The Test Engineering Manager in the Defense & Space industry is responsible for overseeing the testing of complex systems and equipment used in defense and space applications. They lead a team of test engineers who design, develop, and execute test plans to ensure that products meet customer requirements, industry standards, and regulatory compliance. The Test Engineering Manager works closely with other departments such as design engineering, quality assurance, project management, and production to ensure that testing is integrated into the product development process.
The Test Engineering Manager plays a critical role in ensuring that products are reliable, safe, and perform as intended under extreme conditions. They must have a deep understanding of testing methodologies such as environmental testing (vibration, shock), functional testing (performance), reliability testing (MTBF), and software/hardware integration testing. They must also be familiar with industry standards such as MIL-STD-810G for environmental engineering considerations or DO-178C for software development assurance. The Test Engineering Manager must have excellent communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams across different locations or time zones. Overall they are responsible for ensuring that all aspects of product performance are tested thoroughly before delivery to customers while meeting cost targets set by management.