Lead Test Technician

ebi; Simsbury (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD) seeks an Engineering Lead to drive functional testing for aerospace and defense programs. You will provide technical leadership, oversee test setup, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver results on schedule.

The role emphasizes leadership, mentoring, and adherence to regulated quality systems within a fast-paced test lab environment. This is a hands-on position focused on continuous improvement and safe operations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of engineering experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, testing, or related technical environments.
• Proven leadership experience within engineering or laboratory operations.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Experience with regulated industries and quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of technicians in activities supporting functional testing for aerospace and defense programs.
• Provide technical direction for test setup, execution, troubleshooting, and data analysis.
• Coordinate engineering priorities with the Test Lab Manager to meet program schedules and deliverables.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, quality, and program management to support validation and qualification efforts.
• Develop and improve laboratory procedures, test methods, and engineering documentation.
• Drive root cause investigations and corrective actions for test anomalies or equipment issues.
• Mentor and support junior engineers and staff within the test lab environment.
• Champion safety, accountability, technical rigor, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Cross-functional

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Data acquisition systems

Test instrumentation

Job description

This opportunity is located within our Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company business, a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions. Click here to learn more.

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.