Job Title: Validation EngineerJob DescriptionThe Validation Engineer plans, executes, and oversees comprehensive validation testing for automotive electronic modules, with a strong focus on ADAS-related products. This role interprets customer requirements in depth, develops detailed validation strategies and documentation, and ensures that test activities accurately reflect electrical, mechanical, environmental, and EMC performance expectations. The engineer collaborates closely with crossfunctional design teams and external laboratories, leads structured problem solving when issues arise, and maintains precise control over test schedules, resources, and deliverables in a fastpaced, multiproject environment.
Responsibilities
- Review and deeply understand customer requirements to ensure validation activities fully align with product and vehicle expectations.
- Create detailed validation test plans and comprehensive Product Verification Plans and Reports (PVP&Rs) that clearly define scope, methods, and acceptance criteria.
- Interface with customers and internal design teams to obtain test plan approvals, review test results, and align on validation strategies and outcomes.
- Support engineering design team meetings and lead discussions to obtain all inputs and deliverables required for validation testing.
- Evaluate design and module changes, including electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing process changes, and provide accurate, applicable test proposals based on their impact.
- Develop and maintain accurate timing plans using Microsoft Project, including baselines, actual dates, and efficient resource allocation for multiple validation programs.
- Collaborate with electrical and electronic design (EE), mechanical engineering (ME), systems (SYS), and software (SW) teams to obtain detailed design deliverables, clarify requirements, and support issue resolution.
- Initiate and oversee mechanical design activities for vibration and environmental test fixtures, working closely with mechanical engineers to obtain approvals and incorporate design suggestions.
- Perform studies on vibration fixtures to ensure they do not introduce resonance into end products and verify that environmental fixtures are fully compliant with their intended application.
- Lead root cause analysis of failure modes detected during validation testing, performing handson troubleshooting to distinguish between product issues and test setup issues.
- Apply structured problemsolving methodologies, such as 8D, to investigate issues, identify true root causes, and implement effective corrective actions that prevent recurrence.
- Analyze test data under varying conditions, such as temperature, voltage, and current, and present results in clear, wellstructured formats for design team communication.
- Develop tools, macros, or automated solutions to optimize data processing and improve efficiency and accuracy in test result analysis.
- Coordinate and track internal and external testing activities, ensuring that test laboratories meet required quality standards, timing, and deadlines.
- Oversee test equipment and harnesses, ensuring they are capable of supporting required tests, monitoring their performance during testing, and arranging verification after use.
- Return testers, equipment, and harnesses after testing, verify that all channels function correctly, and inspect harnesses to ensure readiness for subsequent test cycles.
- Provide training to laboratory personnel and other stakeholders on tester operation, expectations for specific projects, realtime GUI data screens, data files, and data storage locations.
- Monitor test status on a daily basis, retrieve data, and perform ongoing analysis to confirm that tests follow the correct profiles and that data is being captured correctly.
- Ensure all tests start on time, follow defined test profiles, and capture complete and accurate data, while maintaining accountability for actions taken by thirdparty labs.
- Conduct kickoff meetings and maintain checklists for external labs to align expectations, clarify responsibilities, and secure highquality test execution.
- Perform all testing and tasks defined in the Design Verification Plan and Report (DVP&R), including environmental procedures, cross sections, and visual inspections.
- Support onsite visits to external laboratories and suppliers as needed to monitor test execution quality, equipment readiness, and adherence to defined procedures.
- Maintain all validation testing items up to date in the Validation Tools System, including equipment, test schedules, test status, storage information, and deliverables, with daily updates.
- Perform handson testing, including creating and moving test setups, starting tests, and monitoring their progress throughout execution.
- Review Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) documents to anticipate potential issues during testing and enhance test plans accordingly.
- Follow the Product Delivery Process and adhere to internal procedures related to validation, documentation, and approvals.
- Manage at least four simultaneous projects in a fastpaced environment, adapting to changing program needs while maintaining quality and schedule adherence.
- Support the quoting process by estimating engineering hours and test costs associated with validation activities and providing clear justifications.
- Document validation failures, including environmental, electrical, and EMC issues, in the appropriate tools and systems to support traceability and corrective action.
- Operate standard and specialized test equipment, including digital multimeters (DMM), oscilloscopes, video scopes, and other instruments required for validation.
- Collaborate effectively with engineering teams, customers, and external suppliers through clear written and verbal communication, ensuring alignment on test requirements, issues, and results.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with 5 years of experience in an engineering automotive environment.
- Strong technical understanding of environmental testing, including temperature, vibration, humidity, enclosure testing, and associated electrical tests.
- Technical understanding of electrical and EMC level testing, including test methods, standards, and interpretation of results.
- Proven experience in the creation of validation test plans and demonstrated knowledge of validation customer requirements and standards (for example, automotive OEM specifications).
- Demonstrated troubleshooting skills in an automotive electronics environment, including identification and resolution of product and test setup issues.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, email, and project scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project.
- Strong organizational, project management, and leadership skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate multiple projects, manage conflicting needs, and handle many issues simultaneously.
- Ability to operate standard and specialized test equipment, including digital multimeters (DMM), oscilloscopes, video scopes, and related laboratory instruments.
- Effective interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to collaborate and communicate clearly and professionally with engineering teams, customers, and external suppliers.
- Handson experience with validation testing, including setup, execution, monitoring, and documentation of electrical, environmental, and EMC tests.
- Experience using structured problemsolving tools such as 8D, 5 Whys, or similar methods to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Proficiency in data analysis, including the ability to interpret test data under varying conditions and present findings in a clear, concise format.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with vision systems and camera functional testing, including evaluation of color, contrast, resolution, and alignment.
- Handson electrical and EMC test experience beyond basic operation, including setup design and advanced troubleshooting.
- Programming experience in languages such as C, C++, C#, and familiarity with tools such as LabVIEW and TestStand.
- Experience working with CAN and LIN communication protocols in automotive applications.
- Green Belt, Red X, Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), or similar continuous improvement and quality certifications.
- Experience using root cause investigation tools such as 8D reports, 5 Whys, and fishbone diagrams.
- Background in reliability engineering applications, including methods for assessing and improving product reliability.
- Knowledge of Weibull analysis for reliability and life data analysis.
- Familiarity with ADAS technology and automotive Tier I supplier environments.
- Experience developing automated tools, macros, or scripts to improve efficiency in test data processing and reporting.
Work EnvironmentThis role is fully onsite and based at established engineering and test facilities in the Southfield and Auburn Hills area, with reporting location determined by project needs. The Validation Engineer works in a combination of laboratory and office environments, regularly interacting with test labs, design engineering teams, and external suppliers. The position involves frequent handson work with electrical and environmental test equipment, including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, video scopes, vibration and environmental chambers, and custom test fixtures. Work is performed in a fastpaced setting that supports multiple concurrent automotive programs, particularly in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The schedule typically follows standard business hours, with flexibility required at times to support critical testing, issue resolution, and coordination with external laboratories. The culture emphasizes collaboration, technical rigor, structured problem solving, and continuous improvement, offering the opportunity to work with advanced automotive technologies and contribute directly to the validation of nextgeneration electronic modules. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Auburn Hills, MI. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $48.00 - $53.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Auburn Hills, MI. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 24, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Auburn Hills,MI.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
