Test Engineering Manager - Development

Edwards Vacuum; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lifelong learning

Career progression

Health & wellbeing programs

On-site work environment

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Edwards Vacuum in Eastbourne, United Kingdom, seeks a Test Engineering Manager for Product Development to shape the site-wide test strategy and lead the Test Development team from concept through volume manufacturing.

You will drive DFT, test architectures, and integration with Operations, Quality, and Engineering to ensure robust, scalable test solutions. A strong leadership track record and expertise in PCB/PCBA testing are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in hands-on test engineering within electronics or systems development.
• Experience leading Test Engineering teams with mentoring and hiring.
• Proven ability to define test strategies, standards and architectures across products.
• Strong knowledge of Design for Test (DFT) and test coverage optimization.
• Experience from NPI to volume production with formal handover processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Test Development team and promote collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Define site-wide test strategies for PCA and final product testing aligned with business goals.
• Oversee development and standardization of test architectures (hardware, fixtures, software, data capture).
• Embed DFT principles into product development to optimize test coverage.
• Collaborate with Test Engineering - Operations, Engineering, Quality for smooth handover.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality regs and ISO standards (9001, 45001).
• Lead governance processes for design reviews, validations, change controls, releases.
• Drive automation and data-driven methods to improve effectiveness and cost.

Skills

Leadership

DFT

Test strategy

NPI to mass prod

Stakeholder Mgmt

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Keysight

SAP

Job description

Your role

As the Test Engineering Manager for Product Development at Edwards, you'll take a pivotal role in shaping and executing the comprehensive test strategy across site-wide operations. Reporting directly to the Engineering Manager, your leadership will be crucial in guiding the design, development, and deployment of test solutions that are robust, scalable, and repeatable, supporting new product innovations from initial concept stages through to full volume manufacturing.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Leading a highly skilled Test Development team; fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement through mentoring, coaching, and effective communication.
• Defining the site wide test strategies for PCA and final product testing, ensuring these align seamlessly with Edwards’ business goals, product roadmaps, and adhere to global quality and performance standards.
• Overseeing the development and standardization of test architectures—including hardware, fixtures, software, diagnostics, and data capture systems to maximize efficiency and repeatability across multiple product lines.
• Advocating and embedding Design for Test (DFT) principles into the product development cycle, influencing design decisions at concept, prototype, and production stages to optimize test coverage and enhance manufacturing productivity.
• Collaborating cross-functionally with Test Engineering - Operations, Engineering functional teams, Quality, to assure smooth handover and production readiness of test systems and products.
• Maintaining compliance with all applicable safety standards, quality regulations, and certifications, including ISO 9001 and ISO 45001, ensuring the company’s commitment to safe and sustainable operations.
• Leading governance processes related to test development activities such as design reviews, validation workflows, change controls, and production release milestones to maintain excellence and accountability.
• Pioneering innovative approaches incorporating automation and data-driven methodologies to boost test effectiveness, system robustness, and cost efficiency.

To succeed, you will need

To Excel In This Role, You Will Need

• A minimum of five years of hands-on experience in test engineering within electronics or system development sectors.
• Proven expertise in developing test solutions for PCBA function testing and/or in-circuit testing, with familiarity preferred in platforms such as Keysight.
• Demonstrated leadership skills managing Test Engineering teams, including mentoring, performance management, and talent acquisition.
• Strong track record in defining test strategies, standards, and architectures across multiple product families or platforms.
• In-depth knowledge of Design for Test (DFT) methodologies, diagnostic development, and optimization of test coverage.
• Experience overseeing test development through all stages from New Product Introduction (NPI) to volume production, including formal handover procedures.
• Advanced analytical skills with a history of leading complex investigations bridging design, testing, and manufacturing.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement capabilities to influence a diverse range of teams internationally.
• Solid grasp of relevant safety, quality, and compliance frameworks governing test equipment and processes.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP and advanced competence with Microsoft Office tools to support planning, reporting, and financial oversight.
• Desirable qualifications include an engineering degree in electronics, test, manufacturing, or a related discipline, practical experience with Lean and Continuous Improvement methodologies, and background in SMT and through-hole assembly processes in global engineering environments.

In return, we offer

• Be part of a trusting and accountable workplace culture that values your contributions and encourages open communication.
• Access opportunities for lifelong learning, professional development, and career progression within a global leader in Vacuum Technique.
• Contribute to a work environment where innovation is driven by people, supported by cutting-edge technologies and collaborative teamwork.
• Enjoy a comprehensive package of compensation and benefits designed to support your financial security and work-life balance.
• Benefit from health and well-being programs aimed at supporting your physical, mental, and emotional health.
• Work onsite in a collaborative setting that promotes face-to-face engagement with diverse, talented colleagues.
• Be empowered to drive technical excellence and make meaningful impact across product development and manufacturing.

Job location

This position is based at our Edwards Ltd facility in Eastbourne, United Kingdom. The role requires on-site presence to harness the benefits of direct collaboration with multifunctional teams and hands‑on leadership in the test development environment.

Uniting curious minds

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