Test Manager
Wisconsin, United States
Job Title: Test Manager JOB SUMMARY The Test Manager leads the transformer test operations function, ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely execution of all testing activities for large power transformers. The role is accountable for achieving production and testing schedules while meeting quality, compliance, and customer requirements. This position establishes and drives strategic initiatives focused on operational excellence, productivity improvement, lean manufacturing, process standardization, and test system reliability. The Test Manager ensures all testing activities comply with applicable IEC, IEEE, ANSI, and customer-specific requirements while continuously improving testing methodologies and capabilities. As the department's technical leader, the Test Manager provides subject matter expertise in transformer testing and diagnostics, supports customer interactions and factory acceptance tests, and works crossfunctionally to enhance product quality, operational performance, and customer confidence. PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the transformer testing organization, ensuring alignment with business objectives, quality standards, customer requirements, and production commitments. • Lead and develop department leadership, including Supervisors, Test Engineers, and Equipment Maintenance personnel, by setting goals, defining expectations, and supporting professional growth. • Establish department priorities, resource plans, staffing strategies, and capital investment requirements to support current and future business needs. • Ensure testing operations are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable customer specifications, industry standards, and regulatory requirements. • Own and drive the department's safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and continuous improvement objectives. • Define, standardize, and continuously improve transformer testing processes, procedures, and best practices to enhance operational performance and test reliability. • Serve as the technical authority for transformer testing and provide guidance on the interpretation and application of IEEE, IEC, ANSI, and customer-specific requirements. • Lead resolution of complex technical, operational, and customer issues that exceed normal departmental authority or expertise. • Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain leadership to improve product quality, manufacturability, testability, and operational efficiency. • Review and analyze key performance indicators, test data, quality metrics, and operational trends to drive informed decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives. • Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and digitalization initiatives to improve safety, quality, throughput, and cost performance. • Provide executive oversight of root cause investigations and corrective actions related to significant test failures, quality concerns, safety incidents, and customer complaints. • Act as the primary customer-facing technical leader for factory acceptance testing (FAT), standards interpretation, and resolution of testing-related concerns. • Support product development and design review activities by providing expertise on testing requirements, risk mitigation, compliance, and product performance. • Ensure proper interpretation of contract requirements, customer specifications, and industry standards to maintain compliance and customer satisfaction. • Oversee testing equipment reliability, laboratory capability development, and capital improvement projects to support current and future testing needs. • Develop departmental budgets and manage resources to achieve operational and financial objectives. • Lead workforce planning, talent development, succession planning, and organizational improvements for the testing organization. • Conduct performance reviews for direct reports and ensure effective employee development and performance management practices throughout the department. • Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, industry trends, and standards developments, and represent the organization in industry groups such as IEEE and IEC when appropriate. • Ensure all transformers are tested, documented, and released in compliance with customer requirements, industry standards, and company quality expectations prior to shipment. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES • Strong knowledge of large power transformer manufacturing, testing, and quality systems. • Thorough understanding of IEEE, customer, and regulatory requirements applicable to transformer testing. • Knowledge of transformer test equipment, test methods, diagnostics, and laboratory operations. • Ability to provide technical leadership and oversight for testing activities, standards compliance, and process improvement. • Strong understanding of transformer design principles, electrical systems, insulation systems, magnetics, heat transfer, dielectrics, and materials. • Proven ability to develop talent through coaching, succession planning, training, and performance management. • Strong leadership, organizational, and resource planning skills in a manufacturing environment. • Ability to collaborate effectively across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Customerfacing organizations. • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies. • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to manage technical and business risks. • Ability to analyze performance metrics and technical data to drive operational and product improvements. • Strong project management, prioritization, and scheduling skills. • Financial and business acumen, including budgeting, cost management, and capital planning. • Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and technical communication skills. • Ability to effectively lead customer interactions, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), and technical issue resolution. • Maintains current knowledge of industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving transformer standards. • Demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, quality, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction. • Acts as a role model for integrity, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Required Education / Experience • Candidates require a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management or related field • Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing leadership and experience conducting electrical tests • Strong knowledge of electricity Preferred Education / Experience • Practical knowledge of HV transformers and/or High Voltage Test Systems. Reports To: Site Quality Assurance Manager Department: 5-10 Direct, 40-50 total Indirect Testing Pay Grade: Key Working Relationships Functional Leaders: Engineering, Human Resources, Sales Operations, Sourcing Executive level management Individual will have direct reports, with ultimate responsibility for additional hourly employees. Physical Demands Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
