Manager, Test Engineering

Nikkiso Cryogenic Industries; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases in Huntington Beach, CA is seeking a Manager, Test Engineering to lead and develop the Test Engineering function. You will drive testing strategies, data analysis, and technical leadership to ensure product validation and reliability.

Collaborating with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Operations, and Product Management, you will establish testing standards and optimize resource use to meet performance and safety standards for cryogenic systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Industrial Engineering or related field is required.
• 8+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing, industrial, energy, aerospace, or similar environment.
• 3+ years of experience leading, supervising, or managing engineering teams.
• Experience with SolidWorks or CAD software preferred.
• Experience with cryogenic equipment, pumps, rotating machinery, or industrial testing environments strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and mentor a team of Test Engineers.
• Manage daily operations of the test engineering team.
• Develop and implement testing strategies, procedures, standards, and best practices.
• Establish departmental goals, priorities, budgets, and resource plans.
• Oversee design, execution, and analysis of product validation, qualification, performance, and reliability testing.
• Ensure testing safety and regulatory compliance.
• Partner with Engineering and Test teams to support new product development, design verification, and product improvements.
• Review and approve test plans, procedures, and reports.
• Analyze test results and provide recommendations for product enhancements and corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement to boost test efficiency, quality, and repeatability.
• Support root cause investigations and audits as required.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality.

Skills

Cryogenic pumps

Rotating equipment

Leadership

Test methodologies

Data analysis

Engineering processes

Statistical analysis

Safety compliance

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD software

Cryogenic testing equipment

Job description

Company Overview

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gasesis a leading provider of cryogenic pumps, heat exchangers, process systems, services, and solutions for the LNG and industrial gases industry. We are a subsidiary of Nikkiso Company Ltd, a leading industrial manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with over $1.5 B in annual revenue, 8000 + employees worldwide, and publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Nikkiso ACD is an engineering and manufacturing company specializing in machinery designed to operate at cryogenic temperatures as low as – 420 degrees Fahrenheit, the boiling point of Liquid hydrogen. For over 50 years, Nikkiso ACD has specialized in centrifugal and reciprocating pumps as well as turbines for air separation. Nikkiso ACD has the most diversified product line in the industry covering nearly every application requiring pumps or turboexpanders.

Job Overview

The Manager, Test Engineering is responsible for leading and developing the Test Engineering function while ensuring the successful planning, execution, and continuous improvement of product testing activities. This position manages a team of Test Engineers and Test Technicians, oversees test operations, drives product validation and qualification efforts, and supports product development through effective test strategy, data analysis, and technical leadership.

The Manager, Test Engineering collaborates closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Operations, and Product Management teams to ensure products meet performance, reliability, safety, and customer requirements. This role is responsible for establishing testing standards, developing department capabilities, and ensuring efficient utilization of test resources to support organizational objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and mentor a team of Test Engineers
• Manage daily operations of the test engineering .
• Develop and implement testing strategies, procedures, standards, and best practices.
• Establish departmental goals, priorities, budgets, and resource plans to support business objectives.
• Oversee the design, execution, and analysis of product validation, qualification, performance, and reliability testing.
• Ensure product testing is conducted safely and in compliance with company, industry, and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with Engineering and Test teams to support new product development, design verification, and product improvements.
• Review and approve test plans, test procedures, and test reports.
• Analyze test results and provide technical recommendations for product enhancements and corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve test efficiency, quality, and repeatability.
• Support root cause investigations and resolution of product performance and quality issues.
• Provide leadership in problem-solving efforts involving complex technical issues.
• Support customer, supplier, and regulatory audits as required.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality organizations.

Qualifications

• Strong technical knowledge of cryogenic pumps, rotating equipment, and related systems.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing engineering and technical personnel.
• Expertise in product validation, performance testing, and reliability testing methodologies.
• Experience developing and implementing engineering processes, procedures, and testing standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including statistical analysis and data interpretation.
• Knowledge of applicable industry codes, standards, and safety requirements.
• Experience working with high-voltage and/or high-current test systems preferred.
• Understanding of power systems, instrumentation, controls, and data acquisition systems.
• Ability to develop testing roadmaps, departmental plans, and resource forecasts.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Ability to effectively present technical information to leadership, customers, and stakeholders.
• Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• 8+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing, industrial, energy, aerospace, or similar technical environment.
• 3+ years of experience leading, supervising, or managing engineering teams preferred.
• Experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD software preferred.
• Experience with cryogenic equipment, pumps, rotating machinery, or industrial testing environments strongly preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• In order to perform the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, talk and hear, and use fingers and hands to feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Overtime may be necessary as workload dictates. This may include weekdays, weekends, nights, and/or holidays.
• Job will generally be performed in an office and test laboratory environment but may require travel to customer locations, production facilities, supplier sites, or industrial/construction job sites. Conditions will vary by location.
• Occasional exposure to manufacturing and test environments, including noise, moving machinery, high-pressure systems, and cryogenic equipment.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and responsibilities required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Company will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position.

The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above are typically acquired through the levels of education and experience described. An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

EEOC Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Nikkiso CE&IG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.