Validation Project Lead – Vehicle & Propulsion Controls

Stellantis; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Stellantis in Auburn, Alabama seeks a Validation Project Lead to drive end-to-end validation strategy for propulsion control software in both ICE and BEV programs. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering and 8+ years in powertrain validation.

Your responsibilities include developing Design Verification Plans, leading validation strategy, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure software readiness and technical integrity. Strong communication and root cause analysis skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in powertrain controls validation and verification.
• Strong understanding of ICE and BEV propulsion systems.
• Ability to collaborate in a cross-functional engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop Design Verification Plans for validation coverage.
• Lead validation strategy for propulsion control systems.
• Report on validation status and risks to support release decisions.

Skills

Powertrain controls validation

Design Verification Plans (DVPs)

HIL and vehicle testing

Root cause analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Master of Science in a related field

Tools

ALM tools (e.g., DNG, Quality Manager)

Job description

Join a high-impact engineering team responsible for delivering validated, production-ready propulsion control software across both internal combustion (ICE) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) programs. As a Validation Project Lead, you will driveend-to-end validation strategy, ensuring complete test coverage, software readiness, and technical integrity for vehicle propulsion systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and develop Design Verification Plans (DVPs) to ensure full validation coverage aligned with program milestones and release targets
• Lead validation strategy for ICE and BEV propulsion control systems, including risk-based test planning and edge-case scenario identification
• Evaluate and refine system and software requirements to ensure testability, completeness, and traceability
• Define and coordinate optimal validation environments (HIL, SIL, bench, vehicle) to maximize efficiency and defect detection
• Drive issue identification, pre-analysis, and root cause investigations in collaboration with Controls, Calibration, and Diagnostics teams
• Ensure execution of validation and qualification testing activities in alignment with quality standards and program timing
• Provide clear reporting on validation status, risks, and coverage to support data-driven release decisions
• Collaborate cross-functionally to mitigate technical risks and improve system robustness prior to production release

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field
• 8 or more years of experience in powertrain controls validation, verification, or embedded systems development
• Experience developing and executing Design Verification Plans (DVPs) for propulsion or automotive systems
• Strong understanding of propulsion systems (ICE and/or BEV), including sensors, actuators, and control strategies
• Experience with HIL and vehicle testing environments, including test execution and issue investigation
• Proven ability to perform root cause analysis and support issue resolution
• Experience working in a cross-functional engineering environment (e.g., Controls, Calibration, Diagnostics)
• Strong communication skills and ability to report test results and validation status

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, or System Engineering from an ABET accredited university
• 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
• Knowledge of OBD diagnostics, DTC strategies, and regulatory requirements (e.g., SAE J1979, J1699)
• Familiarity with functional safety (ISO 26262) and safety-related validation requirements
• 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