Test Engineering Manager

What we're building

Every idea starts with a problem. Ours was simple: Boats are special - but they're loud, pollutant, unreliable, and stuck in the past. Gas-powered boats dominate not because they're great, but because no better option has existed. Until now.

Arc is here to change that. We're building 100% electric boats from the ground up - quicker, quieter, easier to maintain, and better for the water they ride on. We're not just swapping gas for batteries. We're rethinking every detail on the boat - from propulsion and powertrain to software and ownership model - applying first-principles engineering from aerospace and EVs to deliver a better boating experience.

Electric boats haven't taken over yet. The tech hasn't been ready. The talent hasn't been focused here. That's our opportunity - and we're moving fast.

Who we're looking for

We're looking for someone who's fired up by our mission and ready to build. You'll thrive here if you adapt quickly, take ownership, and care about the details.

As Leader of the Test Engineering Team, you'll be responsible for managing and growing a team of test engineers and technicians. You will play a crucial role in shaping Arc's approach to product validation, system reliability, and production readiness. This role is ideal for a technical hands-on leader who enjoys building processes, solving hard problems, mentoring talent, and delivering real-world testing results that shape the future of our boats.

You'll work cross-functionally with product design, electrical, mechanical, software, and manufacturing teams to lead and support testing at every stage - from prototype to production. This is a highly collaborative, leadership-intensive role with significant influence across the organization

This is a full-time, on-site role at our Los Angeles headquarters. You'll report to the Leader of Hardware Engineering and work closely with a lean, high-trust team where everyone's work matters.

Core responsibilities

Leading and managing the Test Team, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback

Owning and continuously evolving Arc's test strategy, infrastructure, and execution across development, qualification, and production phases

Overseeing the development of test plans, test fixtures, instrumentation strategies, and documentation standards

Coordinating and prioritizing test campaigns across boat systems - mechanical, electrical, thermal, software - to meet program milestones

Driving test resource planning, asset management, and lab/facility development

Supporting the recruitment, onboarding, and career development for team members

Acting as a key decision-maker on test-related trade-offs between engineering, safety, quality, and time-to-market

Collaborating with engineering teams to ensure designs are testable and that results translate into actionable product improvements

Leading root cause analysis and corrective actions for failures or anomalies uncovered during testing

Ensuring safety protocols and best practices are followed rigorously in both lab and field environments

Representing the Test team in design reviews, technical discussions, and executive briefings Basic qualifications

5+ years of experience in product testing, validation, or systems engineering, including hands-on work in lab and field settings

2+ years of experience managing technical teams (engineers, technicians, or both)

Proven track record of delivering effective test campaigns for complex electro-mechanical systems

Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, instrumentation, data acquisition, and failure analysis

Working knowledge of test planning, report writing, and documentation

Comfortable in a fast-paced, hardware-heavy startup or R&D environment Bonus qualifications

Experience with automotive, aerospace, marine, or high-performance EV systems

Background in building and managing test labs, field test programs, or production end-of-line testing

Familiarity with data acquisition tools (e.g., NI, Dewesoft) and test instrumentation (e.g., strain gauges, thermocouples, load cells)

Hands-on prototyping and fabrication skills (welding, machining, electronics, etc.)

Passion for boating, clean energy, and electrification At Arc, we encourage diversity and consider all qualified applicants equally for employment, regardless of background, identity, or status. You're always welcome to reach out even if you don't meet many of these qualifications. Passion and aptitude make up for a lot.

Our values

We move with urgency and build with care. We value these five things above all else:

Ownership over both your work and the company's success

Empathy for colleagues and for customers

Humility in problem solving and collaboration

Pragmatism for navigating ambiguity quickly and sensibly

Inclusion of different backgrounds, opinions, cultures, and perspectives. We want people who share and embody these values. It is vital that our values align - we'd be happy to elaborate on any or all of these during the interview process.

What we offer

We don't think great work happens by accident. We invest in the people building Arc - because when you're supported, you do your best work.

Salary between $150,000 - $180,000 (depending on experience level)

Ownership - Equity in Arc

99% employer-paid health coverage - Medical, dental, and vision

Arc Water Fund - Annual stipend to get out on the water, however you choose

Captain Training - Get certified to take the boat out with friends and family

401(k) access - Plan your future

Semi-annual bonuses - Tied to your impact, not just your tenure

Daily team lunches, snacks, and good coffee while onsite

Parental leave - Because family comes first

Boat days - Yes, we actually go out on the water. A lot.

A chance to define the future of boating

The ability to drive positive environmental change through your work

Hope to hear from you soon!

The Crew at Arc