Senior Manager, Test Engineering

Ultra Electronics Group; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health and dental

Life insurance

RRSP

Job summary

Ultra Maritime in Nova Scotia is seeking a Senior Manager, Test Engineering to lead the Test Engineering organization and shape the strategic vision for product testing across manufacturing and NPI. You will oversee automated test equipment design, deployment, maintenance, calibration, and lifecycle management to deliver reliable, cost-effective solutions.

The role requires 10+ years in test engineering, 5+ years in leadership, and experience with LabVIEW and test equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in a technical discipline; Master’s preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive test engineering experience in manufacturing.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Test Engineering organization and define the strategic vision for product testing.
• Oversee automated test equipment (ATE) design, deployment, calibration, and lifecycle management.
• Drive continuous improvement, standardize test platforms, and ensure robust test methodologies across product lines.
• Manage budgets, projects, and external supplier relationships; ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Problem Solving

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Lean Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Manufacturing/Computer Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

LabVIEW

Test Equipment Design

Job description

Unleash the Power of Multi-Mission Excellence: Safeguarding the Seas for the World's Navies. Step into a world where cutting-edge technology meets unparalleled expertise. Ultra Maritime pioneers delivering multi-mission solutions that protect and empower the naval forces worldwide. With our extensive portfolio of capabilities, our innovations are utilised on naval fleets across our allied navies around the globe. As the maritime and underwater battlespace evolves, we tirelessly push the boundaries to develop advanced specialist systems that provide our 'five-eyes' Defence customers with an unbeatable warfighting edge. From surface vessels to sub-surface operations and unmanned platforms, we are revolutionising the way naval missions are executed. We thrive on collaboration and partnering with our customers to ensure mission success. Our expert solutions encompass an array of game-changing technologies, including state-of-the-art sonar, radar, expendables, signature management, and naval power systems. Join us in shaping the future of naval warfare and together, we will safeguard the seas and empower navies worldwide!

The Senior Manager, Test Engineering is responsible for leading the Test Engineering organization and developing the strategic vision for product testing across the business. This role oversees all aspects of automated test equipment (ATE), including design, development, deployment, maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management. The position ensures test systems deliver reliable, repeatable, and cost-effective solutions that support manufacturing, new product introduction (NPI), quality, and customer requirements. The Senior Manager will drive continuous improvement initiatives, establish long-term test strategies, and ensure the organization is prepared to support future product technologies, and manufacturing growth.

Nationality Requirements Candidates must be eligible to obtain the relevant security clearance required for the role, due to the nature of the programmes we deliver for our customers.

Leadership & Organizational Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of test engineers, technicians, and support personnel.
• Establish departmental goals, performance metrics, and development plans aligned with company objectives.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Manage staffing, succession planning, training, and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Quality, Product Development, Supply Chain, and Program Management teams.

Test Engineering Oversight

• Direct all test engineering activities supporting manufacturing operations and new product introductions.
• Ensure robust test methodologies, processes, and standards are implemented across all product lines.
• Drive improvements in test coverage, reliability, throughput, yield, and operational efficiency.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities related to test failures and equipment performance.
• Establish and maintain test engineering best practices, design standards, and documentation.

Automated Test Equipment (ATE)

• Provide strategic and operational oversight for all automated test equipment.
• Lead the design, development, validation, implementation, and optimization of ATE solutions.
• Drive standardization of test platforms, hardware architectures, software frameworks, and data collection methodologies.
• Oversee test equipment lifecycle management, including upgrades, obsolescence planning, and capital investment strategies.
• Partner with product development teams to ensure testability is incorporated early in product design.

Equipment Service, Support & Calibration

• Ensure effective service, maintenance, and technical support processes for all test systems.
• Oversee preventive maintenance programs and equipment reliability initiatives.
• Manage calibration programs and ensure compliance with applicable quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor equipment performance and establish KPIs related to uptime, utilization, and operational effectiveness.
• Develop contingency plans to minimize production disruptions resulting from equipment failures.

Strategic Planning & Future Technology Development

• Develop and execute the long-term vision and roadmap for product testing technologies.
• Evaluate emerging test technologies, automation solutions, Industry 4.0 initiatives, artificial intelligence, machine learning applications, and advanced analytics.
• Lead technology assessments and business cases for future test infrastructure investments.
• Drive digital transformation through enhanced data collection, traceability, analytics, and predictive maintenance capabilities.
• Support the company's product roadmap by ensuring test capabilities evolve to meet future requirements.

Project & Financial Management

• Develop departmental budgets and manage capital expenditure plans.
• Lead test equipment development projects from concept through deployment.
• Balance technical, operational, quality, and financial objectives when making business decisions.
• Manage relationships with external suppliers, equipment vendors, and service providers.
• Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and meet performance objectives.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Master's degree preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive experience in test engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams.
• Proven experience with automated test equipment design, implementation, and support.
• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing and new product introduction initiatives.
• Demonstrated success leading complex engineering projects and cross-functional teams.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of automated test systems, instrumentation, controls, and data acquisition systems.
• Experience with LabView for test development and automation platforms.
• Understanding of calibration systems, metrology, and quality system requirements.
• Knowledge of Design for Test (DFT), statistical process control, and manufacturing quality methodologies.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement principles.
• Experience with manufacturing data analytics and Industry 4.0 technologies is preferred.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Organizational Leadership
• Talent Development
• Change Management
• Business Acumen
• Customer Focus
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Results Orientation
• Continuous Improvement Mindset

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Manufacturing yield performance
• Test equipment uptime and reliability
• Calibration compliance rate
• Test coverage effectiveness
• Cost of test reduction
• New product introduction readiness
• Capital project execution
• Engineering team engagement and development
• Test cycle time improvement
• Defect detection and containment effectiveness

Lean Six Sigma certification considered an asset. Will be required to maintain security clearance.

Diverse & Inclusive Employer

Ultra Maritime is an equal opportunities employer that values diversity, inclusion, equity and equality. Underpinned by our values, behaviours, and policies, we want you to feel empowered to be your best and authentic self. We promote a workplace that welcomes people from all backgrounds and cultures; believing that this will increase our diversity of thinking, and ultimately ensure we continue delivering on our commitments to our customers. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status and welcome applications from all candidates.

What’s in it for you?

• We offer a competitive benefits package including extended health and dental, life insurance, RRSP, deferred profit sharing, optional critical illness insurance, an EFAP and student bursaries.
• We encourage regular manager-employee performance feedback, goal alignment and employee development through our Employee Performance Development Plan (EPDP) and offer employee education assistance to allow our people to acquire new qualifications and certifications.
• We are an Equal Opportunities employer and particularly welcome applications from Women, Aboriginal Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Visible Minorities.

Reasonable accommodation statement: If you need an accommodation for any part of the application process, please email [e-mail] Company: Ultra Maritime Learn more about our diverse offering above.

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