Product Reliability Manager - Royal Switchgear

Headquartered in Fort Mill, South Carolina, MacLean Power Systems (MPS) is a leading manufacturer of mission-critical and engineered components for the electric utility, telecommunications, and civil markets. Established in 1986 as a subsidiary of a larger parent company, MPS has grown substantially and now operates as a standalone company with a dedicated workforce of over 2,000 team members worldwide. Royal Switchgear, an MPS Company, is a leader in engineering, design, and manufacturing of critical electrical infrastructure solutions.

About the role

We are seeking a Product Reliability Manager to focus on improving product reliability, durability, and performance of Royal Switchgear products. The successful candidate will be a results-oriented team player with strong analytical skills, a process improvement mindset, detail orientation, and excellent verbal and written communication abilities.

Location: Onsite - Bessemer, Alabama

Responsibilities

• Lead product reliability strategy: set reliability targets, perform FMEA, Weibull and life-data analysis (MTBF/MTTR) for switchgear products and components.
• Design test programs for components and complete assemblies (HALT/HASS, accelerated life test, thermal cycling, vibration, electrical endurance, dielectric/insulation tests).
• Specify, design, and build custom test apparatus, fixtures, and jigs required to replicate field stresses and validation scenarios.
• Set up, commission, and operate test rigs and instrumentation (data acquisition, environmental chambers, power supplies, relays, load banks).
• Develop test procedures, protocols, and pass/fail criteria; ensure repeatability, traceability, and calibration of test equipment.
• Execute tests, capture and analyze test data, produce detailed test reports, and translate findings into actionable design changes.
• Lead root-cause analysis on product failures and field returns; recommend design, material, or process changes and verify fixes via testing.
• Collaborate closely with design engineering, product validation, and manufacturing to incorporate DfR/DfM practices and plan design verification.
• Maintain reliability documentation: test plans, life-cycle predictions, reliability databases, and validation evidence for product sign-off.
• Support new product introduction with reliability verification, test campaigns, and acceptance criteria.
• Train engineering and lab technicians on test setups, safety, and data collection best practices.
• Manage external test labs and vendor testing when needed; oversee third-party test contracts and coordinate sample logistics.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Reliability Engineering, or related discipline.
• 3+ years’ experience in product reliability, test engineering, or design validation—preferably with switchgear, breakers, relays, or power distribution equipment.
• Proven experience designing test apparatus, fixtures, and setting up/operating reliability test rigs.
• Strong knowledge of reliability methods (FMEA, RCM, Weibull), environmental and electrical testing standards.
• Hands-on proficiency with data acquisition systems, instrumentation, environmental chambers, and test automation.
• Ability to interpret electrical/mechanical drawings, specify components, and prototype fixtures.
• Strong analytical skills (Excel, Minitab, or equivalent) and experience writing clear test reports.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with HALT/HASS, accelerated aging, and accelerated life test design.
• Familiarity with relevant standards (IEC, IEEE) for switchgear and insulation testing.
• Experience with LabVIEW, Python, or test automation tools.
• Six Sigma or reliability-centered maintenance exposure.

Skills

• Strong computer skills in Excel, Word, MS Office suite.
• Strong analytical skills with a high-level of attention to detail and business process.
• Strong skills in developing and presenting performance metrics reports.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with others.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret data.
• Ability to prepare and present comprehensive reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, including preparing and presenting information.
• Ability to work independently and be self-directed as needed.
• WMS experience and knowledge preferred.
• ERP system knowledge (JD Edwards preferred).

Working Conditions

Primarily engineering lab and office environment with regular hands-on work in test labs; occasional shop-floor or customer site visits. Must follow safety procedures when working with high-voltage test equipment and environmental chambers.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package with bonus potential based on company performance.
• Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision.
• 401k with employer match.
• Employer-paid disability.