Royal Switchgear, an MPS Company. Take your next career step with Royal Switchgear Manufacturing (
a Maclean Power Systems Company), a leader in engineering, design, and manufacturing of critical electrical infrastructure solutions. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a
Product Reliability Manager who is responsible for focusing on improving product reliability, durability, and performance of Royal Switchgear products. The successful candidate will be a results-oriented team player with strong analytical skills, a process improvement mindset, detail orientation, and excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
Location: Onsite - Bessemer, Alabama
What You'll Do- Lead product reliability strategy: set reliability targets, perform FMEA, Weibull and life-data analysis (MTBF/MTTR) for switchgear products and components.
- Design test programs for components and complete assemblies (HALT/HASS, accelerated life test, thermal cycling, vibration, electrical endurance, dielectric/insulation tests).
- Specify, design, and build custom test apparatus, fixtures, and jigs required to replicate field stresses and validation scenarios.
- Set up, commission, and operate test rigs and instrumentation (data acquisition, environmental chambers, power supplies, relays, load banks).
- Develop test procedures, protocols, and pass/fail criteria; ensure repeatability, traceability, and calibration of test equipment.
- Execute tests, capture and analyze test data, produce detailed test reports, and translate findings into actionable design changes.
- Lead root-cause analysis on product failures and field returns; recommend design, material, or process changes and verify fixes via testing.
- Collaborate closely with design engineering, product validation, and manufacturing to incorporate DfR/DfM practices and plan design verification.
- Maintain reliability documentation: test plans, life-cycle predictions, reliability databases, and validation evidence for product sign-off.
- Support new product introduction with reliability verification, test campaigns, and acceptance criteria.
- Train engineering and lab technicians on test setups, safety, and data collection best practices.
- Manage external test labs and vendor testing when needed; oversee third-party test contracts and coordinate sample logistics.
What You'll Need to Excel in This Role- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Reliability Engineering, or related discipline.
- 3+ years' experience in product reliability, test engineering, or design validation-preferably with switchgear, breakers, relays, or power distribution equipment.
- Proven experience designing test apparatus, fixtures, and setting up/operating reliability test rigs.
- Strong knowledge of reliability methods (FMEA, RCM, Weibull), environmental and electrical testing standards.
- Hands-on proficiency with data acquisition systems, instrumentation, environmental chambers, and test automation.
- Ability to interpret electrical/mechanical drawings, specify components, and prototype fixtures.
- Strong analytical skills (Excel, Minitab, or equivalent) and experience writing clear test reports.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Preferred- Experience with HALT/HASS, accelerated aging, and accelerated life test design.
- Familiarity with relevant standards (IEC, IEEE) for switchgear and insulation testing.
- Experience with LabVIEW, Python, or test automation tools.
- Six Sigma or reliability-centered maintenance exposure.
Competencies/Skills- Strong computer skills in Excel, Word, MS Office suite
- Strong analytical skills with a high-level of attention to detail and business process
- Strong skills in developing and presenting performance metrics reports
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with others
- Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret data
- Ability to prepare and present comprehensive reports
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, including preparing and presenting information
- Ability to work independently and be self-directed as needed
- WMS experience and knowledge preferred
- ERP system knowledge (JD Edwards preferred)
Working Conditions- Primarily engineering lab and office environment with regular hands-on work in test labs; occasional shop-floor or customer site visits.
- Must follow safety procedures when working with high-voltage test equipment and environmental chambers.
Total Rewards Offering:MPS offers a competitive compensation package; including a bonus potential based on company performance and a dynamic work environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and professional growth. A comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision, 401k with employer match, employer-paid disability and more...
