Prototyping and Testing Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Prototyping and Testing Manager

Company: Xshore

Location: Nyköping, Sweden

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering & Operations Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-11

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the foundational build-out of X Shore's Prototyping and Testing department, transforming an empty warehouse into a fully functional facility from the ground up.

• Develop and implement all operational processes, safety protocols, and departmental standards for a newly established engineering function.

• Lead the recruitment, hiring, and management of the Prototyping and Test Engineering teams, fostering a high-performance culture.

• Collaborate closely with R&D, production, and engineering leadership to align facility capabilities with the company's product development roadmap.

• Manage the budget and timeline for physical construction and fit-out projects, ensuring efficient resource allocation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a foundational "founding" position, requiring a high degree of autonomy and entrepreneurial spirit. The emphasis on building from scratch and hands-on involvement suggests a need for candidates with strong practical engineering and construction management skills, rather than purely managerial experience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end construction and fit-out of the mechanical workshop, electrical workshop, station build areas, and storage facilities, directly managing building contractors.

• Define and procure all necessary equipment, tooling, and infrastructure for a state-of-the-art prototyping and test environment.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive recruitment strategy to build a skilled and motivated Prototyping and Test Engineering team.

• Establish robust working processes, stringent safety practices, and quality standards for all departmental operations.

• Manage departmental budgets, track expenditures, and ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope.

• Act as the primary point of contact for contractors, vendors, and suppliers throughout the construction and operational phases.

• Partner with cross-functional leadership to ensure the prototyping and test capabilities effectively support X Shore's product development lifecycle.

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Prototyping and Test department once the facility and team are established.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: extensive project management for facility construction and hands-on team leadership for technical operations. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in both areas, with a strong emphasis on practical execution and problem-solving in a startup environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field is strongly implied by the background requirements.

• Equivalent practical experience in lieu of a formal degree may be considered for candidates with exceptional track records in facility build-outs and team leadership. Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in technical roles, with a significant portion dedicated to prototyping, test engineering, or workshop operations.

• Proven track record of building or substantially standing up a technical facility (prototyping, test, or workshop) from inception to operational status.

• Demonstrated experience in managing building contractors, overseeing physical construction, or complex fit-out projects.

• Substantial experience in hiring, building, and leading technical engineering teams, particularly in a startup or growth-phase environment. Required Skills:

• Prototyping & Test Engineering: Deep understanding of prototyping methodologies, test procedures, and validation processes for hardware development.

• Facility Management & Construction Oversight: Proven ability to manage physical construction projects, including workshop layout, equipment installation, and contractor coordination.

• Team Leadership & Recruitment: Expertise in attracting, interviewing, hiring, and developing technical talent.

• Project Management: Strong skills in planning, executing, and monitoring projects, including budget and timeline management.

• Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Fundamentals: Solid technical background to effectively guide and assess prototyping and test activities.

• Process Development & Implementation: Ability to create and document new working processes, safety standards, and operational procedures from scratch.

• Budget Management: Experience in developing and managing departmental budgets for capital expenditures and operational costs.

• Vendor & Contractor Management: Skill in selecting, negotiating with, and managing external service providers.

• Fluent Swedish and English: Essential for communication with local contractors, team members, and international stakeholders.

• Genuine Boating Enthusiast: A demonstrable passion for boating, both professionally and personally, is a non-negotiable requirement.

Preferred Skills:

• Marine/Automotive/Complex Hardware Industry Experience: Familiarity with the unique challenges and requirements of these sectors.

• Integrated Mechanical & Electrical Workshop Experience: Cross-functional understanding of both disciplines.

• Test Rig & Validation Facility Setup: Experience in designing and implementing specialized testing environments.

• Formal Project Management Certification: (e.g., PMP) would be a plus.

• Startup Operations Acumen: Comfort and experience navigating ambiguity and rapid change.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "must-have" requirements for fluency in Swedish and English, on-site presence, and boating enthusiasm are critical filters. The experience level suggests a need for someone who has likely managed significant projects and teams before, capable of immediate impact.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Facility Build-out Case Studies: Demonstrations of past projects where you were instrumental in establishing or significantly upgrading technical facilities, detailing the scope, challenges, and outcomes. This should include evidence of contractor management and infrastructure planning.

• Team Building & Leadership Examples: Evidence of successful team recruitment, development, and management, showcasing your approach to building a high-performing engineering team from the ground up.

• Process & Safety Documentation Samples: Examples of operational processes, workflow diagrams, and safety protocols you have developed and implemented in previous roles, particularly for new departments or facilities.

