Validation Project Lead \u2013 Vehicle \u0026 Propulsion Controls

Join a high-impact engineering team responsible for delivering validated, production-ready propulsion control software across both internal combustion (ICE) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) programs. As a Validation Project Lead, you will drive end-to-end validation strategy, ensuring complete test coverage, software readiness, and technical integrity for vehicle propulsion systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and develop Design Verification Plans (DVPs) to ensure full validation coverage aligned with program milestones and release targets

• Lead validation strategy for ICE and BEV propulsion control systems, including risk-based test planning and edge-case scenario identification

• Evaluate and refine system and software requirements to ensure testability, completeness, and traceability

• Define and coordinate optimal validation environments (HIL, SIL, bench, vehicle) to maximize efficiency and defect detection

• Drive issue identification, pre-analysis, and root cause investigations in collaboration with Controls, Calibration, and Diagnostics teams

• Ensure execution of validation and qualification testing activities in alignment with quality standards and program timing

• Provide clear reporting on validation status, risks, and coverage to support data-driven release decisions

• Collaborate cross-functionally to mitigate technical risks and improve system robustness prior to production release

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field

• 8 or more years of experience in powertrain controls validation, verification, or embedded systems development

• Experience developing and executing Design Verification Plans (DVPs) for propulsion or automotive systems

• Strong understanding of propulsion systems (ICE and/or BEV), including sensors, actuators, and control strategies

• Experience with HIL and vehicle testing environments, including test execution and issue investigation

• Proven ability to perform root cause analysis and support issue resolution

• Experience working in a cross-functional engineering environment (e.g., Controls, Calibration, Diagnostics)

• Strong communication skills and ability to report test results and validation status

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Science in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, or System Engineering from an ABET accredited university

• Experience leading or owning validation strategy and DVP development across programs or platforms

• Strong system-level understanding of both ICE and BEV propulsion architecture

• Experience selecting and optimizing validation environments (HIL, vehicle, SIL) based on test objectives

• Knowledge of OBD diagnostics, DTC strategies, and regulatory requirements (e.g., SAE J1979, J1699)

• Familiarity with functional safety (ISO 26262) and safety-related validation requirements

• Experience identifying and validating edge-case scenarios and failure modes in complex systems

• Demonstrated ability to drive issue resolution across teams and influence technical decisions

• Experience with ALM tools (e.g., DNG, Quality Manager) and requirements/test traceability

• Ability to assess and communicate validation coverage, technical risk, and release readiness

• Experience working in a multi-program, fast-paced development environment with competing priorities