Validation Engineer II

YETI; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

YETI in Austin seeks a Product Validation Engineer to drive the test plan for outdoor gear products. You will design tests grounded in how customers actually use products and work with design, engineering and QA to ensure tests are valid and results are repeatable.

You will collaborate with data analytics, product management and industrial design to translate user behavior into test protocols, provide technical documentation, and support DFMEA and design validation activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, materials science, chemistry or similar field.
• At least 5 years of design qualification experience against specs.
• Strong knowledge of heat transfer, impact, vibration, abrasion, and environmental testing.

Responsibilities

• Generate well-designed tests rooted in consumer use and intended product use.
• Support test recommendations with statistical analysis to define severity of tests.
• Document procedures in detail so global lab partners can run tests.
• Serve as a product validation expert on project core teams.
• Leverage mechanical design principles and lab equipment knowledge to simulate consumer behavior.
• Convert customer use case to test protocol and requirements.
• Collaborate with data analytics, industrial design and product management to collect data on expected use.
• Understand target consumer and baselines to determine testing strategies.

Skills

Design qualification

Root cause analysis

Mechanical design principles

Statistical analysis

Technical writing

Communication skills

Product validation experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or similar

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD tools

JMP

Minitab

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

At YETI, we believe that time spent outdoors matters more than ever and our gear can make that time extraordinary. When you work here, you’ll have the opportunity to create exceptional, meaningful work and problem solve with innovative team members by your side. Together, you’ll help our customers get the high-quality gear they need to make the most of their adventures. We are BUILT FOR THE WILD.About The RoleThe Product Validation Engineer plays a key role in the development of new products by developing the tests required to qualify the incredible products we develop. This individual participates in the design process, partnering with YETI Design Engineers, to create Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA), developing Design Validation Plans and working with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Test labs and Product Management to ensure that all testing follows defined procedures and delivers results the team can use to evaluate the product.What You’ll DoGenerate well-designed tests that are rooted in a deep understanding of the consumers expectations and intended use for unique products not defined by industry standards. Support the recommendations of each test with a statistical analysis to define the severity of the test relative to the nominal consumer use case.Confirm new tests deliver effective, repeatable results and document the procedure in such detail that our global lab partners are equipped to run the tests.Serves as a product validation expert on project core teamsLeverage advanced knowledge of mechanical design principles and understanding of common lab equipment to develop creative solutions to simulate consumer behavior.Ability to convert customer use case to test protocol and requirement.Partner with the data analytics, industrial design and product management teams to collect data about expected use of a product.Partner with product management and industrial design to understand the target consumer, how they intend to use, or may misuse, the product and use this information to determine appropriate testing baselines.International Travel Requirement: ~5%What You BringBachelor’s degree in engineering, Material Science, Chemistry or similar area of study preferredAt least 5 years of design qualification experience, which includes establishing, testing and evaluating product qualifications against specifications.Advanced knowledge of industry standards applicable to the design and test of productsStrong technical background - heat transfer, impact, vibration, abrasion, environmental, life/cycle testing, material validation, and process validationRoot Cause Analysis experience in mix material product assembliesProven record of accomplishment in the design and build of test equipment to support thermal, mechanical, repetitive motion and/or other testing needsProficient with electronic and mechanical test equipmentExcellent social, interpersonal, and presentation/communication skills - ability to convey knowledge, skills, and results to NPD customers, lab engineers, technicians, and other applicable personnelTechnical writing skills a mustProficient in reading and/or producing schematics and drawings, identifying components, and component values via CAD design tools (SolidWorks preferred)Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and similar products (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, etc.)Product Design experienceFEA experienceExperience with statical analysis software (JMP, Minitab)Injection molding and/or textiles experienceRegulatory compliance experienceColor science experience a plusPhysical Requirements: Operate office equipment and technology. Bend, lift, open, and move product up to 50 pounds as needed#LI-MA1Benefits & Perks:Click here to learn about the benefits and perks we offer at YETI.YETI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.Our commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is at the center of everything we do for our employees. We embrace all applicants looking to bring their authentic selves to YETI and contribute to our mission of keeping the wild WILD. Find out more about our commitment to DE&I at yeti.com/esg.html.All applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.YETI Applicant Privacy NoticeYETI welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you require accommodation in order to apply for a job, please contact us at [e-mail].