Lead Test Engineer

Position Overview

Brightsmith is partnering with a mission-driven clean-energy company developing breakthrough technologies to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere and enable a net-zero future. We’re hiring a Lead Test Engineer to own the end-to-end test strategy for our carbon removal systems and to build and lead a high-performing test organization (engineers + technicians). This is a hands-on leadership role: you’ll both design critical tests yourself and scale the team, infrastructure, and processes around you.

If you are interested in hearing more about the role, please apply here or reach out directly at h.lowther@brightsmithgroup.com.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute test plans for mechanical, electrical, and chemical subsystems.
• Automate testing processes.
• Develop and maintain test setups, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Analyze performance data to identify issues, trends, and improvement opportunities.
• Work with engineering teams to verify system performance and resolve technical challenges.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis during prototype and pilot plant testing.
• Ensure all test activities comply with safety and quality standards.
• Build and mentor a small team of test engineers and technicians as the company grows.
• Prepare clear reports and communicate results to engineering and leadership teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Computer Engineering or Systems Engineering (or related field).
• Experience in test automation.
• 5+ years of experience in hardware or process system testing; experience leading small technical teams preferred.
• Proficiency with sensors, instrumentation, and data acquisition tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience interpreting complex data.
• Hands-on experience testing process equipment, clean energy systems, or pilot-scale technology.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.