Validation Engineer

Job Title: Validation EngineerJob Description

The Validation Engineer will be responsible for reviewing and thoroughly understanding customer requirements, creating detailed test plans and product verification plans and reports, and interfacing with the customer and design team for test plan approvals and test results reviews. The role requires supporting engineering design team meetings, leading discussions for validation testing, and evaluating test proposals based on design changes, electrical, mechanical, or manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain accurate timing plans using Microsoft Project, including baseline and actual dates and efficient resource allocation.

• Collaborate with design teams for Electrical and Electronic design deliverables, Mechanical properties, system requirements, and software functionality.

• Initiate and oversee mechanical design activities for vibration and environmental test fixtures, working closely with mechanical engineers.

• Perform studies to ensure vibration fixtures do not add resonance and that environmental fixtures comply with applications.

• Root cause analysis of failure modes detected during validation testing and apply structured problem-solving methodologies.

• Develop tools, macros, or automated solutions for data processing; analyze test results to identify trends and communicate findings effectively.

• Coordinate and track internal and external testing, ensuring quality and deadlines are met.

• Perform all tasks stated in the Design Verification Plan and Report, including environmental procedures and inspections.

• Support on-site visits to external laboratories and suppliers as required.

• Maintain validation testing items in the Validation Tools System with accurate daily updates.

• Hands-on ability to perform testing, create and move setups, and start and monitor tests.

• Review Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) to anticipate testing situations and enrich test plans.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing requirements.

• Document incidents in applicable tools in case of validation failures.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering with 5 years of experience in an engineering automotive environment.

• Technical understanding of electrical and EMC level testing.

• Creation of validation test plans and knowledge of validation customer requirements.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, and project management tools.

• Demonstrated troubleshooting skills.

• Strong organizational, project management, and leadership skills.

• Experience with standard and specialized equipment such as test equipment, DMM, Oscilloscope, and Video Scope.

• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with engineering teams, customers, and suppliers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with vision systems and functional testing of cameras.

• Hands-on experience with electrical and EMC testing.

• Programming experience in C/C++, C#, LabView, TestStand.

• Knowledge of CAN/LIN communication protocols.

• Green Belt/Red X/DFSS Certification.

• Proficiency in root cause investigation tools such as 8D’s, 5 Why’s, and Fish Bones.

• Reliability applications and Weibull analysis knowledge.

Work Environment

This is a fully onsite role, reporting to either the Southfield or Auburn Hills location. The position involves working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with cutting-edge technology in the automotive industry. The role requires collaboration with various teams and may involve travel to external laboratories and suppliers.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Auburn Hills, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $53.00/hr.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Auburn Hills,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026.

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.