Senior Manager, Test Engineering and Product Reliability

Founded in 2011 by graduates of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), RISE™Robotics is a high-growth technology company backed by The Engine, a Tough Tech venture capital fund built by MIT, Greentown Labs, and Techstars.

RISE™Robotics is leading the way to Zero Emission heavy machinery by providing the world's most efficient and productive alternative to hydraulics.

We specialize in fostering dynamic partnerships with Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs, and the US Department of Defense, pioneering the transition from traditional hydraulic systems to more efficient and sustainable solutions.

Why This Role Matters

At this pivotal point in company growth, RISE is looking for a passionate and team-oriented Senior Manager, Test Engineering & Product Reliability to join us in shaping the future of heavy-duty linear actuation and heavy machinery.

RISE Cylinder is an actuation technology for use in heavy machinery applications, and as such it must be subjected to rigorous levels of testing-based validation.

You will be responsible for all technical and personnel aspects of the testing department, including ensuring RISE Cylinder reliability requirements are thoroughly defined, tested, recorded, and reported.

You will own the department's short to midterm (1-3 years) development and execution, career path, and vision. This position requires multidisciplinary knowledge spanning mechanical, electrical, and software domains.

This position will report to the Chief Operating Officer, and is a hybrid role with three (3) days / week in the Somerville office with additional days in the office, as needed, based on critical product timelines.

In This Role You Will :

• Lead a multidisciplinary test engineering team to validate the performance and reliability of complex electro-mechanical systems during product development.
• Create and oversee department initiatives to support training, process improvement, and the creation and maintenance of best practices and protocols, fostering a culture that meets and exceeds customer's expectations.
• Develop a comprehensive testing plan to subject RISE Cylinder to service life testing under the influence of extreme environmental factors, vibration under static and dynamic loads, shock load conditions, part variability, and any other factors considered to be influential on reliability.
• Direct and manage the fabrication and assembly of Automated Test Equipment for service life testing, analyze test results as a final authority on the thoroughness and completeness, and maintain uptime of testing equipment to the highest degree possible.
• Translate business, strategic, and financial direction and goals from executives to functional team members’ goals.
• Work with Hardware and Software development teams to diagnose root causes of failure and to brainstorm product design improvements.
• Manage cross-functional prioritization of test resources across multiple programs.
• Hire, direct, motivate, and mentor the test engineering staff, providing technical direction and guidance to meet scheduled commitments.
• Establish systems for reporting and analyzing field product problems and failures, determine and apply appropriate product reliability growth methods and models, and prioritize field product issues for effective resolution.
• Act as a guardian and key advisor to determine when a product is ready to be shipped to customers.

Requirements

• BS or MS in engineering with 5+ years in developing test solutions for industrial products with 3+ years management experience.
• Proven technical aptitude with conception, definition, implementation, and deployment of PLM systems focused on design validation, product qualification, volume production, and yield optimization.
• Demonstrated experience constructing automated test equipment in terms of overall architecture, rapid mechanical design, electrical assembly of COTS components, and management of test software.
• Strong understanding of industrial machinery requirements and test models that accurately simulate real-life performance.
• Demonstrated strong work ethic and ability to work in a team environment.
• Strong background in program management.
• Excellent leadership, change management, initiative, and planning skills with the ability to perform as an individual contributor, as needed.
• Strong track record of success in raising a department’s performance through institutionalizing best practices.
• Proven troubleshooting skills and structured problem-solving approach.
• Experience working cross-functionally in a dynamic, high-tech, startup environment.
• Proven track record of mentoring and coaching staff.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package, including equity options
• Health, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance policy- RISE™ pays 70% of the premium
• 401(k) program
• Twenty days PTO and ten office holidays
• Flexible / hybrid work options
• Weekly lunches and company outings (holiday parties, milestone celebrations)
• Free parking / T accessible
• Located in Union Square

RISE Robotics is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.