Engineer II - Validation

Magna International•Auburn Hills, MI

About The Position

The Validation Engineer develops validation test plans and schedules to support automotive component validation, including analog, digital, optical, color, environmental, electrical, and EMC testing, particularly for ADAS and power products. The role combines technical expertise and project management to coordinate requirements analysis, planning, cost estimates and quotes, purchase orders, laboratory preparation, test execution, and documentation. The engineer collaborates with Validation Tools Engineers, design teams, customers, suppliers, and external laboratories to prepare test setups and fixtures, oversee test execution, monitor progress, analyze results, troubleshoot failures, and support corrective actions. The role also maintains test procedures, work instructions, reports, and validation-system records. Work is performed with general direction on project objectives and broad guidance from corporate strategy and goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
Five years of experience in an automotive engineering environment.
Technical understanding of environmental testing, including temperature, vibration, humidity, enclosure, and associated electrical tests.
Technical understanding of electrical and EMC testing.
Experience creating validation test plans and knowledge of customer validation requirements, such as GMW3172, CS-1189, CETP 00.00-E-412, and European OEM requirements.
Demonstrated troubleshooting skills.
Experience operating standard and specialized test equipment, including DMMs, oscilloscopes, and video scopes.
Computer proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, Outlook, and Microsoft Project.
Ability to calculate and analyze data, generate reports, and present information.
Strong organizational, project management, leadership, prioritization, and coordination skills.
Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, including the ability to collaborate with engineering teams, OEM customers, and external suppliers.
Ability to work independently, make decisions, and solve problems.
Ability to conceptualize, coordinate, and integrate data, and communicate concepts involving tests, hardware, and software.
Ability to research, recommend, present, and oversee implementation of new products, materials, and processes.
Ability to influence cross-functional teams and maintain productive relationships with key functional areas.
Ability to collaborate, share knowledge, and support Validation Engineering, Validation Tools Engineering, and local Magna laboratory teams.
Proactively use direct communication, such as phone or face-to-face conversations, to resolve topics efficiently; use email as a follow-up or documentation tool.

Responsibilities

Review and deeply understand customer requirements.
Create detailed test plans and Product Verification Plan & Reports (PVP&Rs), and obtain customer and design-team approvals.
Support engineering design meetings and lead discussions to obtain the inputs and deliverables required for validation testing.
Evaluate and prepare accurate test proposals based on modules, design changes, and electrical, mechanical, or manufacturing processes.
Create and maintain detailed project timing plans using Microsoft Project, including baseline and actual dates and resource assignments.
Coordinate with electrical, mechanical, systems, and software design teams on design deliverables, requirements, product functionality, and issue resolution.
Initiate and oversee mechanical design activities for vibration and environmental test fixtures through completion and release, collaborating with mechanical engineers.
Perform studies to ensure vibration fixtures do not add resonance to the end product and environmental fixtures suit the application.
Troubleshoot validation failures, determine root causes, distinguish product issues from test-setup issues, and lead investigations and corrective actions using structured problem-solving methods such as 8D.
Analyze test data, identify trends under varying temperature, voltage, and current conditions, develop data-processing tools or automation, and clearly communicate findings to design teams.
Coordinate and track internal and external testing to ensure quality, timing, deadlines, test profiles, data capture, and on-time starts.
Prepare, verify, and monitor test equipment and harnesses; inspect and return equipment after testing and provide training on tester operation, project expectations, data screens, files, and locations.
Follow test status daily, retrieve and analyze data, and oversee third-party laboratory actions, including kickoff meetings and checklists.
Perform testing and tasks specified in DVP&Rs, including environmental procedures, cross-sections, and visual inspections.
Support on-site visits to external laboratories and suppliers to monitor test execution quality and equipment readiness.
Maintain accurate, current records in the Validation Tools System for equipment, test schedules, status, storage, and deliverables.
Perform hands-on testing, create or move setups, and start and monitor tests.
Review DFMEAs for possible test conditions and use findings to improve test plans.
Follow the Product Delivery Process and Magna internal processes.
Manage at least four simultaneous projects while adapting to changing program needs.
Support the quoting process by estimating engineering hours and testing costs.
Document environmental, electrical, and EMC validation failures in the applicable tool.