Propulsion Automation Validation Lead

The Vehicle & Propulsion Controls organization is seeking a Validation Project Lead & Test Architecture SME to drive global test automation architecture, govern enterprise-wide XIL/HIL strategy, and lead technical execution across ICE, BEV, and REEV propulsion platforms. 

This role moves beyond routine execution to serve as the global subject matter expert responsible for architecting proprietary, cross-functional automation frameworks, integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI/LLM) into testing pipelines, defining complex regulatory/diagnostic test standards, and managing cross-functional validation teams. 

• →Define and own Design Verification Plans (DVPs) for propulsion system requirements, ensuring complete validation coverage and alignment with program and release objectives. 

• →Lead validation strategy across ICE and BEV propulsion systems, including identification of critical scenarios, edge‑case maneuvers, and risk‑based test prioritization. 

• →Evaluate and refine system and software requirements to ensure testability, completeness, and alignment with validation intent. 

• →Determine and coordinate appropriate validation environments (HIL, vehicle, bench) to optimize coverage, efficiency, and issue detection. 

• →Drive issue identification and pre‑analysis activities, enabling rapid root cause isolation and resolution in collaboration with Controls, Diagnostics, and Calibration teams. 

• →Ensure execution of qualification testing and validation activities, maintaining alignment with release readiness, quality targets, and program timelines. 

• →Provide visibility to validation status, risks, and coverage across propulsion programs, supporting data‑driven release decisions. 

• →Architect, design, and standardize modular, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) Test Automation Frameworks (TAF) for global deployment across multi-regional facilities. 

• →Serve as primary technical authority for global automation architecture, setting engineering guidelines and best practices for internal and external engineering teams. 

• →Define global testing frameworks for complex regulatory and diagnostic standards, including OBD-II, SAE J1979/J1979-2/3, J1699, and End-of-Line (EOL) protocols 

• →Architect automated testing methodologies for ADA security unlock protocol, Propulsion Safety Release testing, and functional safety (ISO 26262) compliance. 

• →Function as Certified Scrum Master, managing Agile sprints, backlog prioritization, daily stand-ups, and resource allocation to ensure timely project delivery across competing program deadlines. 

• →Act as Global SME for critical plant, field, and launch escalations (e.g., bootloader, FOTA, and module wake-up/sleep issues). 

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field. 

• 7 years of progressive experience in powertrain/propulsion controls validation, embedded systems development, or test architecture. 

• Demonstrated experience architecting test automation frameworks and/or developing patentable software/testing technologies. 

• Hands-on experience with regulatory standards (e.g., SAE J1979, OBD-II) and low-level diagnostic communication mechanisms. Familiarity with functional safety (ISO 26262) and safety-related validation requirements 

• Experience leading engineering initiatives, teams, or managing projects in an Agile/Scrum framework. 

• Demonstrated experience developing scalable test strategies with end-to-end traceability in ALM tools (e.g., DNG, Quality Manager) and requirements/test traceability 

• Master of Science in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, or System Engineering

• 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 

• 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 

• Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or equivalent Agile certification. 

• Proven experience developing and integrating AI/LLM tools into engineering test environments.