Technical Specialist - Vehicle Integration & Validation

Karma Automotive; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Plan

Dental & Vision Plans

401(k) with Employer Match

Relocation Assistance

Hybrid Work Schedule

Job summary

Karma Automotive in Irvine, CA seeks a Technical Specialist for Vehicle Integration & Validation to drive full-vehicle attributes, testing, and performance benchmarking. You will lead cross-functional teams, coordinate suppliers, and manage vehicle-level specs to achieve target milestones.

The role emphasizes data-driven validation, CAE correlation, and development of design guidelines. A strong background in VI, tests, and collaboration with prototype and proving grounds is essential.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering; MS preferred.
• Broad VI development experience and data analysis skills.
• Experience with CAN networks and automotive subsystems.
• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead vehicle integration and validation to meet functional attribute targets.
• Coordinate internal teams and external suppliers to develop full vehicle attributes on time.
• Benchmark functional attributes against competitive vehicles and propose solutions.
• Deliver vehicle performance scorecards showing status vs. targets.
• Lead issue resolution and provide logs and updates to management.
• Manage vehicle-level technical specifications and attribute development.
• Coordinate prototype shop testing and Proving Grounds activities.
• Develop subsystem and full-vehicle tests per standard protocols.
• Perform post-test analysis and correlate with CAE results.
• Create guidelines to prevent known problems and meet targets.

Skills

Vehicle integration

Data analysis

CAN network

Engineering fundamentals

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Master’s preferred

Tools

CAEs software

Data acquisition systems

Job description

Brief Description

The Technical Specialist - Vehicle Integration & Validation will oversee vehicle integration development activities including vehicle-level target setting, vehicle-level attributes development, and vehicle level testing validation.

Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to):

• Lead vehicle level integration and validation to meet functional attribute targets including NVH, Durability, Corrosion & Water Management, Vehicle Energy Management (Range), Performance, and Vehicle Dynamics, etc.
• Coordinate internal resources/module teams and external suppliers to develop full vehicle attributes on time.
• Perform functional attribute benchmarking of competitive vehicles, including research of engineering solutions.
• Deliver vehicle performance scorecard (status vs. target) for all vehicle attributes.
• Lead open issue resolution in vehicle development and propose design solutions to address functional attribute issues.
• Provide functional attribute issue log, and updates to management.
• Responsible for vehicle-level technical specifications (VTS) and attributes development.
• Coordinate with prototype shop to support vehicle setup and test execution and coordinate Proving Grounds and off-site development events.
• Develop and support subsystem level and full vehicle physical tests in line with standard protocols and best practices.
• Perform post test analysis and correlate test to CAE results.
• Create design guidelines and procedures to avoid known problems, assist engineering functions to achieve component and vehicle level performance, and meet set overall vehicle targets.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSME, BSEE, BSAE). Master’s preferred.
• 10+ years in Automotive Module/Vehicle Integration team on vehicle level development and testing experience.
• Knowledge of automotive vehicle systems with an emphasis on total vehicle concepts, including, but not limited to: PT, Chassis, Body, Interior, E/E assemblies, components, materials, packaging, and functional specifications.
• Broad experience of VI development and experience in operating data acquisition systems and sensors with strong data analysis and post processing skills to validate system performance.
• Experience with vehicle CAN network system.
• Knowledge of automotive supply chain and a basic understanding of sourcing processes.
• Challenge established traditional test methods and processes to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Basic PC skills (Email, Excel, Word, and relevant technical software). CAE experience is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

Note: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee should have the:

• Ability to frequently use or operate a computer, mouse, and/or other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
• Ability to frequently use hand(s) for repetitive actions (grasping and fine manipulation).
• Ability to frequently walk or move – to regularly move about inside the office.
• Ability to frequently see or detect, identify, recognize, or assess surroundings while in the office.
• Ability to occasionally bend, kneel, crouch, turn, and stoop.
• Ability to frequently sit or be stationary for extended continuous periods of time.
• Ability to stand for occasional periods of time.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or push/pull up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing their job.

Total Rewards (Benefits, Perks & Compensation)

Benefits & Perks:

In addition to our competitive compensation, you will also be eligible for the following at Karma:

• Medical Plan
• Dental & Vision Plans
• Health Savings Account & Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Health & Well-Being Program Events
• Company Paid Basic Life & AD&DD Insurance
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Relocation Assistance (if applicable)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Sick Time, Vacation time and Personal Floaters
• Paid Holidays including Company’s Annual Year End Shutdown
• Karma Cares Program (Quarterly Lunch)
• Work life Balance (Flexible and Hybrid Work Schedule)
• Employee Driving Program
• Pre-taxed Commuter Benefits & much more!

Compensation:

$170,000 - $190,000 /annual salary. Compensation will vary DOE.

At Karma, our base pay is one part of our total rewards package.

Compensation offered may vary on multiple factors, including market location, education, skills and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position being offered.

Karma Automotive, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender identity and expression, color, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), national origin/ancestry, religion, military/veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, intersectionality or any other characteristic and group protected by applicable law. Karma Automotive, Inc complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a physical or mental disability. Valid driver’s license may be required based on essential duties.