About the role:The
Manufacturing Test Manager leads all testing of precision dispensing head assemblies before they ship, from incoming inspection through final leak and functional release. You will develop and carry out a test strategy that supports production schedules, standardize test processes and SOPs, and drive root cause analysis on test failures. The role makes the go/no-go release decision on each unit and works closely with production, supplier quality and our international engineering team.
DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:Test strategy and operations- Develop and implement a manufacturing test strategy that supports production schedules and business goals.
- Oversee test operations day to day: scheduling, staffing, equipment and throughput against the production plan.
- Own the full test lifecycle, from test requirements and test plans through execution, defect tracking and reporting.
- Own leak, pressure-decay and functional test procedures; set pass/fail criteria with engineering.
- Maintain golden reference units so results stay comparable over time.
- Keep test fixtures and instruments calibrated and maintained to minimize downtime.
- Allocate and manage test resources, including people, equipment and budget.
Failure analysis and continuous improvement- Lead root cause analysis on test failures using 8D, 5-Why and fishbone methods, and track corrective actions to closure.
- Design and run structured test plans (DOE) to isolate causes such as seal gland depth, bore surface finish, burrs and cleaning residue.
- Arrange outside metrology when in-house capability falls short.
- Drive continuous improvement and cost reduction through test automation and process simplification.
- Evaluate and introduce new test technologies, tools and methods.
Quality and compliance- Standardize test processes, SOPs, work instructions and records under the ISO 9001 quality system.
- Execute nonconformance (NCR) and CAPA procedures tied to test results.
- Establish and monitor KPIs for yield, throughput and quality, and brief senior leadership on performance and risks.
- Support CE marking and customer audits with complete, traceable test records.
New product introduction and cross-functional work - Support new product introduction and design transfer, including test method development and validation.
- Work with supplier quality on incoming inspection of machined parts; feed test data back to suppliers.
- Partner with assembly teams on build practices that affect test yield.
- Represent test in cross-functional forums and act as the site test contact for the international engineering team.
People leadership- Hire, train, certify and mentor test technicians; lead performance reviews and career development.
- matrix current and build a culture of accurate data and early escalation.
Requirements- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, electrical or quality engineering, or equivalent experience.
- 7+ years in test, quality or manufacturing engineering for precision instruments, medical devices or fluidic assemblies
- 2+ years managing technicians or a manufacturing test team.
- Hands-on experience with leak and pressure-decay testing and sealing design (O-rings, gland dimensions).
- Working knowledge of GD&T, surface finish specs and reading mechanical drawings.
- Proven use of structured RCA methods (8D, 5-Why, fishbone) and statistics (SPC, Cp/Cpk, DOE).
- Experience working under ISO 9001, including NCR/CAPA and document control.
- Experience with SAP or an equivalent ERP system.
- Strong communication at all levels and the ability to make independent, informed decisions under tight deadlines and changing priorities
Preferred qualifications- Experience with liquid-handling or life-science lab automation instruments.
- Familiarity with surface metrology (profilometry or optical measurement systems) and machined-part cleanliness (deburring, residue).
- Knowledge of stainless steel grades for machined parts and passivation.
- Background in Lean Manufacturing; ASQ certification (CQE, CQM or CRE) or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.
- Test automation experience, such as LabVIEW or Python.
- Experience with CE marking technical files and customer or notified-body audits.
- Multi-site experience working with an overseas engineering or parent-company team.
Benefits - 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
