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Test Engineering Manager at Element U.S. Space & Defense - QATestingJobs.com
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Test Engineering Manager
Element U.S. Space & Defense • Fullerton, California, United States
onsitefull-time
Salary: 12) hours of Pa
Posted Jan 6, 2026
Role & seniority: Engineering Manager (mid/senior level) overseeing a group of engineers (mechanical and/or electrical) in a lab environment.
Stack/tools: Develops and refines test engineering processes; works with test specifications/procedures, engineering drawings; liaises with applications engineers, vendors, and customers; onsite lab focus.
Top 3 responsibilities
Design, implement, and refine test engineering processes; plan and oversee engineering projects.
Recruit, supervise, coach, and develop engineers; align team activities with upper management and project goals.
Assess project feasibility, allocate resources, ensure quality and safety compliance, and manage documentation and communications with stakeholders.
Must-have skills
Bachelor’s degree in engineering; 5+ years’ experience as an engineering manager in production/technical environments; proven leadership in delivering on-time, within-budget services.
Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, manage technical projects, and work onsite in a lab daily.
Strong communication, documentation, and ability to interpret drawings and test procedures; risk and resource management.
Nice-to-haves
Master’s degree in engineering or physics; Professional Engineer license; MBA.
8+ years in similar roles and broader sector knowledge; vendor/customer coordination experience.
Location & work type: Onsite laboratory work; location implied to vary by site; involved in hands-on tes
Full Description
About Company
Element U.S. Space & Defense stands at the forefront of testing innovation, serving as a trusted partner to NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, government agencies, and prominent industry leaders across the space and defense sectors. Founded as NTS Technical Systems, our company brings over 60 years of experience and expertise in handling the most complex projects and programs in the world.
From centrifuge testing for the latest Mars rover, vibration testing for the Space Launch System (SLS), to environmental simulations for next-generation missiles, we are the pioneering partner for highly custom, end-to-end testing design and implementation. By advancing our state-of-the-art testing technologies, subject matter expertise, and service to critical missions, Element U.S. Space & Defense has become the go-to partner for ground-breaking industries.
What We Offer
Growth & Development
Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
A collaborative and innovative work environment.
The chance to work on groundbreaking projects that shape the future of space and defense.
Benefits
Employees are eligible to participate in the benefits offered throughout their availability, including the following
Medical, Dental, Vision, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts
Seven (7) paid holidays and four (4) paid floating holidays, depending on your hire date
Paid Time Off (PTO), accrued biweekly
401k with employer match
Twelve (12) hours of Paid Volunteer Time Off (PVTO) each year
Tuition reimbursement and other employee programs
Flexible schedules offered at some of our labs
Monthly Lab Bonus plans (Based on position)
Salary
At EUSSD, compensation is determined through a comprehensive approach that considers candidate qualifications, role responsibilities, market benchmarks, and organizational needs. Pay may vary by location; for this position, the annual base salary target range is $172,000–$190,000, with potential eligibility for bonuses or commission depending on the role.
About the Role
Plans and oversees the engineering activities for a group of engineers which may include different disciplines (mechanical and/or electrical). This role will be responsible for developing new designs, proposing budgets for engineering-related projects and overseeing all the activities related to each project, and work alongside the engineers on various testing projects.
Designs, implements, and refines test engineering processes
Manage and guide the activities of the engineering function; plan engineering projects and oversee the efficient running of those projects
Recruit and manage engineers, providing supervision and guidance to the team; act as liaison between team and upper management. Hire, train, coach, and develop engineers.
Assess the feasibility of potential engineering projects and determine and assign resources to complete them
Assures that processes meet quality and safety compliance guidelines
Engage with Application Engineers in the development of proposals
Evaluate results of mechanical design and test to assure accomplishment of technical objectives
Ensures that proper documentation, such as test specifications and procedures, is provided to the appropriate functional area
Lead research and development of projects that produce new designs and processes
Work with vendors to scope proper equipment
Work with customers on an as needed basis for the project
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
5 years’ experience working in a production or technical environment as an engineering manager
Experience in leading and managing a team of engineers to deliver high-quality services on time and within budget
Experience in managing technical engineering projects
Must be able to work onsite in a lab daily
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in engineering or physics
8 years’ experience working in a production or technical environment as an engineering manager
Professional Engineering license
Masters Degree in Business (MBA)
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Ability to red line engineering drawings, test procedures, test standards
Critical and analytical thinking for evaluating information carefully and solving complex problems
Ability to innovate and solve problems with creative solutions as needed, with the ability to pivot and try new approaches when faced with challenges
Expert-level knowledge of sector technology and processes
Must demonstrate foresight and mature judgement in planning and organizing projects
Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments
Ability to effectively communicate instructions while leading the teams to meet their goals
Detailed oriented for understanding complex systems
Leadership, teambuilding, and people management skills to effectively manage engineers
Team player who can collaborate with others working at the plant and with functional corporate leader
Must maintain technical knowledge including technical competence of national standards and codes
Able to muti-task and prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Comfortable working with maintenance and electrical staff for optimal equipment functioning
Ability to work with external customers and vendors to manage equipment and
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel; crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
EEO Policy Statement
It is the policy of EUSSD to offer Equal Employment Opportunity to all individuals without regards to race, creed, ancestry, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, physical disabilities, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions.
