Sr. Hardware Manufacturing Test Engineer

Ford Ford · Auto · Long Beach, CA +1 · PD Operations and Quality

Senior Hardware Manufacturing Test Engineer at Ford responsible for the architecture, development, and deployment of end-of-line (EOL) manufacturing test systems for electronic and electromechanical products. The role involves owning test strategy, driving continuous improvement, providing technical leadership, analyzing test data, and ensuring compliance with standards. It requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and 5+ years of experience in manufacturing test engineering or hardware validation.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead the design, architecture, and development of robust EOL test systems for complex electronic and electromechanical assemblies, ensuring scalability and reliability for high‑volume manufacturing.
  2. Own end‑to‑end test strategy including test coverage definition, fault isolation, and diagnostic capability to meet quality, cost, and throughput targets.
  3. Serve as the technical focal point for test equipment suppliers and internal stakeholders, guiding specifications, design reviews, supplier selection, and acceptance testing.
  4. Drive installation, commissioning, and validation of test stations on the manufacturing floor, including site readiness, prove‑out, and production handoff.
  5. Develop and enforce standardized test methodologies, documentation practices, and calibration strategies across manufacturing programs.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
  • 5+ years of experience in manufacturing test engineering, hardware validation, or end‑of‑line test system development
  • Strong understanding in industrial automation, PLCs, and test instrumentation
  • Hands‑on experience using tools such as NI LabVIEW, Python, CANoe, or equivalent
  • Proven ability to design and deploy complex test systems in high‑volume manufacturing environments
  • Advanced understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and statistical analysis
  • Demonstrated ability to read, create, and review electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings
  • Strong leadership, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills
  • Ability to independently drive projects, manage competing priorities, and influence technical decisions

Nice to have

  • Experience in automotive, aerospace, or other regulated high‑reliability industries
  • Deep knowledge of MES integration, test data management systems, and traceability requirements
  • Experience applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies to test operations
  • Background in equipment validation, GR&R, PFMEA, and control plan development
  • Familiarity with design‑for‑manufacturing (DFM) and design‑for‑test (DFT) best practices
  • Prior experience leading supplier technical engagements and cross‑site manufacturing deployments

What the JD emphasized

  • 5+ years of experience in manufacturing test engineering, hardware validation, or end‑of‑line test system development
  • Strong understanding in industrial automation, PLCs, and test instrumentation, with hands‑on experience using tools such as NI LabVIEW, Python, CANoe, or equivalent
  • Proven ability to design and deploy complex test systems in high‑volume manufacturing environments
  • Advanced understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and statistical analysis
  • Demonstrated ability to read, create, and review electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings