Sr Manager Test Engineering

Itron, Inc.; South Carolina; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

401k matching

Employee stock purchase program

Job summary

Itron, Inc. is seeking a Global Test Engineering Manager to lead the worldwide test engineering function for NPI and sustaining programs.

You will define strategy, mentor a global team of test, automation, and manufacturing engineers, and drive test readiness across prototype to production ramp. Applicants should bring deep expertise in ICT, functional, and system-level testing, strong leadership, and a track record of delivering scalable, cost-effective test solutions across global operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 10+ years in electronics manufacturing test engineering.
• 7+ years leading global, multi-site engineering teams.
• Experience shaping global test strategies and roadmaps.
• Expertise in ICT, Functional, System-Level, and Reliability testing.
• Knowledge of ATE, fixtures, hardware/software integration, and test automation.
• Programming for automated test solutions (Python, LabVIEW, C#).
• Strong RF, data acquisition, and test system optimization.
• Experience with EMS partners and high-volume manufacturing.
• Proven cross-functional leadership and stakeholder influence.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Customer-centric, collaborative, and agile mindset.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a global test engineering strategy aligned with product roadmaps.
• Lead and develop a global team of test, automation, and manufacturing engineers.
• Ensure test readiness across NPI phases from prototype to production ramp.
• Partner with Product Eng, Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain to deliver scalable test solutions.
• Drive DFT, manufacturability assessments, risk planning, and validation activities.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for test-related issues.
• Establish and maintain global standards for test platforms, fixtures, and processes.
• Drive CI initiatives: test coverage, yield, cycle time, and capital efficiency.
• Enable robust test data collection, traceability, analytics, and reporting.
• Evaluate emerging tech to promote innovation and competitiveness.
• Manage budgets, CAPEX planning, supplier relationships, and partnerships.

Skills

Leadership: global teams

Test methodologies: ICT/functional

Programming for test automation

Cross-functional collaboration

Data acquisition & test analytics

RF testing

Problem solving

Communication

Customer focus

Test automation tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

PMP or Six Sigma certification (preferred)

Tools

ATE & fixtures

Python

LabVIEW

C#

Job description

Itron is innovating new ways for utilities and cities to manage energy and water. We create a more resourceful world to protect essential resources for today and tomorrow. Join us.

The Global Test Engineering Manager leads the global test engineering function and is responsible for defining and executing the strategy, development, deployment, standardization, and continuous improvement of manufacturing test solutions across New Product Introduction (NPI) and sustaining product programs. This leader enables high-quality, reliable, and cost-effective test systems that support product performance, manufacturing excellence, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making across global operations.

The ideal candidate is a customer-centric and collaborative leader who brings deep technical expertise in electronics manufacturing test engineering, fosters innovation, drives accountability, and thrives in a fast-paced global environment supporting utility and energy technology solutions.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a global test engineering strategy aligned with product development, manufacturing, and operations roadmaps.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing global team of test, automation, and manufacturing engineers, fostering an inclusive culture built on collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Ensure test readiness throughout all phases of New Product Introduction (NPI), including prototype, beta, pilot, and production ramp activities.
• Partner with Product Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to deliver scalable, reliable, and customer-focused test solutions that support successful product launches and ongoing manufacturing performance.
• Drive early engagement in Design for Test (DFT), manufacturability assessments, risk mitigation planning, and product validation activities to improve product quality and operational outcomes.
• Lead structured problem-solving efforts, root cause analysis, and corrective actions to resolve test-related issues during development and production.
• Establish and maintain global standards for test platforms, architectures, fixtures, automation frameworks, and engineering processes across internal manufacturing sites and external manufacturing partners.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on test coverage, yield improvement, cycle time reduction, capital efficiency, and overall test performance.
• Enable robust test data collection, traceability, analytics, and reporting capabilities that support informed decision-making and integration with factory systems.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, tools, and methodologies to promote innovation and strengthen manufacturing competitiveness.
• Manage budgets, capital expenditure (CAPEX) planning, equipment strategy, supplier relationships, and external engineering partnerships related to test systems and infrastructure.
• Influence cross-functional stakeholders and provide technical leadership to align test engineering priorities with business objectives.
• Support global manufacturing operations with an agile mindset while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, delivery, and customer satisfaction.
• Champion a culture of technical excellence, authenticity, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across the organization.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in electronics manufacturing test engineering, including responsibility for complex products and manufacturing environments.
• 7+ years of leadership experience managing global, multi-site, or geographically distributed engineering teams.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing global test engineering strategies and organizational roadmaps.
• Strong expertise in In-Circuit Test (ICT), Functional Test, System-Level Test, Reliability Test, and manufacturing test methodologies.
• Deep knowledge of Automated Test Equipment (ATE), fixture design, hardware/software integration, test automation, and manufacturing test architectures.
• Experience programming and developing automated test solutions using Python, LabVIEW, C#, or similar tools.
• Strong understanding of hardware validation, RF testing principles, data acquisition, and test system performance optimization.
• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing operations and working with Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) partners.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, influence stakeholders, and drive measurable business outcomes.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with experience translating complex technical challenges into scalable solutions.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively engage global teams and diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer-centricity, accountability, collaboration, agility, and innovation.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Master's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience supporting connected devices, communication technologies, smart infrastructure, utility, energy, industrial, or IoT products.
• Knowledge of manufacturing quality systems, statistical process control, reliability engineering, and failure analysis methodologies.
• Experience implementing digital manufacturing, Industry 4.0, test analytics, or factory data integration solutions.
• Six Sigma Green Belt, Six Sigma Black Belt, Lean Manufacturing, or similar continuous improvement certification.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience leading global standardization initiatives across multiple manufacturing sites and contract manufacturing partners.
• Familiarity with regulatory, compliance, and quality requirements applicable to utility, energy, and industrial technology products.

Benefits Info

This position also includes a competitive benefit package including; financial, social, health and wellbeing programs, paid vacation, 401k matching, employee stock purchase program, hybrid work schedule, and more!

Itron is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce and providing an authentic workplace experience for all employees. If you are excited about this role but your past experiences don't perfectly align with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. In the end, you may be just who we are looking for!

The successful candidate's starting wage will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills and experience.

Itron is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you require an accommodation to apply, please contact a recruiting representative at 1-800-635-5461 or email [e-mail].

Itron is transforming how the world manages energy, water and city services. Our trusted intelligent infrastructure solutions help utilities and cities improve efficiency, build resilience and deliver safe, reliable and affordable service. With edge intelligence, we connect people, data insights and devices so communities can better manage the essential resources they rely on to live. Join us as we create a more resourceful world: www.itron.com