Structural engineer Jobs in Sterling Heights, MI

Job Ttile: VALIDATION ENGINEER, JOB DESCRIPTION Contract duration: 12 Months Pay Rate: $40-45/hr Work Location: Southfield, MI

Job Introduction

The Validation Engineer is responsible for developing validation test plans and timing schedules to support program objectives for the validation of automotive components. These components span a wide range of technologies, including analog, digital, optical, color, environmental (ENV),Electrical and EMC applications, particularly for ADAS and power products. This diverse product portfolio requires a strong combination of technical expertise and interpersonal skills to effectively manage validation projects.

Core responsibilities include requirements analysis, test plan development, cost estimation and quoting, purchase order coordination, pre-test alignment with external laboratory personnel, and overall test execution and facilitation. The Validation Engineer works closely with Validation Tools Engineers to coordinate test setup activities and ensure the proper implementation of test stands and EMC test preparation, including all associated hardware and software required for validation. The role also includes oversight of EMC testing execution, ensuring continuous test activity, and conducting on-site visits to external laboratories as needed to support and monitor testing progress.

In addition, the Validation Engineer is responsible for creating and maintaining test procedures, work instructions, data analysis reports, and standard forms used for both project-specific and broader validation group activities. This role plays a key part in ensuring high-quality execution and documentation, while supporting timely project completion and contributing to the overall success of the organization.

Major Responsibilities

This position requires a proficiency for independent problem solving and decision making with general direction given on project objectives and broad guidance from corporate strategy and goals. Work is often complex, difficult in character and requires strong technical and broad business knowledge in addition to program/project management skills. The following duties may be performed at all levels within the progression.

· Review and understanding of customer requirements in a deep level.

· Create Detailed Test plans, and Product Verification Plan & Reports (PVP&Rs).

· Interface with customer/design team for test plan approvals and test results reviews.

· Support engineering design team meetings and lead discussions to obtain the inputs and deliverables required for Validation Testing.

· Ability to evaluate and provide applicable and accurate test proposals based on modules/design changes, Electrical, Mechanical, or manufacturing processes.

· Create and maintain accurate and detailed timing plans using Microsoft project, baseline, actual dates and efficient resource assignation.

· Interface with design team, EE for Electrical and Electronic detailed design deliverables, ME for Mechanical properties, SYS for Requirements and intended vehicle functionality/module orientations, SW for product’s functionality and issue resolution.

· Initiate and oversee until completion/release the mechanical design activities for Vibration and Environmental test fixtures development, work closely with Mechanical engineer for approval and suggestions.

· Perform the applicable studies to ensure Vibration fixtures does not add resonance to end product and that Environmental fixtures are compliant with the application.

· Be able to root cause failure modes detected during validation testing, troubleshooting.

· High experience required to apply structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D) to determine whether issues are related to the product or test setup, and lead investigations to identify true root causes and implement effective corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

· Proficient in data analysis, with the ability to develop tools, macros, or automated solutions to optimize data processing; analyze test results to identify trends under varying conditions (temperature, voltage, and current), and present findings in clear, well-structured formats for design team communication.

· Follow up internal/external testing:

o Coordinate and track testing, by ensuring test lab is meeting testing quality, timing and deadlines.

o Test equipment and Harnesses, provide capability to test products and monitor during test.

o Once testing is completed return testers/equipment/harnesses for verification purposes and make sure all channels works and harnesses inspected for next round.

o Provide training on how tester operates, and what the expectations are from specific projects thinking on real time data screen from GUI, data files, and location.

o Follow up in a daily basis test status, retrieve data, and analyze it.

o To make sure all tests are starting on time and meeting test profiles, data is being captured, at the end is Validation Engineer accountable for the actions taken by third party labs, from this get kickoff meetings and checklist to fill out.

o Perform all testing/tasks stated in the DVP&R all environmental procedures including cross sections, visual inspections.

o Support on-site visits to external laboratories and suppliers as required to monitor and ensure test execution quality and equipment readiness.

· Maintain Validation Testing items up to date in the Validation Tools System (Equipment, Test Schedule, Test Status, Storage, Deliverables) with accurate and up-to-date entries on a daily basis.

· Hands on, be able to perform testing, create/move setups and start/monitor tests.

· Review DFMEA, for possible situations that might be seen during testing and enrich test plan.

· Ability to manage at least four simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment while effectively adapting to changing program needs.

· Support quoting process, providing number of engineering hours and cost associated with testing

· In case of validation failures (Environmental/Electrical/EMC) document incidents in applicable tool.

There are more details not stated in this description that can be related to how to document, specific process or steps to follow, how to communicate within engineering teams, support to the plant, etc… which are still part of daily interaction for this position.

Skills and Competencies

Desired Skills and Competencies:

1. Strong organizational, project management, and leadership skills to prioritize, coordinate projects, manage conflicting needs, and deal with many issues at one time.

2. Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, with demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate and communicate with engineering teams, customers (OEMs), and external suppliers through clear, professional written and verbal communication.

3. Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, coordinate, and integrate internal data and clearly articulate concepts, ideas, and other issues relating to test, hardware, and software.

4. Must be able to work independently.

5. Must be able to operate standard and specialized equipment related to the job, needs to have experience using test equipment, DMM, Oscilloscope, Video Scope.

6. Ability to calculate and analyze data, generate reports, present information, etc.

7. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively influence cross-functional teams at multiple organizational levels

8. Demonstrated ability to thoroughly research, recommend, present information and oversee implementation of new products, materials, and processes.

9. Excellent communication/negotiation skills. Communicates and works with peers in a positive, cooperative way, maintain productive relationships with key functional areas.

10. Strong leadership skills. Must be able to work independent for action or decision.

11. Special Request: No email abuse-Must proactively engage in direct communication (phone or face-to-face) to resolve topics efficiently, using email as a follow-up or documentation tool rather then only communication tool.

12. Strong team player with the ability to collaborate effectively, share knowledge, and support teams across Validation Engineering, Validation Tools Engineering.

Knowledge and Education

1. Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with 5 years of experience in an engineering automotive environment.
2. Technical Understanding of environmental level testing, temperature, vibration, humidity, enclosure, and associated electrical type tests.

3. Technical Understanding of Electrical and EMC level testing.
3. Computer proficiency (i.e. word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, outlook, Project).
4. Demonstrated ability in the creation of Validation Test Plans and MUST have knowledge of Validation customer requirements (i.e. GMW3172, CS-1189, CETP 00.00-E-412, European OEM’s, etc..)
5. Demonstrated troubleshooting skills.

Will be a plus:

· Vision systems, Cameras functional testing experience. Color, contrast, resolution, alignment.

· Strong and hand on Electrical and EMC Test Experience

· Programming Experience: C/C++, C#, Lab View, TestStand experience

· CAN/LIN communications protocols

· Green Belt/Red X/DFSS Certification

· Root cause investigation tools 8D’s, 5 Why’s, Fish Bones.

· Reliability applications

· Weibull analysis knowledge.