Hardware Validation Engineer

Note: - This role is 100% onsite with time at supplier locations throughout Southeast Michigan (about 4 days per week in Troy and 1 day in Livonia MI).

Job Overview:

• We are seeking a skilled Validation Engineer to develop and manage validation plans for vehicle hardware subsystems in vehicle programs. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring that all systems meet performance targets through rigorous validation processes. This position requires close collaboration with external testing vendors, engineering teams, and compliance groups to maintain the highest standards of quality and safety, as well as on-site hands-on management of testing programs.

Most Important Skills/Responsibilities:

• Troubleshooting and Resolution: Assist in troubleshooting and resolving issues identified during validation testing, working with development engineers to document and address these issues.
• Plan Updates: Update validation plans to incorporate new requirements or design controls arising from DFMEA reviews.
• Vendor Collaboration: Work closely with external testing vendors to quote, source, and schedule validation testing in alignment with program budgets and timelines.
• Experience with Jira software is a plus.

Key Responsibilities:

• Validation Planning: Develop and manage comprehensive validation plans for Closures, Structures, and Chassis subsystems within specific vehicle programs.
• Criteria Development: Establish criteria to ensure that all requirements are met, including considerations for sample size, statistical analysis, and attribute vs. variable testing.
• Research and Benchmarking: Conduct research and benchmark system validation tests that are not currently part of our portfolio but are essential for achieving target vehicle performance.
• Plan Updates: Update validation plans to incorporate new requirements or design controls arising from DFMEA reviews.
• Vendor Collaboration: Work closely with external testing vendors to quote, source, and schedule validation testing in alignment with program budgets and timelines.
• Test Procedure Review: Review and ensure that all test procedures conducted by vendors meet the necessary requirements.
• Troubleshooting and Resolution: Assist in troubleshooting and resolving issues identified during validation testing, working with development engineers to document and address these issues.
• Report Management: Receive, catalog, and prepare external test vendor reports and test reports in accordance with the record retention policy.
• Certification Compliance: Ensure that all certification tests and reports are managed and published in compliance with certification and compliance group instructions.
• Test Methodology: Develop and revise test methods, incorporating lessons learned from previous tests.
• Cost Estimation: Own and continuously improve the test cost estimator tool, providing accurate cost estimates for supplier reviews and challenging suppliers on budget estimates related to design changes.
• Tool Design: Create CAD designs for validation-specific tools, including fixtures and applicators.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of a summer internship experience, preferably within an engineering company, with office environment experience required.
• 1-5 years of relevant experience preferred, designing and testing mechanical systems for the automotive or related industry. Experience with strength, fatigue, and cyclic durability testing is a strong plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace is required.
• Experience with Jira software is a plus.