Manufacturing Testing Manager
SPT Labtech
Summary
The Manufacturing Test Manager leads all testing of precision dispensing head assemblies before they ship, from incoming inspection through final leak and functional release. You will develop and carry out a test strategy that supports production schedules, standardize test processes and SOPs, and drive root cause analysis on test failures. The role makes the go/no-go release decision on each unit and works closely with production, supplier quality and our international engineering team.
Job description
About the role
The Manufacturing Test Manager leads all testing of precision dispensing head assemblies before they ship, from incoming inspection through final leak and functional release. You will develop and carry out a test strategy that supports production schedules, standardize test processes and SOPs, and drive root cause analysis on test failures. The role makes the go/no-go release decision on each unit and works closely with production, supplier quality and our international engineering team.
Test strategy and operations
- Develop and implement a manufacturing test strategy that supports production schedules and business goals.
- Oversee test operations day to day: scheduling, staffing, equipment and throughput against the production plan.
- Own the full test lifecycle, from test requirements and test plans through execution, defect tracking and reporting.
- Own leak, pressure-decay and functional test procedures; set pass/fail criteria with engineering.
- Maintain golden reference units so results stay comparable over time.
- Keep test fixtures and instruments calibrated and maintained to minimize downtime.
- Allocate and manage test resources, including people, equipment and budget.
Failure analysis and continuous improvement
- Lead root cause analysis on test failures using 8D, 5-Why and fishbone methods, and track corrective actions to closure.
- Design and run structured test plans (DOE) to isolate causes such as seal gland depth, bore surface finish, burrs and cleaning residue.
- Arrange outside metrology when in-house capability falls short.
- Drive continuous improvement and cost reduction through test automation and process simplification.
- Evaluate and introduce new test technologies, tools and methods.
Quality and compliance
- Standardize test processes, SOPs, work instructions and records under the ISO 9001 quality system.
- Execute nonconformance (NCR) and CAPA procedures tied to test results.
- Establish and monitor KPIs for yield, throughput and quality, and brief senior leadership on performance and risks.
- Support CE marking and customer audits with complete, traceable test records.
New product introduction and cross-functional work
- Support new product introduction and design transfer, including test method development and validation.
- Work with supplier quality on incoming inspection of machined parts; feed test data back to suppliers.
- Partner with assembly teams on build practices that affect test yield.
- Represent test in cross-functional forums and act as the site test contact for the international engineering team.
People leadership
- Hire, train, certify and mentor test technicians; lead performance reviews and career development.
- Build a culture of accurate data and early escalation.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, electrical or quality engineering, or equivalent experience.
- 7+ years in test, quality or manufacturing engineering for precision instruments, medical devices or fluidic assemblies.
- 2+ years managing technicians or a manufacturing test team.
- Hands-on experience with leak and pressure-decay testing and sealing design (O-rings, gland dimensions).
- Working knowledge of GD&T, surface finish specs and reading mechanical drawings.
- Proven use of structured RCA methods (8D, 5-Why, fishbone) and statistics (SPC, Cp/Cpk, DOE).
- Experience working under ISO 9001, including NCR/CAPA and document control.
- Experience with SAP or an equivalent ERP system.
- Strong communication at all levels and the ability to make independent, informed decisions under tight deadlines and changing priorities.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Company overview
SPT Labtech is a leading provider of innovative laboratory automation solutions specializing in liquid handling, sample preparation, and sample management technologies. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Melbourn, Hertfordshire, UK, the company designs and manufactures products that transform how scientists work across genomics, drug discovery, and structural biology applications. With over two decades of expertise, SPT Labtech's portfolio includes advanced instruments such as the firefly liquid handling platform, mosquito nanolitre technology, dragonfly dispensing systems, and comprehensive sample management solutions like comPOUND and arktic storage systems. The company employs 201-500 professionals globally and operates offices across the UK, US, China, Japan, and India. SPT Labtech collaborates closely with customers to develop personalized solutions that accelerate life science research and make meaningful contributions to human health through reliable, high-performance laboratory automation.