Manufacturing Test Engineer

Manufacturing Test Engineering LeadHitachi Rail is looking for an enthusiastic self-motivated Manufacturing Test Engineering Lead who thrives in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate is comfortable performing a wide range of tasks from administrative to strategic. This position is based in Batesburg, SC.Accountabilities:Directly lead a team of ~8 Test Engineers in designing, implementing, and validating manufacturing test solutions for electronic assemblies and systems. Informal leader of Test Engineering Specification and Solutions teams in regional office.Develop and maintain test strategies, procedures, and documentation to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer requirements on both new and legacy products.Oversee test validation activities, including correlation studies, Measurement System Analysis (MSA), and failure mode investigations.Collaborate with design engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure test coverage aligns with product specifications and reliability goals.Ensure DFX principles (specifically DFT) are communicated throughout the test design and specification process prior to production validation.Manage the integration of automated test equipment (ATE) and in-circuit test (ICT) systems into production lines.Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase test safety utilizing Prevention through Design (PTD) principles, reduce test cycle time, improve yield, and enhance fault detection capability.Ensure calibration, maintenance, and safety compliance of all test equipment.Monitor test data trends, generate reports, and recommend corrective actions for recurring issues.Manage budgets, schedules, and resource allocation for test engineering projects.Key Leadership Responsibilities:Cultivate a high-trust team environment by demonstrating self-awareness, empathy, and constructive communication in daily interactions.Recognize and respond effectively to team dynamics, adapting leadership style to support diverse personalities, workstyles, and stress levels—especially during high-pressure testing cycles, deadlines, and defect-driven escalations.Model emotional regulation by staying composed during ambiguity, setbacks, and quality issues, enabling the team to remain solution-focused and collaborative.Proactively address conflict with transparency and fairness, guiding team members toward healthy, respectful resolutions.Coach engineers in developing their own emotional intelligence skills—such as active listening, giving/receiving feedback, and managing frustration—to strengthen overall team performance and communication.Create psychological safety, ensuring team members feel comfortable raising risks, sharing concerns, and proposing new ideas without fear of blame.Required Skills/Experience:8+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing test engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.Strong knowledge of manufacturing test methods (ICT, functional test, boundary scan, environmental stress screening).Proven expertise in test validation methodologies and statistical analysis tools.Familiarity with industry standards (IPC, ISO, IRIS, ANSI, JEDEC) and regulatory compliance.Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.Ability to travel up to 25%, including overnight staysDesired Skills/Experience:Experience with LabVIEW, NI TestStand, or similar test automation platforms.Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles. LSS GB or BB Preferred, or acquire within the first 12 months of employmentHands-on experience with PCB assembly processes and troubleshooting.Education:Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering or related field (MBA, Engineering Management or Technical Master's Degree preferred).Language: English proficiencyBenefits:Hitachi Rail employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including Competitive Pay, Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Life & Accident Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, a Retirement Savings Plan, and Paid Vacation. We also offer a number of Work/Life Programs such as Flextime and a variety of Training and Development opportunities.