Senior Manager of Hardware Test Job at SPAN Inc in San Francisco

Our Mission

SPAN is enabling electrification for all

We are a mission-driven company designing, building, and deploying products that electrify the built environment, reduce carbon emissions, and slow the effects of climate change.

• Decarbonization is the process to reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide, from entering our atmosphere.
• Electrification is the process of replacing fossil fuel appliances that run on gas or oil with all-electric upgrades for a cleaner way to power our lives.

At SPAN, we believe in:

• Enabling homes and vehicles powered by clean energy
• Making electrification upgrades possible
• Building more resilient homes with reliable backup
• Designing a flexible and distributed electrical grid

The Role

SPAN is seeking a Senior Manager of Hardware Test Engineering to lead test strategy and execution across our full product lifecycle-from early prototype development to production scale-up. In this hands-on leadership role, you will shape how we verify and validate the performance, quality, reliability, and code compliance of SPAN's intelligent home energy products.

You'll lead a high-impact team of test, reliability, and certification engineers while working closely with product design, firmware, and manufacturing to develop scalable and robust test strategies that support our rapid growth and mission-driven innovation.

Responsibilities

• Leading test strategy and execution for design validation, product reliability, and compliance certification
• Managing a team of high caliber test engineers, strengthening the team by identifying gaps and building the team through mentorship and recruiting
• Managing existing test infrastructure and expanding internal capabilities; own decisions regarding in-house vs. outsourced testing through certified labs
• Guiding the team through deployment of scalable hardware test system architecture and test automation
• Defining mission profiles to validate product performance and reliability across a diversity of likely use models
• Managing relationships with and executing tests as appropriate at external labs as appropriate
• Fostering an "in it together" culture of collaboration and partnership with design engineers, manufacturing engineers, supply chain managers, certification and compliance engineers, and field service teams
• Optimizing for product development and production velocity without compromising product safety, product quality, or product integrity
• Establishing appropriate documentation of test requirements, methods, procedures, and reports

• Managing a team of multidisciplinary test engineers with both electrical and mechanical backgrounds; identifying gaps and building the team through mentorship and recruiting
• Building out electrical test capabilities for power conversion circuits, energy metering, and communication interfaces, while ensuring robust coverage of mechanical and environmental reliability testing.

About You
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or related Engineering discipline
• , with significant depth in electrical validation and reliability testing.
• 3-5+ years in a team leadership or engineering management role
• Hands-on expertise in testing power electronics, analog circuits, and digital communication interfaces.
• Experience defining and scaling automated test systems (Python, programmable instruments, data acquisition frameworks).
• Proven history of building high performance and self-sufficient engineering teams capable of quickly adapting to new address new challenges
• Shipped multiple complex electromechanical products
• Deep understanding of product validation, functional testing, unit test development, regression testing, environmental testing, and test automation
• Hands-on experience with tools like Python
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a first-principles approach to debugging complex systems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interface across engineering and operations teams
• Proven track record of scaling test processes and infrastructure in a fast-paced product environment

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience in a regulated industry such as energy, automotive, aerospace, or consumer electronics
• Experience with high-voltage AC and DC systems (up to 600V continuous; 3kV hi-pot)
• Familiarity with HALT, HASS, or other accelerated reliability testing methods
• Experience working with OSATs or external test vendors
• Knowledge of compliance testing and regulatory standards
• Hands-on experience with tools like LabVIEW, Chroma, or Advantest platforms

Life at SPAN

Headquartered in San Francisco's vibrant SoMa neighborhood, we are an eclectic group of creative thinkers who value open communication, teamwork, and a 'make it happen' approach to addressing complex challenges.

SPAN embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.

We're hiring talented individuals who are driven by success and are passionate about shaping the future of renewable energy. If that sounds like you, we'd love for you to consider joining the rapidly growing team at SPAN.

The Perks

Competitive compensation + equity grants at a well-funded, venture-backed company
Comprehensive benefits: 100% employee premiums for base plans on medical, dental, vision, with options for additional coverage. Parental leave up to twenty-four (24) week,s depending on eligibility
Comfortable, sunny office space located near BART and Caltrain public transit
Strong focus on team building and company culture: Employee Resource Groups, monthly social events, SPANcakes recognition breakfast, lunch, and learns
Flexible hours, one holiday per month, and flexible time off