Validation Engineer

Validation Engineer The Validation Engineer verifies and validates components to ensure they meet customer requirements and perform as expected, with a particular focus on automotive interior and exterior plastic components. This role develops, plans, and executes detailed test plans using internal resources and external test laboratories, then organizes, summarizes, and presents test results for review and approval. The Validation Engineer collaborates closely with product engineering, manufacturing, tooling, and program management to integrate customer specifications into DVP&R plans and support successful program launches. Responsibilities Interpret and understand customer specifications, engineering drawings, and other requirements, and integrate them into comprehensive DVP&R (Design Verification Plan and Report) testing plans. Develop, plan, and execute test plans for plastic components, utilizing both in-house capabilities and external test laboratories. Provide customer-facing and program management teams with clear, timely information regarding testing status, requirements, and results. Collaborate with product engineering, manufacturing, and tooling teams to support part design and development, ensuring design requirements align with DVP&R test plan requirements. Obtain customer approvals for DVP&R test plans and ensure all validation activities comply with customer performance specifications. Source, select, and direct internal and external test labs, overseeing test execution to meet program timing and quality expectations. Establish and manage timing for validation activities, ensuring all testing is completed in accordance with program milestones and deadlines. Quote and establish budgets for testing on new quotes, newly awarded programs, and ongoing programs, and track testing costs as needed. Provide guidance on CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) simulations during the DV (Design Validation) phase to support robust validation strategies. Approve and troubleshoot test setups and test reports, ensuring tests are properly configured and results are accurate and reliable. Act as the subject matter expert for customer performance specifications and testing requirements, advising internal teams on validation standards. Develop, compile, and submit detailed test reports for customer and internal approvals, including clear documentation of methods, results, and conclusions. Request and help procure early build phase parts and ensure timely delivery of components to test sources and laboratories. Support the development of DFMEAs (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analyses) by providing input on performance requirements and potential failure modes. Track and manage open issues related to validation, including part tracking, test status, and resolution of performance concerns. Manage and track multiple programs simultaneously, prioritizing validation activities and communicating status to stakeholders. Essential Skills Bachelors degree in Engineering, Automotive Technology, or a closely related field, or equivalent validation work experience. 5+ years of experience as a Validation Engineer within the automotive plastics industry, with interior and exterior plastic components. Hands-on experience developing DVP&R test plan requirements and working directly with customers on validation activities. Strong in component-level and vehicle system-level testing for automotive applications. Proficiency in developing and executing test plans and test engineering activities for plastics manufacturing and plastic injection molded components. Ability to source, direct, and oversee internal and external test lab execution. Experience reviewing, approving, and troubleshooting test setups and test reports. Strong organizational skills, including tracking open issues, parts, and test status across multiple programs. Ability to manage and track multiple programs concurrently while meeting timing and quality requirements. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation, reporting, and presentations. Knowledge of CAE simulations and their application in DV phase validation. Familiarity with DFMEA processes and performance requirement input. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with automotive interior plastics and injection-molded components. Tier 1 automotive supplier environments, particularly supporting major automotive programs. Knowledge of automotive interiors and related performance specifications. Experience with DVP&R documentation tools and methodologies. Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Strong attention to detail when reviewing test data, reports, and customer specifications. Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, tooling, and program management. Comfort presenting test results and recommendations in meetings and formal reviews. Work Environment The role is based within a large Tier 1 automotive plastics interior manufacturing setting that includes both office space and a manufacturing plant environment. The Validation Engineer works in an office for planning, documentation, and reporting activities, and regularly interfaces with the manufacturing floor and test facilities to support validation work. The environment is fast-paced and project-driven, with multiple programs running in parallel and frequent collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, and external test labs. Standard business attire is typically expected in office areas, with appropriate safety and protective equipment required when visiting manufacturing or test lab environments. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sterling Heights, MI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $48.08 - $52.89/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) Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026. Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Sterling Heights, 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.