Validation Engineer

Actalent; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 66,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Life Insurance

Disability coverage

PTO / Vacation

Job summary

Actalent seeks a Validation Engineer to verify automotive interior and exterior plastic components. You will develop and execute detailed DVP&R plans, coordinate with internal teams and external labs, and present results for program launches.

You will guide CAE usage during DV, oversee test setups, obtain customer approvals, and manage budgets across multiple programs in a fast-paced Tier-1 environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in automotive plastics validation with interior/exterior components.
• Experience developing DVP&R test plans and working with customers.
• Strong in component and vehicle system testing for automotive applications.
• Proficient in documenting and presenting test results to stakeholders.
• Experience coordinating internal and external test labs.
• Knowledge of CAE in DV phase and DFMEA processes.

Responsibilities

• Interpret customer specs and integrate into DVP&R testing plans.
• Develop, plan, and execute tests for plastic components with labs.
• Provide status updates to customer-facing and program teams.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, tooling, and PM teams.
• Obtain customer approvals for DVP&R plans and ensure compliance.
• Source and direct internal/external test labs and manage timing.
• Quote budgets for testing on new/ongoing programs and track costs.
• Advise on CAE simulations during DV phase to support validation.
• Develop and submit detailed test reports for approvals.
• Support DFMEA input and track open issues across programs.

Skills

5+ years experience as Validation Eng

DVP&R plan development

Test plan execution

CA E simulations knowledge

DFMEA awareness

Multi-program management

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

DVP&R tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Title: Validation Engineer

Job Description

The Validation Engineer verifies and validates components to ensure they meet customer requirements and perform as expected, with a particular focus on automotive interior and exterior plastic components. This role develops, plans, and executes detailed test plans using internal resources and external test laboratories, then organizes, summarizes, and presents test results for review and approval. The Validation Engineer collaborates closely with product engineering, manufacturing, tooling, and program management to integrate customer specifications into DVP&R plans and support successful program launches.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and understand customer specifications, engineering drawings, and other requirements, and integrate them into comprehensive DVP&R (Design Verification Plan and Report) testing plans.
• Develop, plan, and execute test plans for plastic components, utilizing both in-house capabilities and external test laboratories.
• Provide customer-facing and program management teams with clear, timely information regarding testing status, requirements, and results.
• Collaborate with product engineering, manufacturing, and tooling teams to support part design and development, ensuring design requirements align with DVP&R test plan requirements.
• Obtain customer approvals for DVP&R test plans and ensure all validation activities comply with customer performance specifications.
• Source, select, and direct internal and external test labs, overseeing test execution to meet program timing and quality expectations.
• Establish and manage timing for validation activities, ensuring all testing is completed in accordance with program milestones and deadlines.
• Quote and establish budgets for testing on new quotes, newly awarded programs, and ongoing programs, and track testing costs as needed.
• Provide guidance on CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) simulations during the DV (Design Validation) phase to support robust validation strategies.
• Approve and troubleshoot test setups and test reports, ensuring tests are properly configured and results are accurate and reliable.
• Act as the subject matter expert for customer performance specifications and testing requirements, advising internal teams on validation standards.
• Develop, compile, and submit detailed test reports for customer and internal approvals, including clear documentation of methods, results, and conclusions.
• Request and help procure early build phase parts and ensure timely delivery of components to test sources and laboratories.
• Support the development of DFMEAs (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analyses) by providing input on performance requirements and potential failure modes.
• Track and manage open issues related to validation, including part tracking, test status, and resolution of performance concerns.
• Manage and track multiple programs simultaneously, prioritizing validation activities and communicating status to stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Automotive Technology, or a closely related field, or equivalent validation work experience.
• 5+ years of experience as a Validation Engineer within the automotive plastics industry, with interior and exterior plastic components.
• Hands‑on experience developing DVP&R test plan requirements and working directly with customers on validation activities.
• Strong in component‑level and vehicle system‑level testing for automotive applications.
• Proficiency in developing and executing test plans and test engineering activities for plastics manufacturing and plastic injection moulded components.
• Ability to source, direct, and oversee internal and external test lab execution.
• Experience reviewing, approving, and troubleshooting test setups and test reports.
• Strong organizational skills, including tracking open issues, parts, and test status across multiple programs.
• Ability to manage and track multiple programs concurrently while meeting timing and quality requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation, reporting, and presentations.
• Knowledge of CAE simulations and their application in DV phase validation.
• Familiarity with DFMEA processes and performance requirement input.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with automotive interior plastics and injection‑molded components.
• Tier 1 automotive supplier environments, particularly supporting major automotive programs.
• Knowledge of automotive interiors and related performance specifications.
• Experience with DVP&R documentation tools and methodologies.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail when reviewing test data, reports, and customer specifications.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, tooling, and program management.
• Comfort presenting test results and recommendations in meetings and formal reviews.

Work Environment

The role is based within a large Tier 1 automotive plastics interior manufacturing setting that includes both office space and a manufacturing plant environment. The Validation Engineer works in an office for planning, documentation, and reporting activities, and regularly interfaces with the manufacturing floor and test facilities to support validation work. The environment is fast‑paced and project‑driven, with multiple programs running in parallel and frequent collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, and external test labs. Standard business attire is typically expected in office areas, with appropriate safety and protective equipment required when visiting manufacturing or test lab environments.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sterling Heights, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $48.08 - $52.89/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Sterling Heights, MI.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News‑Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

Equal Opportunity

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

Accommodation

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.