Production Test Center of Excellence Lead, SME

Quest Defense

. Lead the development and maturation of a Production Test Center of Excellence .

Posted 11/11/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSenior💰 $100 - $200 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive expertise in Production Test Engineering, including the development of test strategies, methodologies, and architectures for complex systems. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and engage with stakeholders to deliver turnkey production test solutions and ensure operational excellence.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Production Test EngineeringAutomated Test Equipment (ATE)Test Systems EngineeringTest MethodologiesProduction Test Lifecycle

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Production Test StrategiesTest Requirements DefinitionTest Architecture DevelopmentProduction Test Hardware DevelopmentAutomated Test SoftwareData Acquisition PlatformsStatistical Process ControlSix SigmaBusiness Case DevelopmentTurnkey Solution Pricing Models

Soft Skills

Influencing DecisionsBuilding Trusted RelationshipsStrategic Technical AdvisingCommunication with Executive Leadership

Tools & Technologies

Test Executive PlatformsAutomation FrameworksProduction Data Management SolutionsIntegration Plans

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in EngineeringU.S. Government Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

AerospaceDefenseAdvanced ElectronicsHigh-Reliability ManufacturingCenters of Excellence

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Switching

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the development and maturation of a Production Test Center of Excellence
Advise customers on production test strategies, methodologies, operating models, and best practices
Partner with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program teams to define requirements, specifications, and success criteria
Develop production test roadmaps covering requirements, implementation, validation, deployment, and sustainment
Define test methodologies, acceptance criteria, and strategies for electrical, functional, environmental, and system-level testing
Develop production test architectures, sequencing, workflows, and execution strategies
Architect complete production test cells with instrumentation, fixturing, sensors, switching, power, signal management, automation, and data acquisition
Guide automated test software, test executive applications, automation frameworks, and production data management solutions
Establish validation processes, quality standards, compliance requirements, maintenance strategies, and performance metrics
Support troubleshooting, root cause corrective action, yield improvement, and operational excellence
Develop sustainment, preventive maintenance, and long-term support strategies
Support business development, customer engagement, solution shaping, technical strategy, and capture planning
Assist with Statements of Work, technical proposals, basis-of-estimate packages, and pursuit strategies
Define turnkey production test solutions spanning engineering, hardware, instrumentation, software, automation, integration, installation, validation, training, and sustainment
Develop delivery plans and pricing strategies with engineering, operations, procurement, suppliers, and business leadership
Evaluate technical risk, schedules, capital equipment, make-versus-buy decisions, subcontractor needs, and integration complexity
Advise leadership on team structures, capabilities, competencies, and strategic investments
Leverage industry networks to identify talent, partners, suppliers, and opportunities

Requirements

What you’ll need

20+ years of experience in Production Test Engineering, Manufacturing Test Engineering, Automated Test Equipment (ATE), Test Systems Engineering, or related engineering disciplines
Experience designing, implementing, and supporting production test environments for complex electronic, electromechanical, RF, communications, avionics, sensor, radar, weapons, or other mission-critical systems
Deep understanding of the complete production test lifecycle, including test requirements, specifications, strategy, sequencing, architecture, instrumentation, integration, automation, validation, deployment, and sustainment
Hands-on experience developing production test hardware and infrastructure, including fixtures, instrumentation, switching systems, sensors, power systems, and data acquisition platforms
Experience with automated test software, test executive platforms, automation frameworks, and production data collection and reporting systems
Understanding of manufacturing operations, quality systems, statistical process control, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement
Experience transitioning products from development and integration into full-rate production
Experience defining solution architectures and execution strategies for production test systems and manufacturing test cells
Experience developing business cases, basis-of-estimate packages, capital equipment assessments, material and labor estimates, integration plans, and turnkey solution pricing models
Understanding of cost drivers for engineering services, hardware, instrumentation, software, integration, installation, validation, and sustainment
Ability to communicate with executive leadership, engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers
Ability to influence decisions, build trusted relationships, and serve as a strategic technical advisor
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline required
Willingness and ability to travel frequently
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance required
Active Secret Clearance preferred
Previous aerospace, defense, space, advanced electronics, or high-reliability manufacturing experience preferred
Experience leading production test organizations, Centers of Excellence, or enterprise-wide test standards preferred
Existing industry network preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive compensation
Employer-matched 401(k)
Certification assistance
Clear opportunities for advancement
Flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment
Work-life balance
Purpose-driven, mission-critical aerospace and defense projects