Lead Test Technician

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense; Simsbury (CT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense is seeking a highly motivated Engineering Lead to support our Function Test Operations team. This role drives technical leadership and oversees testing initiatives for mission-critical aerospace programs.

You will mentor engineers, coordinate test setups, analyze data, ensure quality and safety, and collaborate with design, manufacturing, and program management to deliver compliant, reliable solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering required.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or testing.
• Proven leadership and team-building experience in engineering or lab settings.
• Strong knowledge of test methods, instrumentation, and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of technicians in functional testing for aerospace and defense programs.
• Provide technical direction for test setup, execution, troubleshooting, and data analysis.
• Coordinate priorities with the Test Lab Manager to meet program schedules.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, quality, and program management for validation.
• Develop and improve laboratory procedures and engineering documentation.
• Drive root cause investigations and corrective actions for test issues.
• Mentor junior engineers and uphold safety and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Team coaching

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Test instrumentation

Data acquisition systems

Root cause analysis

Job description

At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD), we believe that our strengths are built on our most important resource - our people. Join EBAD and you'll be a part of a team who creates cutting edge technology that will blast us into the future. No other company can match the innovative energetic solutions that we provide. At EBAD you will actively contribute to successful missions putting men, women and satellites into space, and protecting our armed service men and women around the world. If this is the culture and work environment you are seeking, then EBAD is the place for you!

Job Description Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD) is seeking a highly motivated and technically driven Engineering Lead to support our Function Test Operations team. This role is ideal for an engineering professional who thrives in a fast-paced aerospace and defense environment and is passionate about leading complex testing initiatives that directly support mission-critical systems and national defense programs. The Engineering Lead will provide technical leadership and engineering oversight within the test laboratory environment. Working closely with cross functional teams, this individual will drive execution, ensure technical excellence and compliance, and support continuous improvement growth initiatives across test operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team of technicians in activities supporting functional testing for aerospace and defense testing programs.
• Provide technical direction and oversight for test setup, execution, troubleshooting, and data analysis.
• Coordinate engineering priorities with the Test Lab Manager to ensure successful execution of program schedules and deliverables.
• Collaborate with design engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program management teams to support product validation and qualification efforts.
• Develop and improve laboratory procedures, test methods, and engineering documentation.
• Drive root cause investigations and corrective actions related to test anomalies or equipment issues.
• Mentor and support junior engineers and technical staff within the test lab environment.
• Champion a strong culture of safety, accountability, technical rigor, and continuous improvement.
• Support capital equipment planning and laboratory capability enhancements.
• Ensure compliance with customer, military, aerospace, and internal quality standards.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading and developing technical teams through coaching, mentoring, performance management, and employee development.
• Proven ability to build high-performing teams by fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, testing, or related technical environments.
• Demonstrated leadership experience within engineering or laboratory operations.
• Strong understanding of test methodologies, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Experience working within regulated industries and quality systems preferred.
• Familiarity with aerospace and defense standards is highly desirable.

Why Join EBAD?

At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense, innovation is driven by purpose. Our technologies support critical aerospace, defense, and national security missions around the world. We value collaboration, technical excellence, and employees who are ready to make an impact. This is an opportunity to join a respected industry leader where your expertise will directly contribute to advancing next-generation defense technologies in a hands-on engineering leadership role.

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD), headquartered in Simsbury, CT with facilities in Moorpark, CA, and Graham, KY is a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions. Our capabilities include customized man-portable breaching systems; fully integrated payload system, subsystem or energetic component production; shock tube-based, signal transmission technology integrated with our highly reliable family of detonators; and armored vehicle solutions. EBAD also has extensive satellite/spacecraft and missile/aircraft/launch vehicle manufacturing capabilities for system initiation, signal transfer, separation release, actuation and deployment and flight termination. No matter what the mission, EBAD can provide tailored, customized solutions to address our customers' challenges.

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.