R&D Test Engineering Manager

tacareers-waters; New Castle (DE); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Waters Corporation, a global leader in analytical instruments, seeks an R&D Test Engineering Manager to lead system-level testing and validation of hardware and software products. You will coordinate cross-functional verification efforts, drive test automation, and provide technical guidance across R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, and Field Support to improve product reliability.

You will manage a team, define test strategies, and lead root-cause analysis for field issues while advancing test

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical, mechanical, systems, computer engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in system test, verification & validation or product development in R&D.
• 3+ years in a leadership or management role.
• Proven track record leading system integration testing for hardware/software.
• Strong understanding of system architecture and interdisciplinary testing.
• Experience with test automation tools and reliability testing.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001/ISO 17025 quality systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and documentation of system-level V&V for new products.
• Develop test plans, procedures and reports to meet specs and customer needs.
• Coordinate hardware, firmware, and software integration testing.
• Establish automated and manual test environments to support regression testing.
• Mentor a team of system test engineers and drive best practices.

Skills

System integration testing

Test automation

Data acquisition

Cross-functional collaboration

Issue resolution

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical/Mechanical/Systems/Computer Engineering

Tools

Test automation tools

Data acquisition systems

Defect tracking systems

Job description

Overview

The R&D Test Engineering Manageris 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.

Typical tasks of the position include, but are not limited to

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.

The successful candidate will have a combination of knowledge, skills, and experience that would include the following

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.

Company Description

Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT) is a global leader in analytical instruments, separations technologies, and software, serving the life, materials, food, and environmental sciences for over 65 years. Our Company helps ensure the efficacy of medicines, the safety of food and the purity of water, and the quality and sustainability of products used every day. In over 100 countries, our 7,600+ passionate employees collaborate with customers in laboratories, manufacturing sites, and hospitals to accelerate the benefits of pioneering science.

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our core values at Waters Corporation. It benefits our employees, our products, our customers and our community. Waters complies with all applicable federal, state,and local laws. 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.