Manufacturing Testing Manager

About us: Based in Melbourn, near Cambridge, UK, SPT Labtech makes products that transform the way scientists work. For over two decades, our expert scientists, engineers and business innovators have provided scientists with world-leading, innovative solutions for liquid handling, sample preparation, and sample management that help accelerate research and make a real difference to human health. We work collaboratively with our customers, building trusted relationships that enable us to deliver exceptional, personalized experiences designed for real-world challenges in the lab. Want to be part of a team that's making a difference to human health? 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. DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Test strategy and operations Develop and implement a manufacturing test strategy that supports production schedules and business goalsOversee test operations day to day: scheduling, staffing, equipment and throughput against the production planOwn the full test lifecycle, from test requirements and test plans through execution, defect tracking and reportingOwn leak, pressure-decay and functional test procedures; set pass/fail criteria with engineeringMaintain golden reference units so results stay comparable over timeKeep test fixtures and instruments calibrated and maintained to minimize downtimeAllocate 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 closureDesign and run structured test plans (DOE) to isolate causes such as seal gland depth, bore surface finish, burrs and cleaning residueArrange outside metrology when in-house capability falls shortDrive continuous improvement and cost reduction through test automation and process simplificationEvaluate and introduce new test technologies, tools and methods Quality and compliance Standardize test processes, SOPs, work instructions and records under the ISO 9001 quality systemExecute nonconformance (NCR) and CAPA procedures tied to test resultsEstablish and monitor KPIs for yield, throughput and quality, and brief senior leadership on performance and risksSupport 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 validationWork with supplier quality on incoming inspection of machined parts; feed test data back to suppliersPartner with assembly teams on build practices that affect test yieldRepresent 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 matrix current and build a culture of accurate data and early escalation Requirements Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, electrical or quality engineering, or equivalent experience7+ years in test, quality or manufacturing engineering for precision instruments, medical devices or fluidic assemblies2+ years managing technicians or a manufacturing test teamHands-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 drawingsProven 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 controlExperience with SAP or an equivalent ERP systemStrong communication at all levels and the ability to make independent, informed decisions under tight deadlines and changing priorities Preferred Qualifications Experience with liquid-handling or life-science lab automation instrumentsFamiliarity with surface metrology (profilometry or optical measurement systems) and machined-part cleanliness (deburring, residue)Knowledge of stainless steel grades for machined parts and passivationBackground in Lean Manufacturing; ASQ certification (CQE, CQM or CRE) or Six Sigma Green/Black BeltTest automation experience, such as LabVIEW or PythonExperience with CE marking technical files and customer or notified-body auditsMulti-site experience working with an overseas engineering or parent-company team Benefits 401(k)Dental insuranceHealth insuranceLife insurancePaid time offVision insurance