• Budget & Project Management Artifacts: Documentation illustrating your ability to manage project budgets, timelines, and vendor relationships effectively. This could include project plans, budget breakdowns, or progress reports.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase your ability to map out and optimize complex workflows within a technical or manufacturing environment.

• Implementation & Automation Strategies: Provide examples of how you have implemented new processes or introduced automation to enhance efficiency and productivity.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Demonstrate how you track and analyze departmental performance, using data to drive improvements and report on key metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a foundational role, the portfolio should heavily emphasize the candidate's ability to create processes and infrastructure, rather than just optimize existing ones. Case studies demonstrating end-to-end responsibility for building a functional unit will be most impactful.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the location (Nyköping, Sweden), experience level (5-10 years), and the hands-on, foundational nature of this role, a competitive salary range for a Prototyping and Testing Manager in Sweden would typically fall between SEK 600,000 and SEK 850,000 annually. This estimate considers the high demand for experienced technical managers in specialized industries and the significant responsibility of building a department from scratch.

• Methodology: This estimate is derived from analyzing publicly available salary data for similar engineering management roles in Sweden, adjusted for cost of living in the Nyköping region and the specific requirements of X Shore's "founding role" mandate. Industry benchmarks for technical leadership positions in hardware manufacturing and R&D were also consulted.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for medical, dental, and vision care.

• Pension Scheme: Contribution towards retirement savings.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days and public holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and attending industry conferences.

• Employee Stock Options: Potential for equity participation in a growing company.

• Company Gear & Equipment: Access to the latest tools and technology within the new facility.

• Boating Perks: Potential for involvement in company-related boating activities or access to company vessels.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. However, given the hands-on, startup nature of the role and the construction phase, flexibility will be essential. Occasional work outside standard hours may be required to manage contractors, meet project deadlines, or address urgent operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is a benchmark; actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and negotiation. The benefits package should be competitive within the Swedish market for technical leadership roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marine Technology / Electric Boats

Company Size: While specific size isn't provided, the description of building a department from scratch and an "empty warehouse" suggests a growing startup or a scale-up phase company, likely in the range of 50-250 employees.

Founded: X Shore was founded with a mission to revolutionize the marine industry with high-performance, sustainable electric boats. This founding principle drives innovation and a forward-thinking approach.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The Prototyping and Testing Manager will report directly to the Head of R&D, indicating a central role within the research and development function.

• Departmental Focus: This role is tasked with creating a brand-new department, implying a flat initial structure that will grow under the manager's leadership.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close partnerships are expected with R&D, Production, and Engineering leadership, necessitating strong communication and integration across these critical functions.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated for this role, a modern R&D and operations environment typically relies on data to inform decisions, optimize processes, and measure performance.

• Agile Development Principles: Given the startup nature, an agile or iterative approach to product development and facility build-out is likely employed.

• Hands-on Problem Solving: The company culture emphasizes a pragmatic, hands-on approach, with individuals comfortable tackling challenges directly rather than relying solely on established procedures.

Company Website: https://xshore.teamtailor.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on sustainable electric boats provides a strong mission-driven context. The "startup" environment implies a fast-paced, adaptable culture where initiative and ownership are highly valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into leadership for individuals with deep technical expertise in prototyping and testing. It's a "founding manager" position, offering the opportunity to define and shape a new department. This is beyond a senior individual contributor role and positions the candidate as a key leader within the R&D organization.

Reporting Structure: Reporting to the Head of R&D places this role strategically within the innovation pipeline. The manager will have direct influence on how R&D projects are executed, tested, and validated.

Operations Impact: The Prototyping and Testing Manager will have a direct and immediate impact on X Shore's ability to innovate and bring new products to market. By establishing a robust facility and a high-performing team, they will accelerate development cycles, improve product quality, and reduce time-to-market for new boat models. Their work directly supports the company's mission to lead in sustainable marine technology.

Growth Opportunities:

• Departmental Expansion: Opportunity to grow the Prototyping and Test team significantly over time, potentially leading to multiple sub-teams or specialized functions.

• Strategic Influence: As a founding leader, the manager will have a voice in shaping the future direction of R&D and product development processes.

• Leadership Development: Potential to advance into higher-level R&D or operations management roles within X Shore as the company scales.

• Skill Diversification: Exposure to construction management, team building, and cross-functional strategic planning, broadening the candidate's leadership skillset.

