INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR - Validation Technician

DEKRA North America; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

DEKRA North America in Lansing, Michigan is seeking a Validation Technician responsible for testing and evaluating products according to various performance standards. The role requires strong experience in automotive testing and the ability to communicate project results to clients.

The ideal candidate must have 3-7 years of experience and knowledge of environmental chambers. This position involves working in diverse environments, requiring physical flexibility and endurance. DEKRA offers a dynamic work setting with opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 3-7 years of experience in automotive testing.
• Understanding how to program an environmental chamber.
• Knowledge of working with extruded aluminum.

Responsibilities

• Perform testing and evaluation on various products.
• Communicate project status and test results to clients.
• Set up and operate standard test equipment.

Skills

Automotive testing experience

Programming environmental chamber

Basic calibration concepts

Communication skills

Job description

A Day in the Life and the Impact You’ll Make

The Validation Technician is responsible for performing testing and evaluation on a variety of products according to client‑provided or other national, international, or industry‑specific performance and durability standards or U.S., Canadian and other international product safety standards; writing reports; and communicating with clients.

What You’ll Do

• Contribute to a safe and healthy work environment by actively participating, taking responsibility, and following established procedures and policies.
• Read and conduct testing per provided testing standards for the EUT (equipment under test).
• Read and understand client‑provided or otherwise published performance or product safety standards.
• Read and understand schematics and manufacturing instructions.
• Validate the project scope and sample applicability.
• Identify and locate test instruments and equipment required for testing, under scope of the project.
• Create and execute project test plan.
• Supply information for quotes such as length of project, site needed, rental equipment, samples, and standards that will be used.
• Set up and operate EUT; perform and document simple repairs on EUT as needed.
• Record and document testing process and results.
• Conduct thorough construction review, or sample inspection as needed; document results.
• Perform testing of products in accordance with standards. Core tests include, but are not limited to: vibration durability, environmental performance, temperature, pressure, stability, voltage and current sources.
• Set up and operate standard test equipment including, but not limited to: temperature/humidity chambers; vibration test controllers; programmable power supplies, PLC or other controllers. Use hand tools to build and calibrate test fixtures.
• Follow sample handling procedures, ensure that sample is logged into and out of the system, move equipment as needed through the facility, and properly package sample for shipment.
• Compile test results and evaluations.
• Compile data and product description and type final report using established report shell. Submit report to reviewer for final approval.
• Communicate project status and test results to client, sales personnel, and management throughout testing. Provide ongoing support to clients as needed.
• Identify, properly document, and recommend engineering judgments within policy guidelines.

What You’ll Bring

• 3‑7 years of experience in automotive testing.
• Understanding how to program an environmental chamber.
• Ability to read a profile to create a profile in a chamber.
• Understanding of basic concepts of calibration, such as due dates and data associated with equipment.
• Basic knowledge of units of measurement for speed and load.
• Understanding of basic concepts of reading a drawing for dimensional testing.
• Knowledge of DVP&R reading.
• Knowledge of working with extruded aluminum.
• Moderate to advanced communication skills to report any issues or topics for testing via email or chat.
• Ability to be autonomous once handed a DVP&R for testing and to move between customers.

Physical Considerations

• Must be able to work in a variety of client locations, environments, and conditions, including climbing stairs, walking long distances, walking on rough and uneven terrain, walking through client work facilities, and working in heat/cold conditions, indoors and outdoors.
• Must be able to accommodate working various shifts as client activities are scheduled.
• Ability to move and conduct work with full range of motion.
• Extended periods of computer‑based work.
• Extended periods of standing.