.

Test Strategy, Method Development & Validation

• Define and implement facility test strategy to support product qualification, production verification, and continuous improvement goals.
• Develop, document, and validate test methods, test procedures, and test plans consistent with customer requirements and applicable standards.
• Establish test acceptance criteria and test limits based on engineering requirements, risk evaluation, and statistical analysis.
• Lead testing system design and continuous improvement, including automation and data collection enhancements.
• Ensure test methods support traceability, repeatability, and reproducibility (including MSA and gage R&R where applicable).Assist in training the production team on quality control measures to improve product excellence.

Test Execution Oversight & Equipment Management

• Ensure all testing activities are executed consistently and accurately, including functional performance, environmental, endurance, and safety testing as required.
• Provide troubleshooting support and technical guidance during test failures, anomalies, and unexpected results.
• Oversee calibration and verification of test equipment, instruments, and measurement devices in accordance with internal procedures and ISO requirements.
• Manage test equipment maintenance schedules and coordinate repairs or replacements.
• Evaluate new test equipment needs and support justification, procurement, installation, and qualification activities.

Data-Driven Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Use test and production data to identify trends, recurring issues, and leading indicators of failure or defect risk.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) related to test failures, product performance concerns, and reliability issues.
• Develop dashboards and key performance indicators (KPIs) for test performance, yield, defect modes, and equipment uptime.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to implement effective corrective actions and verify results through testing.
• Drive improvements to test efficiency, accuracy, cycle time, and cost.

Compliance, Documentation & Process Control

• Maintain compliance with ISO 9001:2015 requirements applicable to testing operations.
• Develop, maintain, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions (WIs), and test documentation.
• Ensure accurate test records, traceability, and documentation control consistent with quality management system requirements.
• Support internal and external audits for test-related processes and respond to audit findings as needed.
• Ensure test processes follow safety requirements, risk assessments, and safe work practices.

Cross-Functional Engineering Support

• Partner with design engineering to support product validation, design verification, and qualification testing.
• Support manufacturing engineering on process changes, new product introduction (NPI), and validation activities.
• Provide technical input to PFMEA, control plans, and risk assessments related to test and verification methods.
• Participate in customer and supplier discussions related to test requirements, failures, and corrective actions.
• Present test performance metrics, issue investigations, and improvement progress to management and stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering or related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in test engineering, manufacturing test, product validation, or reliability engineering with electrical switchgear, industrial control and relay panels and industrial modular buildings (Packaged Equipment Centers)
• Experience supervising, leading, or mentoring technicians or engineering staff.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015.
• Experience with test method development, documentation, and validation.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with experience in root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methods (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa).
• Familiarity with statistical and quality tools (SPC, MSA, gage R&R, Cp/Cpk).
• Proficiency with test data systems, dashboards, and reporting tools (Excel, Minitab, Power BI, or equivalent).
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
• Ability to pass physical, drug, driving, and background check required
• Alignment with company core values required

Benefits:
• Medical, dental, vision, HSA, term life, AD&D, STD, LTD
• 100% medical premium paid for by Panelmatic for the employee-only level medical coverage
• 80% paid for by Panelmatic and 20% paid for by the employee on all other level medical coverage (i.e. employee plus child, employee plus spouse, family)
• 401(k) contributions matched 100% up to 4%
• Scholarships, educational reimbursement, paid volunteerism, and paid personal and professional development provided
• PTO and paid holidays provided
• Career advancement opportunities
• Competitive wages
• Family-friendly environment with average employee tenure above five years