Job Description

Job Title: Propulsion Validation Engineer

Location: Novi, MI

Employment Type: Full-Time

Role Overview:

The Propulsion Validation Engineer is responsible for vehicle-level validation of propulsion systems, ensuring performance, compliance, and customer expectations (“Voice of the Customer”) are met. This role leads the development and execution of validation strategies covering drive modes, gradability, towing, and real-world vehicle behavior across proving grounds and public road networks.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and execute detailed vehicle-level test cases for propulsion system behavior, including drive modes, gradability, towing performance, and representative drive cycles
• Translate propulsion and towing requirements into executable test procedures and validation plans
• Collaborate with system architects and stakeholders to define and deliver a complete requirements-to-validation roadmap for vehicle programs
• Lead and coordinate validation trips and test campaigns at proving grounds and on public roads, covering both representative and extreme operating conditions
• Execute vehicle testing and data collection using appropriate tools and instrumentation, including route design, preconditioning, logging strategies, and environmental controls
• Ensure strong traceability between requirements and test cases using tools such as Codebeamer or Jira, and maintain accurate validation status reporting
• Analyze vehicle behavior related to torque delivery, drive mode transitions, grade capability, and towing dynamics, identifying risks, deviations, and performance gaps
• Communicate test results clearly to propulsion, controls, software, and vehicle integration teams; support issue triage and resolution of validation blockers
• Document validation results through test reports, anomaly tracking, and sign-off matrices to support release decisions
• Support planning and logistics for test execution, including vehicle preparation, equipment readiness, scheduling, and coordination with external test sites
• Promote and support a system engineering mindset, processes, and best practices across teams
• Partner with concept and systems architecture teams to address functional and engineering challenges

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
• 4+ years of experience in technical requirements management, preferably within the automotive industry
• Experience writing requirements and managing change requests
• Hands-on experience with requirements management tools such as Jama, Polarion, DOORS, MagicDraw, or Codebeamer
• Strong understanding of vehicle development processes and automotive-grade product requirements
• Knowledge of U.S. federal and state automotive regulations and governing authorities related to vehicle safety and compliance
• Experience developing and validating products that meet automotive industry standards and regulatory requirements

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and systems-thinking skills
• Excellent communication and documentation abilities
• High ownership, self-motivation, and accountability
• Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional and global teams
• Innovative mindset with a focus on quality, safety, and customer value

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