• Industry Expertise: Deepening knowledge within the rapidly evolving electric marine industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity for a builder and leader to make a substantial impact by establishing a critical function from its inception. The growth potential is tied to the company's success and the candidate's ability to execute effectively.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based on-site at X Shore's facility in Nyköping, Sweden. This includes an "empty warehouse" that will be converted into a comprehensive prototyping and testing facility.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Nyköping, Sweden, specifically at Flättnaleden 6, Arnö. This location is central to the company's operations.

Workspace Context:

• Hands-on & Construction Focused: The initial phase will involve an active construction site environment as the warehouse is fitted out. This requires comfort with a dynamic, potentially noisy, and evolving workspace.

• Collaborative & Cross-functional: Once operational, the workspace will foster collaboration between the Prototyping and Test teams and other R&D, engineering, and production personnel.

• Tooling & Technology Enabled: The manager will be responsible for defining and procuring the tools and technology, ensuring the workspace is equipped for cutting-edge hardware development and testing.

Work Schedule:

• A standard full-time schedule is expected (approx. 40 hours/week). However, the nature of construction projects and the need to establish a new department may require flexibility and occasional work outside of regular business hours to meet critical deadlines or manage unforeseen issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates must be comfortable with a dynamic, evolving work environment that transitions from a construction site to a fully operational technical facility. The on-site requirement is absolute.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and resumes to assess alignment with core qualifications, particularly experience in facility build-outs and team leadership.

• Technical & Behavioral Interview (Round 1): Focused on past experience in prototyping, testing, construction management, and team building. Expect questions about specific projects, challenges faced, and how they were overcome.

• Hiring Manager Interview (Round 2): Deeper dive into leadership style, process development philosophy, and strategic thinking. Discussion around how the candidate would approach building the department from scratch.

• Cross-functional Stakeholder Interviews (Round 3): Meetings with R&D, Production, and Engineering leadership to assess collaboration skills and alignment with company goals.

• On-site Visit & Facility Walkthrough (if applicable): Potentially an opportunity to see the current facility and discuss vision, or for the candidate to present their initial thoughts on the build-out.

• Final Interview: With senior leadership to discuss overall fit, vision, and compensation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on "Building from Scratch": Highlight projects where you established new departments, facilities, or processes. Quantify the impact of your efforts.

• Demonstrate Contractor & Project Management: Showcase your ability to manage timelines, budgets, and external vendors effectively. Include examples of successful construction or fit-out projects.

• Showcase Team Building: Present your approach to recruiting, developing, and leading technical teams. Include examples of team structures you've built and their performance.

• Detail Process Creation: Provide concrete examples of operational processes, safety protocols, and workflow improvements you've implemented, especially in nascent environments.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your initiatives (e.g., reduction in build time, improvement in test efficiency, safety incident reduction).

• Tailor to X Shore: Research X Shore's mission and products. Frame your experience in a way that shows how you can contribute to their specific goals in electric marine technology.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your strategic approach to building a prototyping and testing facility and team within X Shore's specific context.

• Anticipate questions about prioritizing construction needs, equipment selection, team hiring criteria, and initial process rollouts.

• Think through how you would balance the immediate needs of construction with the long-term operational requirements of the department.

• Be ready to articulate your understanding of the boating industry and X Shore's place within it.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely prioritize candidates who can clearly articulate a vision for building and leading the department, supported by tangible evidence from their past work. The "founding role" aspect means they will be looking for initiative, autonomy, and a builder's mindset.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping Equipment: Expect to define and procure a range of equipment for mechanical and electrical prototyping, including CNC machines, 3D printers, soldering stations, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and diagnostic tools.

• Testing Equipment: This will include environmental chambers, load testers, electrical testing apparatus, data acquisition systems, and potentially specialized marine testing equipment.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Jira, Trello, Microsoft Project, or similar for managing construction timelines, tasks, and team assignments.

• CAD Software: Familiarity with industry-standard CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for reviewing designs and understanding workshop layouts.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Acquisition Systems: Software associated with test equipment for collecting and logging performance data.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, budget tracking, and reporting.

• Business Intelligence Tools: Potentially tools like Power BI or Tableau for creating dashboards to visualize test results and departmental performance, although this may be more of a stakeholder requirement than a direct tool for the manager.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing sales or marketing CRM, understanding how R&D outputs feed into the broader company systems (e.g., PLM, ERP) will be beneficial.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Basic understanding of how to implement simple workflow automation within project management or team communication tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The manager will be instrumental in defining the technology stack for this new department. Therefore, a broad understanding of relevant tools and technologies in prototyping, testing, and facility management is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ownership & Initiative: A strong emphasis on taking responsibility for tasks and driving them to completion without constant oversight. This is paramount for a "founding" role.

