Propulsion Automation Validation Lead

Stellantis•Auburn Hills, MI

22h

About The Position

The Vehicle & Propulsion Controls organization is seeking a Validation Project Lead and Test Architecture subject matter expert 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 expert responsible for architecting cross-functional automation frameworks, integrating AI/LLM tools 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, including test coverage, risk-based prioritization, selection of validation environments, qualification testing, issue analysis, and release-readiness visibility. It also architects and standardizes global HIL and SIL automation frameworks; establishes testing practices for regulatory, diagnostic, security, safety, and End-of-Line requirements; and leads Agile project delivery. The role acts as a global subject matter expert for critical plant, field, and launch escalations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
At least 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 or testing technologies.
Hands-on experience with regulatory standards such as SAE J1979 and OBD-II, and with 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 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 HIL, vehicle, and SIL validation environments 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, identifying critical scenarios, edge-case maneuvers, and risk-based test priorities.
Evaluate and refine system and software requirements for testability, completeness, and alignment with validation intent.
Determine and coordinate appropriate HIL, vehicle, and bench validation environments to optimize coverage, efficiency, and issue detection.
Drive issue identification and pre-analysis to support 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 the primary technical authority for global automation architecture, setting 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 a Certified Scrum Master, managing Agile sprints, backlog prioritization, daily stand-ups, and resource allocation across competing program deadlines.
Act as Global SME for critical plant, field, and launch escalations, including bootloader, FOTA, and module wake-up/sleep issues.