Testing & Validation Engineer

RLE INTERNATIONAL Produktentwicklungsgesellschaft mbH; Stratford-on-Avon; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

RLE INTERNATIONAL is seeking a highly skilled engineer to conduct interior and exterior body validation testing for automotive applications in the UK. The role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong problem solving, and a commitment to quality and performance.

You will plan, execute, and document validation tests, analyse data, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement improvements. Some intraday travel between facilities may be required.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in testing and validation activities, especially interior and exterior body validation.
• Strong knowledge of testing methodologies and practices for automotive components.
• Ability to review and analyse data to identify issues and improvements.
• Familiarity with ISO, ASTM, SAE standards governing automotive testing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to work cross-functionally.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute interior and exterior body validation tests per project timelines.
• Develop test plans, procedures, and protocols for durability and performance assessment.
• Conduct and manage various validation tests: structural, environmental, NVH, and durability.
• Analyse results, identify issues, and collaborate on design or process changes.
• Document procedures, results, and observations to meet regulatory and customer expectations.
• Provide technical support to commodity engineers, product development, and manufacturing teams.
• Travel between customer sites and test facilities as needed.

Skills

Body validation

Testing methodologies

Data analysis

Regulatory standards

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MISSION

GPDS

FPDS

AMPCS

Job description

The RLE INTERNATIONAL Group is one of the world's leading providers in the fields of vehicle development, technology & consulting. On the basis of more than 40 years of development & consulting, we provide innovative & effective solutions for our UK customers in the area of Automotive Engineering. RLE INTERNATIONAL is represented at locations close to its customers in Europe, Asia & USA.

As a group, the non-driven attributes team are responsible for delivering the rid, handling NVH, aerodynamics, thermal, ergonomics & perceived quality attributes of the vehicle.

Job Description

This role focuses specialized expertise in conducting interior and exterior body validation testing for automotive applications. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in automotive engineering, particularly in the testing and validation processes. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, excellent problem-solving abilities and a commitment to ensuring the highest standards of quality and performance.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute interior and exterior body validation tests in accordance with project timelines and quality standards.
• Develop comprehensive test plans, procedures, and protocols to assess the functionality, durability, and performance of automotive components and systems.
• Conduct/Manage various types of validation tests, including but not limited to structural integrity, water and dust ingress, combined road and environmental testing, Key-Life Durability, thermal testing, and vibration testing.
• Analyse test results and data to identify issues, anomalies, or areas for improvement, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement necessary design or process modifications.
• Interrogate and develop accurate documentation of test procedures, results, and observations, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal standards.
• Ensure report documentation is in alignment with both internal and external customer expectation.
• Provide technical expertise and support to internal stakeholders, including commodity engineers, product development teams and manufacturing teams, to address validation-related challenges, root cause analysis and optimise product performance.
• Some intraday domestic travel may be required between customer sites and test facilities.

Knowledge, skills & experience

• Proven experience in conducting test and validation activities with a preference to interior and exterior body validation.
• Strong knowledge of testing methodologies, principles, and practices, particularly in the areas of trim fit and finish testing, materials testing, vibration testing and environmental testing.
• Proficiency in reviewing and analysing data.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulations governing automotive testing and validation (e.g., ISO, ASTM, SAE).
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey technical information clearly and concisely.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple test property activities simultaneously across multiple facilities, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
• Experience with attribute engineering (e.g. noise, vibration, and harshness - NVH, Durability) would be beneficial.
• Knowledge of Engineering Quality processes & tools such as D-FMEA, 6-sigma, 8D
• Day-to-day working with rig test houses & proving grounds.
• Experience with generating & updating timing plans.
• Knowledge of product development/creation systems like MISSION, GPDS, FPDS or AMPCS is preferred.
• Competent in all Microsoft Office applications.

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field is preferred, however demonstrated technical excellence will be considered equally.

Personal Attributes

Strong time management, accuracy, diligence, ability to balance & prioritise multiple tasks to meet customer needs.

A team player, who delivers with others towards the goal & is able to compromise in order to reach a common goal.

Strong verbal, written & graphical communication skills.

Planning & prioritising their own workload to meet department & wider business objectives.

Demonstrates flexibility & shows respect for different perspectives & embraces change.

Shows commitment by taking ownership, planning effectively & focuses on achieving tasks.

Constant improvement attitude adapts to change, able to reflect on past experiences & is open to constructive feedback.

Ambitious & self-reliant. Intrinsically self-motivated.

Delivery focused, with demonstrable track record of on-time delivery

An understanding & awareness of appropriate escalation.

Eligibility

Sponsorship is not offered on this role and you must have the right to work in the UK