Propulsion Automation Validation Lead

Stellantis•Auburn Hills, MI

About The Position

The Vehicle & Propulsion Controls organization is seeking a Validation Project Lead and 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. The role serves as a global subject matter expert responsible for architecting proprietary, cross-functional automation frameworks, integrating AI/LLM into testing pipelines, defining complex regulatory and diagnostic test standards, and managing cross-functional validation teams. The position owns propulsion-system Design Verification Plans and validation strategy, selecting appropriate HIL, vehicle, and bench environments while ensuring coverage, issue detection, and alignment with program objectives and release readiness. It also establishes global HIL/SIL automation architecture and engineering practices, supports regulatory and diagnostic testing, and leads Agile delivery and escalations across programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
Seven 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 or testing technologies.
Hands-on experience with regulatory standards such as SAE J1979 and OBD-II, and low-level diagnostic communication mechanisms.
Familiarity with functional safety (ISO 26262) and safety-related validation requirements.
Experience leading engineering initiatives or teams, or managing projects in an Agile/Scrum framework.
Demonstrated experience developing scalable test strategies with end-to-end traceability in ALM tools such as DNG or Quality Manager, and requirements/test traceability.

Nice To Haves

Master of Science in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, or Systems Engineering.
Experience leading or owning validation strategy and DVP development across programs or platforms.
Strong system-level understanding of 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 such as DNG or 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.

Responsibilities

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 for testability, completeness, and alignment with validation intent.
Determine and coordinate appropriate validation environments, including HIL, vehicle, and bench, to optimize coverage, efficiency, and issue detection.
Drive issue identification and pre-analysis activities to enable rapid root-cause isolation and resolution with Controls, Diagnostics, and Calibration teams.
Ensure execution of qualification testing and validation activities in alignment with release readiness, quality targets, and program timelines.
Provide visibility into validation status, risks, and coverage across propulsion programs to support data-driven release decisions.
Architect, design, and standardize modular HIL and SIL Test Automation Frameworks for global deployment across multi-regional facilities.
Serve as primary technical authority for global automation architecture and set engineering guidelines and best practices for internal and external engineering teams.
Define global testing frameworks for regulatory and diagnostic standards, including OBD-II, SAE J1979/J1979-2/3, J1699, and End-of-Line protocols.
Architect automated testing methodologies for ADA security unlock protocol, Propulsion Safety Release testing, and ISO 26262 functional-safety compliance.
Function as Certified Scrum Master, managing Agile sprints, backlog prioritization, daily stand-ups, and resource allocation to support delivery across competing program deadlines.
Act as Global SME for plant, field, and launch escalations, including bootloader, FOTA, and module wake-up/sleep issues.