Director of Validation – Automotive Systems

Forvia SE; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Forvia seeks a Director of Validation for the NAO organization, based in Auburn Hills, MI, to lead regional validation strategy and execution across the product lifecycle. You will own validation commitments, risk management, and governance, interfacing with customers and program gates.

The role requires 15+ years in automotive, with 4–5 years in product testing/validation, and a Bachelor’s (Master preferred) in technical engineering.

Qualifications

• Leadership and project management experience in automotive validation.
• Familiarity with automotive test methods, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of seat components and mechanisms is a plus.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across multi-site teams.
• International mindset with fluency in English.

Responsibilities

• Define and deploy NAO validation strategy and operating model.
• Ensure validation plans meet customer, regulatory, and quality requirements.
• Approve validation approaches for RFQs, changes, and serial-life actions.
• Lead DV, PV, COP, reliability, and safety validation across NAO projects.
• Manage validation budgets, resources, and external testing spend.
• Develop and retain a high-performing multi-site validation organization.
• Collaborate with design and program teams to influence architecture and testability.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Automotive test methods

Seat components design

Communication

International mindset

English fluent

Education

Bachelor's degree in Technical Engineering or relevant field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Forvia seeks a Director of Validation for the NAO organization, based in Auburn Hills, MI, to lead regional validation strategy and execution across the product lifecycle. You will own validation commitments, risk management, and governance, interfacing with customers and program gates.

The role requires 15+ years in automotive, with 4–5 years in product testing/validation, and a Bachelor’s (Master preferred) in technical engineering.