Manufacturing Testing Manager

About us:

Based in Melbourn, near Cambridge, UK, SPT Labtech (https://www.sptlabtech.com/) 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 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.

• 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 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

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with liquid-handling or life-science lab automation instruments.

• Familiarity with surface metrology (profilometry or optical measurement systems) and machined-part cleanliness (deburring, residue).

• Knowledge of stainless steel grades for machined parts and passivation.

• Background in Lean Manufacturing; ASQ certification (CQE, CQM or CRE) or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.

• Test automation experience, such as LabVIEW or Python.

• Experience with CE marking technical files and customer or notified-body audits.

• Multi-site experience working with an overseas engineering or parent-company team.

Benefits

• 401(k)

• Dental insurance

• Health insurance

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Vision insurance