Validation Engineer

SL Michigan; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SL Michigan in Auburn Hills, MI seeks a Validation Engineer (Lighting) to develop, execute, and document validation activities for automotive lighting components. You will craft test plans, perform EMC/ESD testing, analyze data, and report findings to cross-functional teams to meet program milestones.

The role requires hands-on use of oscilloscopes, multimeters, power analyzers, and data acquisition systems, plus Python-based automation to validate hardware and software interfaces across CAN,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related engineering field.
• 3-8 years of automotive electrical/electronic validation experience.
• Hands-on experience with electrical test equipment and lab instrumentation.
• Knowledge of automotive communication protocols (CAN/LIN/Ethernet/UART/I2C/SPI).
• Experience with automated test setups and validation scripts (Python or C).
• Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute hardware validation test plans for automotive lighting components.
• Perform electrical measurements and data collection with test equipment.
• Lead EMC, ESD, environmental validation activities and corrective actions.
• Design, develop, and maintain automated test setups and Python-based tools.
• Review schematics and requirements to ensure validation coverage.
• Generate detailed validation reports and root-cause analyses.
• Coordinate supplier DV/PV activities and validation schedules.
• Collaborate across hardware, software, systems, and mechanical teams.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Related engineering field

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Multimeters

Power analyzers

Data acquisition

Python

CAN

LIN

Ethernet

UART

I2C

SPI

Job description

Validation Engineer (Lighting)

General Description

The Validation Engineer II is responsible for developing, executing, and documenting validation activities for automotive lighting electrical/electronic components. This role performs electrical testing, data analysis, troubleshooting, and reporting activities to ensure product performance and compliance with customer requirements. The engineer works closely with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and customers while supporting project execution, issue resolution, and validation planning. Occasional domestic and international travel may be required based on project needs.

Responsibilities

Primary Roles & Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute comprehensive hardware validation test plans for automotive lighting electrical/electronic components.
• Perform electrical measurements and data collection using oscilloscopes, multimeters, power analyzers, and data acquisition equipment.
• Lead EMC, ESD, environmental, and electrical validation activities, including test planning, execution, analysis, and corrective action implementation.
• Design, develop, and maintain automated test setups and advanced Python-based validation tools to improve test efficiency and coverage.
• Review and interpret electrical schematics, system block diagrams, and technical requirements to ensure validation readiness and adequate test coverage.
• Analyze complex validation results and generate detailed technical reports, including root cause analysis, corrective actions, and engineering recommendations.
• Lead the investigation and resolution of validation failures, driving corrective actions to support product quality and program timing objectives.
• Manage and coordinate supplier DV/PV activities, validation schedules, deliverables, and technical issue resolution.
• Collaborate with Hardware, Software, Systems, Mechanical Engineering, suppliers, customers, and external testing laboratories to support product development and validation objectives.
• Lead technical discussions and design reviews related to validation strategy, test coverage, risk assessment, product readiness, and identification of potential failure modes to ensure issues are detected early in the development process.
• Ensure validation activities comply with customer requirements, internal engineering processes, industry standards, and program milestones.
• Identify validation risks and proactively develop mitigation plans to minimize program impact.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers while promoting best practices in validation and problem-solving.
• Present validation results, technical assessments, risks, and recommendations to customers, program teams, management, and Tier-2 suppliers.
• Other tasks and projects assigned.

Job Requirements

Work Experience & Education

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Experience: 3-8 years of experience in automotive electrical/electronic validation, product testing, hardware validation, or related engineering activities.
• Hands-on experience with electronic test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, power analyzers, thermal chambers, data acquisition systems, and other laboratory instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of electrical and electronic systems, including troubleshooting, signal analysis, and validation methodologies.
• Knowledge of and hands-on experience with automotive communication protocols, including CAN, LIN, Ethernet, UART, I2C, and SPI.
• Experience developing or maintaining automated test setups and validation scripts using Python, C, or similar programming languages.
• Experience supporting validation, verification, EMC, environmental testing, and automotive product development activities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional environment with Hardware, Software, Systems, Mechanical Engineering, suppliers, customers, and external testing laboratories.
• Experience preparing technical reports and presenting validation results to customers, suppliers, and internal engineering teams.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments while meeting project milestones and validation schedules.
• Knowledge of automotive development processes, DV/PV activities, quality standards, and engineering best practices

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of electrical and electronic circuits, including power electronics such as DC/DC converters, linear drivers, and automotive lighting systems.
• Experience using electrical circuit simulation tools for basic analysis and validation support.
• Proficient in the use of electronic test equipment, including oscilloscopes, power analyzers, thermal chambers, data loggers, signal generators, and other laboratory instrumentation.
• Proficiency in business software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Microsoft Project for planning, tracking, and managing validation activities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with Hardware, Software, Systems, Mechanical Engineering, customers, suppliers, and validation teams.
• Knowledge of validation methodologies, DV/PV processes, functional testing, data analysis, and technical reporting.
• Working knowledge of EMC, ESD, environmental testing, troubleshooting techniques, and corrective action implementation.
• Experience developing and maintaining automated test setups and validation scripts using Python or similar programming languages.
• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple validation activities, prioritize tasks, and meet project milestones and deadlines.

PI8b70cf9f5f2c-5