Job Description

Carrier Fire & Security Products is seeking a Test & Approvals Manager for its Detector Electronics fire and gas detection business in Bloomington, MN! Det-Tronics has been providing proven flame detection, gas detection, and hazard mitigation systems for high-risk processes and critical industrial operations worldwide since 1973. The company designs manufacture, and commissions certified SIL 2-capable flame and gas detection solutions. Det-Tronics products carry performance and safety certifications from globally recognized third-party testing agencies and approval bodies.

The Test & Approvals Manager reports to the engineering director and will lead a group responsible for design verification and validation testing and product certification / approvals for sustaining and new electro-mechanical product development projects. The test and approvals team is responsible for the technical quality of all product designs and design updates, and instrumental in the authorization of their release to production.

As an engineering functional manager, the role requires providing prioritized work direction to team members and supporting them in their individual development plans. The position is hands-on and will require guiding and directing team members on projects, and owning critical or high visibility assignments. As part of the engineering leadership team, the role requires input and participation in budgeting and technology, product and business strategic planning.

Major Job Functions:

• Manage all verification & validation test and approvals/certification activities for sustaining and new product development projects including aspects for budget, resources, and schedule across the entire lifecycle process of products.
• Ensure testable requirements, test strategies, and certification strategies are developed for projects through cross-functional interactions with design and development engineering, manufacturing operations, and product management.
• Manage and ensure content accuracy of the regulated product labeling and literature.
• Work closely with the project managers and engineers to create and maintain test and approval resources, budget, and schedule estimates.
• Communicate on regular basis to different global stakeholders (e.g. program managers, general managers, sales managers) the test and approvals work status.
• Oversee and participate with their team members in the creation and execution of test plans, certification plans, verification & validation test protocols/methods, and in the management of the product certification process with different approval agencies.
• Review test plans, results, and reports for accuracy and compliance with applicable standards, project requirements, and internal policies and procedures.
• Oversee and participate with their team members in design and manufacturing process risk analyses.
• Work with development engineering to address and develop solutions to concerns identified during testing.
• Manage test lab and associated equipment and processes, and regularly evaluate testing methods, tools, and processes to make recommendations for improvements (e.g. improved data collection, automation, etc).
• Ensure product certifications required by Det-Tronics business and product management are maintained.
• Act as the main point of contact for approval agencies and remote or in-person product certification audits including any SIL certifications.
• Interact with the various approval agencies to communicate and strategically manage the support needed to meet the business needs of Det-Tronics.
• Develop and deploy policies and standard work procedures that ensure robust design and quality for engineering and coordinate their implementation.
• Mentor direct reports and foster a learning and growth environment.
• Support career development of team members, and perform evaluations at regular intervals.
• Develop plans for the current and future needs of this group, and those in the team.
• Participate and engage in engineering leadership team meetings and group initiatives representing this group.
• Determine appropriate staff levels, schedules, and resources to support organizational goals.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline preferably electrical. Advanced engineering degree preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in engineering and/or product development with at least 5 years developing electro-mechanical products, and 3+ years in people management.
• Must have participated in the development of a regulated electromechanical product from inception through market launch. Platformed product development desired.
• Demonstrated strong writing skills for documenting work, and strong communication skills with experience communicating up to leadership.
• Self-motivated and demonstrated the ability to handle multiple projects at a given time and changing priorities.

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