Automotive Plastics Validation Engineer

Actalent; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 66,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Life Insurance

Disability coverage

PTO / Vacation

Job summary

Actalent seeks a Validation Engineer to verify automotive interior and exterior plastic components. You will develop and execute detailed DVP&R plans, coordinate with internal teams and external labs, and present results for program launches.

You will guide CAE usage during DV, oversee test setups, obtain customer approvals, and manage budgets across multiple programs in a fast-paced Tier-1 environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in automotive plastics validation with interior/exterior components.
• Experience developing DVP&R test plans and working with customers.
• Strong in component and vehicle system testing for automotive applications.
• Proficient in documenting and presenting test results to stakeholders.
• Experience coordinating internal and external test labs.
• Knowledge of CAE in DV phase and DFMEA processes.

Responsibilities

• Interpret customer specs and integrate into DVP&R testing plans.
• Develop, plan, and execute tests for plastic components with labs.
• Provide status updates to customer-facing and program teams.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, tooling, and PM teams.
• Obtain customer approvals for DVP&R plans and ensure compliance.
• Source and direct internal/external test labs and manage timing.
• Quote budgets for testing on new/ongoing programs and track costs.
• Advise on CAE simulations during DV phase to support validation.
• Develop and submit detailed test reports for approvals.
• Support DFMEA input and track open issues across programs.

Skills

5+ years experience as Validation Eng

DVP&R plan development

Test plan execution

CA E simulations knowledge

DFMEA awareness

Multi-program management

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

DVP&R tools

MS Office

Job description

Actalent seeks a Validation Engineer to verify automotive interior and exterior plastic components. You will develop and execute detailed DVP&R plans, coordinate with internal teams and external labs, and present results for program launches.

You will guide CAE usage during DV, oversee test setups, obtain customer approvals, and manage budgets across multiple programs in a fast-paced Tier-1 environment.