Director of Test Engineering

Industrial Electric Manufacturing; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

IEM is seeking a seasoned Director of Test Engineering to lead our test function for low and medium voltage power products at the Jacksonville, FL site. You will design, implement, and maintain world-class test protocols to ensure reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years in test engineering with strong leadership, deep MV/LV knowledge, and a track record of driving cross-functional collaboration in high-reliability manufacturing environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in test engineering, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Deep knowledge of low and medium voltage power equipment, including electrical characteristics and safety.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing test plans in manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of testing per IEEE C37.20 and related standards (UL, IEC, ANSI, NFPA, ASTM).
• Experience with ATE, data acquisition systems, and PLCs is a plus.
• Ambition and track record of growth; capable of taking broader leadership roles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a high-performing test engineering team to support production testing across North America.
• Define the strategic direction of the test engineering function aligned with company goals and roadmaps.
• Support NPI efforts by generating functional test plans for defect-free mass production launches.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure integration of test strategies.
• Design and validate test protocols for low/medium voltage equipment (switchgear, panels, breakers).
• Establish best practices in automated and manual testing; monitor performance per KPIs.
• Drive continuous improvement in testing processes to reduce cost and time-to-market.
• Partner with regulatory bodies to obtain certifications in a timely manner.

Skills

Leadership

Test engineering

Regulatory standards

Electrical power systems

Automated testing

Data analysis

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Automated test equipment

PLCs

Data acquisition systems

Job description

At IEM, we’re not just building innovative electrical distribution systems, we’re shaping the future. IEM is dedicated to delivering world-class solutions for complex power needs. After 75 years, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute, grow, and make a lasting impact on industries that power the world’s most dynamic markets.

IEM is seeking a seasoned and strategic Director of Test Engineering to lead our test engineering function responsible for completing production testing per applicable standards and functional tests for custom low and medium voltage metal enclosed power products. This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining world-class test protocols and processes for low and medium voltage electrical equipment, ensuring product reliability, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate will bring technical expertise in electrical and controls systems related to power distribution, a strong foundation in engineering best practices, and a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, high-reliability manufacturing environment.

This onsite position will report into our VP of Quality and Reliability at our Jacksonville, FL location.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and lead a high-performing test engineering team to support comprehensive production testing for IEM built-products covering various manufacturing facilities across North America.
• Define the strategic direction of the test engineering function aligned with company goals and product roadmaps.
• Working with R&D engineers and Validation test engineers, support New Product Introduction efforts by generating functional test plans to support a defect free product launch for mass production ramp.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, Product Management) to ensure seamless integration of test strategies.

Test Protocol Development

• Design and validate comprehensive test protocols and procedures for low and medium voltage equipment, including switchgear, control panels, circuit breakers, transformers, and related systems.
• Establish and maintain best practices in automated and manual testing methodologies for performance, durability, safety, and compliance.

Process Optimization

• Drive continuous improvement in testing processes, methodologies, and tools to enhance quality, reduce cost, and improve time-to-market.
• Implement robust metrics and KPIs to monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of testing operations

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all test protocols meet relevant industry standards (e.g., UL, IEC, ANSI, IEEE).
• Work closely with regulatory bodies and third-party testing labs to ensure certifications and approvals are obtained in a timely manner.
• Evaluate and adopt emerging testing technologies and methodologies to stay ahead of industry trends.
• Foster a culture of innovation and technical excellence within the test engineering team

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in test engineering or related roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity.
• Deep knowledge of low and medium voltage power equipment, including electrical characteristics, failure modes, and safety considerations.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing test plans and processes in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of testing per IEEE C37.20 and related standards (e.g., UL, IEC, ANSI, NFPA, ASTM).
• Familiarity with automated test equipment (ATE), data acquisition systems, and PLCs is a plus.
• Demonstrated career ambition with a track record of growth and increasing responsibility; highly promotable with the potential to take on broader leadership roles within a fast-paced, high-growth organization
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience working in or with ISO 9001 or similar quality systems.
• Strong analytical mindset with a data-driven approach to problem-solving.
• Passion for mentoring and developing engineering talent.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.

Why Join IEM

At IEM, you’ll join a team that powers some of the world’s most ambitious projects. We’re engineers, makers, and problem-solvers who thrive on tackling complex challenges and delivering solutions that keep industries moving forward. If you’re driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you. Your creativity and passion can help us achieve great things—come be part of the journey.

We offer comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being, growth, and long-term success. View a snapshot of our benefits at https://www.iemfg.com/careers

Non-Discrimination Statement

IEM does not discriminate against any applicant based on any characteristic protected by law.