What are the responsibilities and job description for the Electrical Test Engineering Manager position at Sterling Engineering?
Electrical Test Engineering Manager
Location: Fontana, CA (Onsite)
Compensation: $95,000-$130,000/year 10% bonus
Position Summary
The Electrical Test Engineering Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all electrical testing activities for substation control house and enclosure-based power distribution projects. Reporting to the Director of Design & Engineering, this role manages the test engineering and technician team, ensuring testing is executed safely, accurately, on schedule, and within budget.
This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for someone with a strong background in power equipment and switchgear testing who can balance technical execution with team leadership and continuous process improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the electrical testing team responsible for testing all components within power and control enclosures (E-Houses).
- Own the testing schedule and coordinate closely with Engineering and Production to align with overall project timelines.
- Monitor daily testing progress, provide technical guidance, and troubleshoot critical issues as they arise.
- Review project specifications, drawings, and schematics to ensure testing procedures meet all customer and regulatory requirements.
- Review and approve test plans, test reports, and testing schematics for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with internal standards.
- Ensure all completed test documentation is properly maintained, both physically and electronically, within project folders.
- Develop, maintain, and continuously improve testing procedures, work instructions, and testing forms.
- Oversee testing equipment inventory and ensure proper calibration, availability, and safe usage.
- Lead root cause analysis and quality improvement initiatives to reduce test cycle time and improve overall efficiency.
- Enforce electrical safety standards, testing protocols, and housekeeping requirements across all test areas.
- Perform and support hands-on electrical testing as needed, including functional and power testing.
Testing Scope Includes
- Medium-voltage switchgear and breakers
- Protective relays and relay panels
- Power distribution components within enclosures
- Communication systems and HMIs
- Panelboards and automatic transfer switches
- Fire alarm and auxiliary systems
- HVAC and supporting electrical systems within the enclosure
Qualifications
- Technical degree or equivalent experience in an electrical or power-related field.
- 5 years of experience in electrical or power equipment testing, ideally within substations, switchgear, or enclosure-based systems.
- Strong hands-on experience with AC/DC functional testing of protective relays, MV switchgear, breakers, and arc-flash related systems.
- Previous experience leading or managing test technicians or engineering teams.
- Solid knowledge of electrical safety practices, NEC, IEEE standards, and applicable testing codes.
- NETA certification is a plus.
Work Environment
- Fully onsite role based in Fontana, CA
- Hands-on shop and production testing environment
- Close collaboration with Engineering, Production, and Quality teams
Salary : $95,000 - $130,000