The Manufacturing Test Engineering Lead is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining robust test processes that ensure product performance, reliability, and compliance with requirements. Reporting to the System Engineering Manager, this role oversees the creation and execution of test plans and procedures, manages test fixtures and equipment (including thermal and TVAC chambers), and works with test technicians in day-to-day execution. The Test Engineering Lead drives continuous improvement in test capability, automation, documentation, and failure analysis to support efficient, high-quality manufacturing operations.
ResponsibilitiesTest Planning & Execution - Develop, document, and maintain manufacturing test plans, procedures, and acceptance criteria aligned with product requirements and operational needs.
- Oversee the execution of test procedures by test technicians, ensuring proper training, adherence to instructions, and consistent test quality.
- Conduct complex or critical tests directly when required.
- Ensure all test activities comply with internal quality standards and customer or regulatory requirements.
Test Equipment, Fixtures & Automation - Design, support build, and maintain test fixtures, interfaces, and supporting hardware to enable efficient and repeatable testing.
- Configure, maintain, and automate thermal chambers, TVAC chambers, and other environmental test equipment.
- Create and maintain test scripts, automation routines, and data collection tools to improve repeatability and throughput.
- Ensure calibration, readiness, and safe operation of all test equipment.
Troubleshooting & Failure Investigation - Troubleshoot test failures, equipment issues, and anomalies to quickly identify root causes.
- Lead Failure Review Investigations (FRIs), coordinating inputs from engineering, quality, and production.
- Document findings, track corrective actions, and verify closure of issues.
- Provide visibility into recurring failures and recommend design or process improvements.
Collaboration & Documentation - Work closely with engineering, quality, and operations teams to align testing with evolving product needs.
- Maintain accurate documentation, including test reports, fixture documentation, configuration records, and revision history.
- Support manufacturing readiness reviews, process improvements, and continuous-improvement initiatives.
- Train technicians and other stakeholders in new test methods, tools, and procedures.
Ideal Experience - Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
- 5+ years of experience in manufacturing test engineering, hardware testing, or system-level validation.
- Proficiency in test development, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis.
- Experience creating test fixtures or hardware interfaces.
- Ability to interpret engineering documentation, drawings, and requirements.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Clear communicator who can coordinate activities across engineering, quality, and production teams.
Desired Skills - Experience with test equipment automation, Python-based test scripts, or data acquisition systems.
- Strong hands-on experience with environmental testing (thermal, TVAC, vibration, etc.) and related automation.
- Familiarity with enterprise quality or manufacturing systems (ERP/MES/QMS).
- Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, or system-level diagnostic tools.
- Demonstrated ability to lead technicians and manage daily test activities.
Grow with us as we innovate the next generation capabilities for a new era of space exploration! We offer a highly competitive benefits package along with a commitment to our core values of Integrity, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, and Excellence. Don't meet every single requirement above? No worries. We want people who can grow, collaborate and build a stronger team. We strive to build a diverse and inclusive culture, so if you're excited about this job posting, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.Salary Range: $102,000-130,000How We Determine What We Pay (Compensation Philosophy)
Redwire determines pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data, for our locations throughout the US. We will evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index, in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company.
For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant's level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. Additionally, we consider the external market rate, the amount we have budgeted internally, and internal equity within the company for the same position. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.
