Discover rewarding Senior Manufacturing Test Development Engineer jobs, a critical role at the intersection of hardware innovation and production scalability. These professionals are the architects of quality and efficiency in the manufacturing process, designing the automated systems that ensure every product meets rigorous performance standards before it reaches the customer. As a senior-level position, this role carries the responsibility for the entire test lifecycle, from initial concept through to high-volume production, requiring a blend of deep technical expertise, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership. Typically, a Senior Manufacturing Test Development Engineer is tasked with designing, developing, and deploying Automated Test Equipment (ATE) and the sophisticated software that powers it. Their core mission is to create robust, repeatable, and efficient test programs that validate the functionality of complex electromechanical products, such as consumer electronics, medical devices, or industrial hardware. Common responsibilities include authoring detailed test requirements and specifications, writing and debugging test software in various programming languages, and performing rigorous root cause analysis on failure data to drive continuous improvement in yield and quality. They work closely with electrical, firmware, and mechanical engineering teams during the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase to ensure testability is designed into products from the start. Furthermore, they are instrumental in transferring and scaling test solutions to contract manufacturing partners, often requiring coordination with global teams to resolve issues and optimize processes on the factory floor. The typical skill set for these roles is both broad and deep. A strong foundation in software development is essential, with proficiency in object-oriented languages like C++, C#, or Java, alongside scripting languages like Python for automation and data analysis. A solid understanding of embedded systems and common communication protocols (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART, USB, BLE) is crucial for interacting with the devices under test. Beyond technical prowess, successful candidates possess a strong grasp of quality assurance methodologies, statistical data analysis, and version control systems like Git. Senior roles demand excellent problem-solving skills for root cause analysis, alongside outstanding communication and project management abilities to lead initiatives and collaborate with diverse engineering and manufacturing teams. A bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field is standard, coupled with several years of progressive experience in test development within a manufacturing environment. For engineers passionate about bridging the gap between design and mass production, ensuring quality at scale, and solving complex technical challenges, Senior Manufacturing Test Development Engineer jobs offer a dynamic and impactful career path. These positions are pivotal in transforming innovative prototypes into reliable, high-quality products shipped to millions.
