Propulsion Automation Validation Lead

Stellantis NV; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision

Paid time off

401k matching

Company vehicle lease program

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan refinancing

Volunteer hours

Disability insurance

Job summary

Stellantis NV in Auburn Hills, MI seeks a Validation Project Lead & Test Architecture SME to drive global test automation, govern enterprise‑wide XIL/HIL strategy, and lead cross‑functional validation across ICE, BEV, and REEV propulsion platforms.

The role requires defining complex regulatory/diagnostic test standards, managing validation teams, and acting as global SME for architecture and AI/LLM integration in testing pipelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field with progression in validation.
• Experience architecting test automation frameworks and/or innovative testing tech.
• Hands-on with regulatory standards (SAE J1979, OBD-II) and ISO 26262 concepts.

Responsibilities

• Define and own Design Verification Plans (DVPs) for propulsion validation.
• Lead validation strategy across ICE and BEV propulsion systems with risk-based prioritization.
• Architect modular HIL/SIL test automation frameworks for global deployment.
• Serve as global SME for automation architecture and AI/LLM integration in testing.
• Coordinate validation environments (HIL, vehicle, bench) to maximize coverage.

Skills

Powertrain validation

Embedded systems

Test architecture

Regulatory standards

ISO 26262

Agile/Scrum

AI/LLM in testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Computer Engineering

Tools

DNG

Quality Manager

Job description

The Vehicle & Propulsion Controls organization is seeking a Validation Project Lead & Test Architecture SME to drive global test automation architecture, govern enterprise-wide XIL/HIL strategy, and lead technical execution across ICE, BEV, and REEV propulsion platforms.

This role moves beyond routine execution to serve as the global subject matter expert responsible for architecting proprietary, cross-functional automation frameworks, integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI/LLM) into testing pipelines, defining complex regulatory/diagnostic test standards, and managing cross-functional validation teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTY BREAKDOWN:

• Define and own Design Verification Plans (DVPs) for propulsion system requirements, ensuring complete validation coverage and alignment with program and release objectives.
• Lead validation strategy across ICE and BEV propulsion systems, including identification of critical scenarios, edge‑case maneuvers, and risk‑based test prioritization.
• Evaluate and refine system and software requirements to ensure testability, completeness, and alignment with validation intent.
• Determine and coordinate appropriate validation environments (HIL, vehicle, bench) to optimize coverage, efficiency, and issue detection.
• Drive issue identification and pre‑analysis activities, enabling rapid root cause isolation and resolution in collaboration with Controls, Diagnostics, and Calibration teams.
• Ensure execution of qualification testing and validation activities, maintaining alignment with release readiness, quality targets, and program timelines.
• Provide visibility to validation status, risks, and coverage across propulsion programs, supporting data‑driven release decisions.
• Architect, design, and standardize modular, Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL) and Software‑in‑the‑Loop (SIL) Test Automation Frameworks (TAF) for global deployment across multi‑regional facilities.
• Serve as primary technical authority for global automation architecture, setting engineering guidelines and best practices for internal and external engineering teams.
• Define global testing frameworks for complex regulatory and diagnostic standards, including OBD‑II, SAE J1979/J1979‑2/3, J1699, and End‑of‑Line (EOL) protocols
• Architect automated testing methodologies for ADA security unlock protocol, Propulsion Safety Release testing, and functional safety (ISO 26262) compliance.
• Function as Certified Scrum Master, managing Agile sprints, backlog prioritization, daily stand‑ups, and resource allocation to ensure timely project delivery across competing program deadlines.
• Act as Global SME for critical plant, field, and launch escalations (e.g., bootloader, FOTA, and module wake‑up/sleep issues).

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 7 yearsof progressive experience in powertrain/propulsion controls validation, embedded systems development, or test architecture.
• Demonstrated experience architecting test automation frameworks and/or developing patentable software/testing technologies.
• Hands‑on experience with regulatory standards (e.g., SAE J1979, OBD‑II) and low‑level diagnostic communication mechanisms.Familiarity with functional safety (ISO 26262) and safety‑related validation requirements
• Experience leading engineering initiatives, teams, or managing projects in an Agile/Scrum framework.
• Demonstrated experience developing scalable test strategieswith end‑to‑end traceability in ALM tools (e.g., DNG, Quality Manager) and requirements/test traceability

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Science in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, or System Engineering
• Experience leading or owning validation strategy and DVP development across programs or platforms
• Strong system‑level understanding of both ICE and BEV propulsion architecture
• Experience selecting and optimizing validation environments (HIL, vehicle, SIL) based on test objectives
• Experience identifying and validating edge‑case scenarios and failure modes in complex systems
• Demonstrated ability to drive issue resolution across teams and influence technical decisions
• Experience with ALM tools (e.g., DNG, Quality Manager) and requirements/test traceability
• Ability to assess and communicate validation coverage, technical risk, and release readiness
• Experience working in a multi‑program, fast‑paced development environment with competing priorities
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or equivalent Agile certification.
• Proven experience developing and integrating AI/LLM tools into engineering test environments.

Our Benefits — Designed with You in Mind

Comprehensive Health & Well‑being Coverage

From your very first day, you'll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage — ensuring you and your family stay healthy and protected.

Generous Paid Time Off

We believe in work‑life balance. That's why we offer: 17+ paid holidays, including shut‑down from December 24th through New Years Day every year. Vacation, float & wellbeing days, sick time and fully paid parental leave when your family needs you most.

Competitive Retirement Savings Plans

We help you plan for the future with:

• An employer match on contributions to your 401k, Roth, and Catch‑Up plans
• An employer contribution, even if you don't contribute

Income Protection & Insurance Options

Benefit from included and optional disability, life, and other insurance programs — because your peace of mind matters.

Company Vehicle Lease Program

Eligible employees and their immediate families can enjoy company vehicle lease options with included insurance, maintenance, and unlimited mileage. Plus, take advantage of exclusive discounts on Stellantis products.

Family Building Benefit

We proudly support all paths to parenthood- including fertility and infertility treatments, adoption services, and gestational surrogacy.

Support for Your Growth and Giving Back

We believe in investing in your future and your passions:

• Tuition reimbursement
• Student loan refinancing programs
• 18 paid volunteer hours each year to make a difference in your community

And so much more!

When you join us, you're not just building a career — you're joining a company that supports you, inside and outside of work.