Prototyping and Testing Manager
Turn an empty warehouse into X Shore's prototyping and test department. Manage the physical build-out with contractors, then hire and lead the team that brings new boats to life in it.
About the Role
Prototyping and Testing doesn't exist yet as a department at X Shore — there's an empty warehouse and a mandate to build everything from the ground up. We're looking for a Manager to own that build, start to finish: work with building contractors to construct the mechanical workshop, electrical workshop, station build areas, and storage, then recruit and lead the prototyping and test engineering teams who'll work in it.
This is a hands-on, founding role. You'll be as involved in walking the warehouse floor with contractors and deciding where the electrical workshop goes as you will be interviewing your first engineering hires. There is no existing department, no established process, and no playbook — you're writing it. You'll report to the Head of R&D and be full-time on-site in Nyköping.
Key Responsibilities
Own the end-to-end build-out of X Shore's prototyping and test space, working directly with building contractors to construct the mechanical workshop, electrical workshop, station build areas, storage, and supporting infrastructure
Define layout, equipment, and tooling needs for a fully functional prototyping and test facility
Recruit, hire, and build the prototyping and test engineering teams from the ground up
Establish working processes, safety practices, and standards for a brand-new department
Manage budget and timeline for the physical build-out
Partner with R&D, production, and engineering leadership to ensure the space and team support X Shore's development needs
Lead day-to-day operations of prototyping and test once the space and team are in place
Act as the hands-on point of contact for contractors, vendors, and suppliers throughout construction
Required Qualifications
Proven experience building or substantially standing up a prototyping, test, or workshop facility from scratch
Experience managing building contractors and physical construction or fit-out projects
Experience hiring and building a technical team from the ground up
Background in mechanical or electrical prototyping, workshop operations, or test engineering
Fluent Swedish and English — this is a must
Genuine boating enthusiast, professionally and/or privately, ideally both — this is a must
Full-time, on-site in Nyköping — this is a must
Comfortable operating hands-on in a construction and startup environment with few established processes
Desirable Qualifications
Experience in marine, automotive, or another complex hardware industry
Background spanning both mechanical and electrical workshop environments
Experience setting up test rigs or validation facilities
Project management experience for facility build-outs
Personal Qualities
Hands-on and genuinely energized by building something from an empty room rather than inheriting one. A strong people leader who can attract and develop a team before there's a department for them to join. Pragmatic and resourceful — equally comfortable discussing wall placement with a contractor and interviewing a test engineer. Takes ownership and drives things to completion without waiting for process to catch up.
Success Metrics (First 12 Months)
Prototyping and test space — mechanical workshop, electrical workshop, station build areas, storage — is built out and operational
Core prototyping and test engineering team is hired and functioning
Department has working processes and safety practices in place
X Shore's development programs have a functioning prototyping and test capability to rely on
Location & Structure
Full-time, on-site in Nyköping. Reports to the Head of R&D.
- Department
- RnD
- Locations
- X Shore Factory & HQ