QA Testing Engineer

Location: La Vergne, TN | Brands: Jet, Powermatic, Wilton, Edwards, Baileigh, Axiom | Reports to: Quality Assurance Manager, US

About the role

Own the technical execution of product testing across New Product Development and existing programs, from test plan and fixture design through skilled instrumented testing, root cause analysis, and the engineering feedback that makes our products better. This role sits at the center of how we validate quality and drive continuous improvement in our La Vergne lab, which is standing up new capability including an acoustic test containment room.

Responsibilities

• Develop test plans, methods, and acceptance criteria built from product requirements and applicable safety and performance standards (e.g., UL 987, CSA, CE/EN, ANSI/ISO sound power).
• Design load-bearing, safety-critical, and instrumented fixtures, with drawings sufficient for fabrication.
• Execute complex, instrumented, and first-of-kind testing on prototypes, production samples, and competitor benchmarks.
• Analyze results, identify failure modes, and lead root cause investigation through to verified corrective action.
• Author test reports with methodology, data, conclusions, and design recommendations.
• Provide technical direction, training, and work review for the Lab Test Technician and temporary support.
• Own the calibration program, ensure safe and properly guarded setups, and support the transition of new products to manufacturing.
• Continuously improve lab methods, capability, and throughput, including standing up new assets like the acoustic containment room.

First-Year Success Metrics

• Stood up test capability for new lab assets, including the acoustic test containment room, and validated its measurement integrity.
• Developed and documented test methods and acceptance criteria for active NPD programs.
• Led at least one root cause investigation from failure through verified corrective action, with a clear engineering report.
• Recognized by Design, Manufacturing, and Quality as the technical authority on how JPW proves its products.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in mechanical, electrical, mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline (Bachelor’s preferred).
• 5+ years of hands-on product testing, test engineering, or product validation, preferably in machinery, tools, or industrial equipment.
• Experience building test plans and methods from specifications and published standards, not solely executing existing procedures.
• CAD proficiency (SolidWorks preferred) to model and detail fixtures for fabrication, with strong mechanical design intuition.
• Proficiency with instrumentation: load cells, accelerometers, sound level meters, dataloggers, multimeters, oscilloscopes, and precision measurement instruments.
• Proficient interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Experience with quality tools: Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, DOE, and Six Sigma principles. Formal QMS documentation experience preferred.
• Electro-mechanical troubleshooting skills; PCB assembly and debug preferred.
• Clear technical writing and self-directed management of concurrent projects.
• Willing to travel once or twice a year to JPW manufacturing and warehouse locations (Two Rivers, WI; Albert Lea, MN; Manitowoc, WI).

Preferred Qualifications

• ASQ CQE or CQT certification, or equivalent.

Core Values

• Accountability: Take personal ownership of test integrity and outcomes, and follow through on commitments.
• Problem Solving & Innovation: Drive root cause analysis with rigor and urgency, and improve lab testing and measurement methods.
• Communication & Integrity: Report data and conclusions honestly and clearly, even when results are unexpected.
• Decision Making: Set acceptance criteria and pass/fail calls with the end user’s safety and experience in mind.
• Agility & Resilience: Balance concurrent test programs and shifting priorities without losing rigor.
• Collaboration & Inclusion: Partner across Design, Manufacturing, and Quality, and develop the technicians you direct.

Benefits

• Competitive pay + annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits from Day 1: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, telehealth, and more.
• Retirement plans with employer contributions.
• Generous PTO + paid holidays.
• Career development and learning opportunities.
• Team member appreciation events.