Validation Project Lead – Vehicle & 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