R&D Test Engineering Manager

Waters Corporation; New Castle (DE); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Waters Corporation in New Castle is looking for an R&D Test Engineering Manager to lead system-level testing and validation of hardware and software products. The ideal candidate should have over 5 years of R&D experience, including a leadership role, and a strong grasp of system architecture and interdisciplinary product testing. The role involves developing test plans, coordinating system integration testing, and mentoring a team. A degree in electrical or mechanical engineering is required, along with proficient management skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in system test, verification & validation, or product development within an R&D environment.
• 3+ years in a leadership or management role.
• Proven track record of leading system integration testing for products combining hardware, firmware, and software.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and documentation of system-level verification and validation activities.
• Develop comprehensive test plans, procedures, and reports to ensure products meet specifications.
• Work closely with R&D design teams to define test requirements early in the design process.

Skills

System architecture understanding

Test automation tools experience

Root-cause analysis techniques

Regulated product development knowledge

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree in relevant engineering field

Tools

Data acquisition systems

Defect tracking systems

Job description

Overview

The R&D Test Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the system-level testing and validation of TA Instruments’ hardware and software products to ensure quality, reliability, and performance before release. This role oversees system integration testing across mechanical, electrical, and software domains. It serves as a key liaison between R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, and Customer Support to drive continuous product improvement and support for released products.

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on technical leader who can define test strategies, manage cross‑functional verification efforts, and provide technical guidance for issue resolution throughout the product lifecycle.

Responsibilities

System Test & Validation

• Lead the planning, execution, and documentation of system-level verification and validation (V&V) activities for new product development.
• Develop comprehensive test plans, procedures, and reports to ensure products meet design specifications and customer requirements.
• Coordinate and perform hardware, firmware, and software integration testing, ensuring smooth operation of all subsystems.
• Establish and maintain automated and manual test environments and tools to support efficient regression and system testing.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with R&D design teams (hardware, software, and systems) to define test requirements early in the design process.
• Partner with Quality, Manufacturing, and Field Support teams to ensure seamless product transitions from development to production and market release.
• Serve as the primary R&D contact for technical support of released products, driving root‑cause analysis and corrective actions for field issues.
• Communicate test progress, results, and issues effectively to senior management and project stakeholders.

Leadership & Process Improvement

• Manage and mentor a team of system test engineers and technicians.
• Champion best practices in verification methodology, traceability, and test automation.
• Continuously improve testing and validation processes to enhance product reliability and reduce time to market.
• Contribute to risk assessments and design reviews from a testability and system performance perspective.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in system test, verification & validation, or product development within an R&D environment (preferably in instrumentation, analytical equipment, or complex electro‑mechanical systems).
• 3+ years in a leadership or management role.
• Proven track record of leading system integration testing for products combining hardware, firmware, and software.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of system architecture and interdisciplinary product testing (hardware/software integration).
• Experience with test automation tools, data acquisition systems, and defect tracking systems.
• Familiarity with root‑cause analysis techniques and reliability testing.
• Knowledge of regulated product development processes (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 17025, or similar quality systems) preferred.

Soft Skills

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Strong leadership presence and ability to collaborate across functions.
• Passion for product quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Qualified applicants are considered without regard to sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, marital status (including civil unions), military service, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, legally recognized disability, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Waters is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.