• Pragmatism & Resourcefulness: The ability to find practical solutions to challenges, especially in a startup environment where resources might be limited or processes undefined.

• Hands-on Mentality: A willingness to be actively involved in the work, whether it's discussing construction details or understanding technical challenges on the workshop floor.

• Collaboration & Communication: Valuing open communication and effective teamwork, particularly with R&D, production, and engineering counterparts.

• Safety First: A commitment to establishing and upholding robust safety practices to protect the team and facility.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands close collaboration with R&D, Production, and Engineering. The manager must be adept at understanding the needs of these departments and integrating the prototyping and testing functions to support them.

• Open Feedback Culture: Encouraging an environment where feedback is shared constructively, both upwards and downwards, to continuously improve processes and team performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Fostering a culture where team members share their expertise, best practices, and lessons learned to build collective knowledge within the department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on building from scratch suggests a culture that rewards proactive individuals who can navigate ambiguity and contribute broadly. The "boating enthusiast" requirement also points to a passion-driven culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Building from Zero: The primary challenge is establishing a fully functional department and facility from an empty space, requiring significant planning, execution, and management of multiple workstreams simultaneously.

• Ambiguity & Lack of Established Processes: Operating in a startup environment means dealing with inherent uncertainty and the need to create processes where none exist, requiring adaptability and resilience.

• Resource Management: Balancing budget constraints with the need for high-quality equipment and a skilled team.

• Contractor Management: Navigating the complexities of construction projects, including potential delays, scope creep, and contractor performance issues.

• Attracting Top Talent: Competing for skilled engineers in a niche market and convincing them to join a new, unproven department.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership in a Growth Environment: Gaining invaluable experience in scaling a technical department and influencing organizational growth.

• Construction Project Management: Developing expertise in managing large-scale facility build-outs.

• Industry Specialization: Deepening knowledge of marine engineering, electric propulsion systems, and related testing methodologies.

• Strategic Impact: Direct contribution to product innovation and company success, providing a strong sense of accomplishment.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leadership and to mentor future team members as the department grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates must see these challenges as opportunities for growth and impact. The ability to thrive in an unstructured, high-impact environment will be key to success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to building a new technical facility from the ground up. What are the key phases and considerations?"

• "How would you prioritize the build-out of the mechanical workshop vs. the electrical workshop, and what equipment would be essential in the first 6 months?"

• "Outline your strategy for recruiting and building a high-performing Prototyping and Test Engineering team in a competitive market."

• "What are the critical safety protocols you would implement from day one in a new workshop environment?"

• "How would you manage the budget and timeline for this facility build-out, and what contingency plans would you put in place?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to X Shore and our mission in sustainable electric boats?"

• "How does your passion for boating align with this role and X Shore's values?"

• "Describe your experience working in a startup or fast-paced, less-structured environment."

• "How do you foster a collaborative culture within a technical team, and how would you ensure integration with R&D and Production?"

• "What is your definition of 'ownership' in a role, and how have you demonstrated it in previous positions?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation around the "Build-Out" narrative: Start with the challenge (empty warehouse), detail your plan (phases, key decisions), showcase your execution (contractor management, equipment selection), and present the results (operational facility, functioning team).

• Use visual aids: Include floor plans, equipment lists, project timelines, and photos (if available) from previous facility build-out projects.

• Highlight team building successes: Show how you identified talent needs, recruited, and onboarded engineers.

• Demonstrate process creation: Present examples of the processes you've developed, emphasizing their clarity and effectiveness.

• Quantify impact: Use metrics to demonstrate efficiency gains, cost savings, or project completion rates.

• Be ready to discuss specific equipment and technical challenges relevant to marine prototyping and testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of strategic thinking, practical execution skills, and a proactive, hands-on leadership style. The ability to articulate a clear vision for the department and demonstrate how you've achieved similar feats in the past will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Prototyping and Testing Manager position:

• Submit your application through the X Shore teamtailor portal.

• Tailor your Resume: Emphasize your experience in facility build-outs, construction management, team leadership, and technical prototyping/testing. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., "facility management," "contractor management," "team building," "prototyping," "test engineering").

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile case studies that clearly demonstrate your ability to build technical facilities and teams from scratch. Focus on projects where you had end-to-end responsibility.

• Craft Your Cover Letter: Clearly articulate why you are the ideal candidate, highlighting your passion for boating, your experience in building, and your fluency in Swedish and English. Address the "founding role" aspect directly.

• Research X Shore: Familiarize yourself with their product line, mission, and recent news to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of their market.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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