Validation Engineering Manager

Validation Engineering Manager
Hardware Org · Reports to Sr. Director of Electrical/Firmware Engineering · Full Time · Remote / Hybrid

Join Us at Pura—Reimagining Fragrance for the Future

At Pura, we believe life is better when it smells good. Fragrance has the unique power to transform spaces, elevate moods, and create lasting memories. But we know it can do even more. That’s why we’re pioneering the future of fragrance, combining cutting-edge smart home technology with premium, clean scents to create personalized, meaningful experiences in every home.

We’re not just a fragrance company—we’re on a mission to change the way people experience scent. At Pura, we are redefining fragrance as a critical element of design, on par with color, texture, sound, lighting, and furniture. We call this Scent Design —transforming scent from an afterthought into an intentional, skillful component of every space. By blending artistry and science, Pura allows users to design their own “scentscapes” that enhance daily life and craft environments that feel as good as they smell.

Why Join Pura?

Our journey began with two innovators, Richie Stapler and Bruno Lima, and their shared vision of revolutionizing how we experience fragrance. Since then, Pura has grown into a company that sells a fragrance every 3.7 seconds, partnering with iconic brands like Curio, Anthropologie, and Disney. We’ve been recognized as the Fastest Growing Company in Utah, and we are passionate about making scent a core part of life’s most memorable moments.

Your Role at Pura:

The Validation Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the validation engineering team while remaining hands-on in product validation activities to ensure products and systems meet all necessary requirements before release. This role involves planning, coordinating, and executing validation strategies and procedures while directly contributing to test development, troubleshooting, and execution. This is an onsite role based in our office/lab environment to support close collaboration with cross-functional teams and physical product testing.

What You’ll Own:

• Validation Strategy: Develop and implement comprehensive validation strategies while actively participating in test planning, execution, data review, and issue resolution for IoT devices, including functional, performance, security, battery, mechanical durability, environmental, reliability, and compliance testing.
• Hands-on Technical Contribution: Personally support test execution, debug product issues, review validation data, and develop test methods for complex or high-priority programs.
• Leadership: Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team of validation engineers while serving as a technical contributor on critical validation efforts when needed. Provide guidance, mentorship, and conduct performance evaluations.
• Culture: Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment.
• Team Management: Efficiently allocate resources to meet project deadlines and ensure the team has clear goals and accountability.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with design, product development, firmware, hardware, security, quality and manufacturing teams, both in the lab and during development builds, to ensure comprehensive validation coverage.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the validation team. Familiarity with methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement techniques.
• Project Management: Plan and oversee validation activities, ensuring that all tasks are completed on time and within budget while managing multiple concurrent projects.
• Communication: Ensure that communication channels stay open among all product development teams
• Culture of refinement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the validation team to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in validation engineering, with at least 3+ years in a managerial or leadership role.
• This role requires regular onsite presence to support laboratory testing, prototype builds, and close collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams.
• Proven leadership experience in leading product validation teams and multidisciplinary engineers (electrical, firmware, mechanical, and compliance).
• Proven leadership and team management skills, including performance evaluations, mentoring, and guidance.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of validation methodologies, test automation, and testing frameworks.
• Expertise in testing electromechanical devices, including vibration, drop, and shock assessments to ensure reliability standards, as well as temperature, humidity, and corrosion tests to validate performance under extreme conditions.
• Expertise in testing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, networking, and cloud connectivity for IoT devices, including over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates, ensuring robust and secure update mechanisms are thoroughly tested and validated across all devices.
• Knowledge of battery validation and testing techniques, including assessing battery life, battery safety, and battery efficiency in different scenarios.
• Expertise in compliance testing and ensuring products meet regulatory requirements (e.g., FCC, CE, UL).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Professional certification in validation engineering (e.g., Certified Quality Engineer, Certified Process Validation Professional).
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with risk management tools and techniques, particularly as they apply to product validation.
• Hands-on experience with automated test frameworks, scripting languages, and tools such as Python, Jenkins, or similar.
• Familiarity with Agile or Scrum development methodologies.

Pura’s Story

We’re passionate about creating spaces that inspire, elevate, and transform everyday life. We believe scent is more than just a pleasant background—it’s an integral part of Scent Design , transforming homes into meaningful, personalized spaces. Our smart home fragrance diffusers allow users to design their own scent experiences with premium, clean fragrances.

After 10 years of innovation, we’ve been recognized by Inc. and Utah Business as one of the best places to work, and we continue to push the boundaries of technology and fragrance. Join us in our pursuit of reimagining what’s possible with scent design.

Pura’s Culture

Our culture is built on a foundation of innovation, collaboration, inclusivity, and being good humans. We believe in fostering an environment where creativity thrives, empowering each team member to contribute their unique perspectives and skills. Our commitment to sustainability and integrity drives our decisions, ensuring that we not only create exceptional products but also contribute positively to our community and the planet. We celebrate diversity and prioritize open communication, cultivating a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and inspired to push boundaries. Together, we’re not just building a brand—we’re creating a movement that redefines the role of fragrance in our lives.

Join the Pura Team!

We’re looking for individuals who believe in the power of fragrance and technology to transform lives. If you’re ready to be part of a dynamic, fast-growing company at the forefront of an exciting industry, we’d love to hear from you.

Pura provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

*All candidates are subject to a background check.