Electrical Test Engineering Manager

Sterling Engineering; Fontana (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking an Electrical Test Engineering Manager in Fontana, CA. The role involves leading a team responsible for all electrical testing activities related to power distribution projects. Candidates should have over 5 years of experience in testing electrical equipment, possess strong leadership skills, and have knowledge of electrical safety and compliance standards. This is a hands-on position requiring close collaboration with engineering and production teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in electrical or power equipment testing, ideally in substations or switchgear.
• Strong hands-on experience with testing of protective relays and MV switchgear.
• NETA certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the electrical testing team for power and control enclosures.
• Coordinate testing schedule with Engineering and Production.
• Monitor testing progress and troubleshoot critical issues as they arise.
• Review project specifications and ensure compliance with requirements.
• Develop and improve testing procedures and documentation.

Skills

Electrical testing leadership

AC/DC functional testing

Team management

Quality improvement

Electrical safety practice

Education

Technical degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Testing equipment

Job description

Compensation: $95,000-$130,000/year + 10% bonus

Position Summary

The Electrical Test Engineering Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all electrical testing activities for substation control house and enclosure-based power distribution projects. Reporting to the Director of Design & Engineering, this role manages the test engineering and technician team, ensuring testing is executed safely, accurately, on schedule, and within budget.

This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for someone with a strong background in power equipment and switchgear testing who can balance technical execution with team leadership and continuous process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the electrical testing team responsible for testing all components within power and control enclosures (E-Houses).
• Own the testing schedule and coordinate closely with Engineering and Production to align with overall project timelines.
• Monitor daily testing progress, provide technical guidance, and troubleshoot critical issues as they arise.
• Review project specifications, drawings, and schematics to ensure testing procedures meet all customer and regulatory requirements.
• Review and approve test plans, test reports, and testing schematics for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with internal standards.
• Ensure all completed test documentation is properly maintained, both physically and electronically, within project folders.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve testing procedures, work instructions, and testing forms.
• Oversee testing equipment inventory and ensure proper calibration, availability, and safe usage.
• Lead root cause analysis and quality improvement initiatives to reduce test cycle time and improve overall efficiency.
• Enforce electrical safety standards, testing protocols, and housekeeping requirements across all test areas.
• Perform and support hands-on electrical testing as needed, including functional and power testing.

Testing Scope Includes

• Medium-voltage switchgear and breakers
• Protective relays and relay panels
• Power distribution components within enclosures
• Communication systems and HMIs
• Panelboards and automatic transfer switches
• Fire alarm and auxiliary systems
• HVAC and supporting electrical systems within the enclosure

Qualifications

• Technical degree or equivalent experience in an electrical or power-related field.
• 5+ years of experience in electrical or power equipment testing, ideally within substations, switchgear, or enclosure-based systems.
• Strong hands-on experience with AC/DC functional testing of protective relays, MV switchgear, breakers, and arc-flash related systems.
• Previous experience leading or managing test technicians or engineering teams.
• Solid knowledge of electrical safety practices, NEC, IEEE standards, and applicable testing codes.
• NETA certification is a plus.
• Fully onsite role based in Fontana, CA
• Hands-on shop and production testing environment
• Close collaboration with Engineering, Production, and Quality teams