Head of Product Testing and Validation

About Pebble:

Pebble is a sustainable living startup defining a new way to live, work and explore from anywhere with a 100% electric, hassle-free RV trailer. Built by a team of experts in both automotive and consumer technology, Pebble combines electrification with cutting-edge automotive technology for a travel trailer experience that removes the hassles RV trailer owners have struggled with for decades.

At Pebble, we are building out the future of lighter, more flexible living. We see a world where your home can be anywhere you want to take it. Pebble blends the best of what it means to be at home, on the road, and off-grid into something useful and magical. This is a collective effort. Our team is dedicated to making not just products, but a lifestyle that is truly sustainable.

If the idea of building out the future sparks your imagination and intersects with your skills, we'd love to meet you.

Role Summary:

Head of Product Testing & Validation

Location: Fremont, CA

The Role:

As the Head of Product Test & Validation, you will lead and scale comprehensive testing efforts across electrical, electromechanical, mechanical, and software-integrated systems. You will be responsible for system-level and component-level validation, ensuring compliance with performance, durability, and safety standards. Managing a team of test and validation engineers, you will oversee both laboratory and field testing, leveraging simulation, data analysis, and real-world validation techniques to refine product performance.

This role requires a strategic leader with hands-on expertise in test methodologies, product reliability analysis, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, and compliance teams.

Responsibilities:

Test & Validation Strategy:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive test and validation strategy across system, component, and product levels.
• Establish best-in-class validation methodologies, integrating simulation-driven verification and real-world testing.
• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for product reliability, quality, and user experience.
• Collaborate with design, engineering, and manufacturing teams to align validation processes with product development cycles.
  
  

System & Vehicle-Level Testing:

• Oversee the design and execution of test plans for vehicle engineering and feature validations
• Develop test protocols for functional, performance, environmental, and safety validation.
• Utilize simulation and modeling tools to complement physical testing and accelerate validation.
• Implement failure analysis and root cause diagnostics to drive corrective actions and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements for vehicle systems.
  
  

Field Testing & Data Analysis:

• Manage real-world validation programs, testing products under various environmental and operational conditions.
• Oversee data collection and analysis from test fleets, identifying trends and performance insights.
• Implement automated test frameworks and data-driven validation approaches.
  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with hardware, software, and mechanical teams to provide test-driven insights for product refinement.
• Support manufacturing and quality teams with end-of-line and production validation testing.
• Ensure seamless integration between test, design, and compliance teams for certification readiness.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• 10 years of experience in system validation, product testing, or reliability engineering in automotive, mobility, or consumer electronics.
• Proven leadership experience in managing test teams and scaling validation programs.
• Expertise in system and component-level validation for electrical, mechanical, and electromechanical systems.
• Experience with failure analysis, data acquisition, and root cause diagnostics.
• Hands-on experience with simulation tools, test automation, and data analytics is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance and testing standards for mobility and vehicle systems.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced startup environments, balancing strategic oversight with hands-on problem-solving.
  
  

Benefits:

Healthcare, Dental, Vision, 401k, Unlimited Paid Vacation Policy

Salary Range - Fremont, CA

$167,500—$215,000 USD