Lead Test Engineer

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) is seeking a Lead Manufacturing Test Engineer to provide technical leadership for the board-level functional test engineering teams that support our manufacturing operations across multiple sites. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of manufacturing test at SEL by advancing automation, evaluating emerging technologies, and delivering innovative solutions that enable world-class product quality and manufacturing performance.

As a Lead Manufacturing Test Engineer, you will drive technical strategy and execution for production test engineering initiatives, partnering closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure the reliability, scalability, and quality of SEL products. You will play a key role in defining test architectures, improving manufacturing efficiency, and implementing technologies that enhance test coverage, throughput, and operational excellence.

This position is ideal for a leader who is energized by building and scaling engineering organizations. The successful candidate will provide leadership and continuity for an established team while guiding both New Product Introduction (NPI) and sustaining-engineering efforts. In addition, this individual will help expand SEL's manufacturing test capabilities by recruiting, developing, and mentoring engineers across existing and newly commissioned manufacturing facilities.

As a Lead Test Engineer, a typical day might include:

Partnering with R&D and manufacturing teams to develop and deploy test strategies for new product introductions (NPI).

Collaborating with technical teams to develop, implement, and improve production test systems and manufacturing test processes that support quality, reliability, and scalability.

Driving continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, test coverage, throughput, manufacturing efficiency, and automation.

Balancing cost, schedule, quality, and performance objectives while leading engineering projects and technical initiatives.

Evaluating and piloting new test technologies, equipment, and automation solutions to improve manufacturing capabilities and product quality.

Developing long-term test technology roadmaps and supporting portfolio planning activities.

Hiring, building, mentoring, and developing a team of test engineering and production support professionals while fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to solve complex production challenges.

Representing SEL at external meetings and presenting technical and business updates to internal leadership teams.

Modeling, teaching, and applying SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing principles.

This position may be a good fit if you have:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

6+ years of engineering and/or engineering management experience.

Strong technical expertise in electronics manufacturing, production test engineering, or related disciplines.

Experience with electronics manufacturing test methodologies and production test systems, including PCB-level testing, automated test solutions, or other manufacturing quality and validation technologies.

Demonstrated success delivering and supporting manufacturing test processes, equipment, or production systems.

Experience leading engineering projects and cross-functional teams.

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to define practical and scalable solutions to complex technical challenges.

A proven ability to develop employees, build high-performing teams, and lead through growth and change.

Experience recruiting and building technical teams is highly desired.

Strong communication and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Location: Pullman, WA

Competitive Pay. Superior Benefits. Inspiring Work.

People are at the core of our company, and we hire employee-owners. We invite you to learn more about how we support our employees.

We're 100% employee-owned. Retirement benefits include an employer-funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.

We offer top-tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.

We recognize the importance of work-life balance and offer 10 paid holidays, vacation accrual beginning at 12 days annually, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.

We support employee growth and development through STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.

Ask our team about additional benefits, including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending programs.

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.

People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.

• We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
• We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
• We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.  
• Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Pay Range Data: $107,600 - $161,500 Annually

We set starting pay based on job-related factors such as your experience, training, knowledge, and skills. We are looking to fill this position at the Lead Test Engineer level, and we welcome applicants with a range of experience. Depending on your background, we may consider you for a different level, with compensation aligned accordingly.

Test Engineer: $89,400 - $134,100 Annually

Lead Test Engineer: $107,600 - $161,500 Annually

Communication with Applicants 

We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at [email protected].

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.