The Test Engineering Manager – Mechanical Validation and Qualification leads the planning, execution, and oversight of mechanical testing activities to validate and qualify components, subsystems, and assemblies for compliance with design, performance, and regulatory requirements. This leadership role is responsible for managing multidisciplinary test teams, coordinating cross-functional interfaces, and ensuring rigorous test execution to support product development, certification, and production readiness. The manager provides strategic direction and technical oversight for mechanical test labs, including structural, thermal, vibration, shock, fatigue, and environmental testing.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the mechanical test engineering function, overseeing all validation and qualification activities for new and existing products
Develop and manage test strategies, verification plans, and qualification procedures aligned with product requirements, safety standards, and certification criteria
Direct the design and fabrication of test fixtures, setups, instrumentation schemes, and data acquisition systems
Ensure robust planning and execution of mechanical testing campaigns (static, dynamic, thermal, fatigue, shock, vibration, environmental) across internal labs and external test sites
Manage lab operations including personnel, equipment, calibration, safety protocols, and maintenance of test infrastructure
Interface with design engineering, systems engineering, quality, and manufacturing to align test objectives and resolve test-related design issues
Oversee preparation of test documentation including test plans, procedures, reports, data analyses, and compliance matrices
Support failure analysis, root cause investigation, and corrective action development based on test outcomes
Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810, DO-160, ASTM, ISO) and customer-specific validation protocols
Provide leadership in recruiting, mentoring, and developing a high-performance test engineering team
Key Focus Areas:
Mechanical validation of complex engineered systems under real-world and extreme conditions
Qualification testing for certification, regulatory approval, and design verification
Strategic lab management and resource allocation for mechanical test programs
Design of experiments (DOE), instrumentation strategy, and test data integrity
Cross-functional support for product development and reliability engineering
Qualifications & Skills:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field required
Master’s degree in Engineering or Engineering Management preferred
Certifications:
Six Sigma, ASQ, or PMP certification preferred
Test lab accreditation knowledge (ISO/IEC 17025) is a plus
Experience:
10–15+ years of experience in mechanical test engineering, with at least 5 years in a technical leadership or management role
Demonstrated success in planning and executing validation and qualification test programs for aerospace, defense, automotive, or high-reliability systems
Experience managing test labs, including equipment procurement, personnel leadership, and safety oversight
Strong background in interpreting engineering specifications, test standards, and regulatory requirements
Technical Skills:
Proficient in test instrumentation (strain gauges, thermocouples, load cells, accelerometers), DAQ systems, and signal processing tools (LabVIEW, MATLAB)
Knowledge of test automation, environmental chambers, shakers, and hydraulic systems
Familiarity with CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo) and FEA correlation with test data
Strong documentation skills and familiarity with PLM/test traceability tools
Soft Skills:
High attention to detail and data integrity with a hands-on, practical problem-solving mindset
Strong leadership and team-building skills, including mentoring junior engineers and technicians
Effective communicator across engineering, program management, suppliers, and customers
Organized, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple test campaigns in fast-paced environments