Manager, Process Engineering (Test Engineering) in Rochester

The Test Engineering Manager is a critical member within the Manufacturing Operations Organization. They will use their expertise to improve Plug Power’s fuel cell factory acceptance testing (FAT) process, methodologies, and equipment to ensure product quality, reliability, and improve test capacity by leveraging system data and proposing automation. This individual will manage the Test Engineering team, providing technical direction, setting priorities, and driving execution to improve system performance and reliability. The ideal candidate should be creative, self-motivated, able to handle multiple project assignments within a fast-paced manufacturing organization.

Principle Accountabilities

• Improve Test and Verification process effectivity as measured by:

• Safety within test processes & procedures
• Product quality/reliability performance in the field
• Process cycle times to meet production demands
• FAT performance data control & traceability
• Test equipment up-time/productivity (OEE)

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensures compliance to all Regulatory (Local, Federal), Corporate, and Plant standards.
• Develops and maintains a detailed understanding of Plug Power products and related manufacturing objectives and engineering constraints.
• Collaborates with Product Engineering, Reliability and Quality teams to define and document test requirements.
• Develops and improves testing methods and equipment; soliciting feedback from technicians; and conferring with equipment vendors.
• Provides technical direction and oversight to the Test Engineering team to implement technical solutions and test program changes.
• Coordinates and monitors test improvement progress and leads team problem solving projects including root cause analysis, containment, corrective, and preventative action implementation.
• Develops, maintains, and communicates Test and Verification process performance metrics (KPI’s) to help further the process and product reliability.
• Coordinates with production staff to support manufacturing process with the goal of improving product quality and overall process efficiency.
• Utilizes and improves business process systems (quality & test databases, ERP system, project management software, etc.) to support continuous improvement efforts.
• Develops and maintains standard operating procedures (SOP’s) for Test and Verification area.
• Coordinates with New Product Introduction and Engineering teams to improve system tests and improve throughput.
• Outlines diagnostic parameters to programmatically determine root cause via failure mode analysis.
• Ensures testing procedures comply with required industry standards.
• Develops testing protocols and solves complex technical and business matters as needed.
• Oversees technical improvements to test and verification area, following changes to completion over system life expectancy.
• Manages projects and team with a focus on delivering high calibre results in a timely fashion.
• Contributes to team Operational Excellence efforts by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Represents Plug Power in a professional manner at all times and in all interactions.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• BS in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Controls, Automation or related field).
• Broad range of manufacturing experiences (7 years plus), oriented towards high speed, mass production systems.
• Supervisory experience required.
• Exposure to high-volume automated production equipment, with a working knowledge of Program Control Logic (PLC) programming.
• Preferred with experience in C, VBA, and LabVIEW with proven experience with writing code.
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics, PFD’s, and P&ID’s.
• Excellent problem solving and hands-on equipment troubleshooting skills.
• Strong Project Management and Leadership skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software suite.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Dynamic interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences and stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven track record of helping to drive manufacturing process improvement projects.
• Uncompromising dedication to product quality.
• Demonstrated analytical abilities with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage complex projects, multi-task effectively and work in a team environment.

Plug Power Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.