Senior Manager, Vehicle Validation

Mercedes-Benz R&D North America • Atlanta, GA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

At Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America (MBRDNA), the US Vehicle Integration team is crucial for establishing the brand's technological leadership in the US luxury vehicle market. The team innovates by translating US customer feedback into impactful propositions, focusing on software-defined vehicles and thorough testing across various domains like infotainment, connected cars, E/E systems, and BEV/HEV charging technologies. They also support Mercedes-Benz North America vehicle workshops and operations to ensure a seamless customer experience. This role seeks a dynamic leader to oversee overall vehicle validation, with a focus on Electrics/Electronics Integration, OTA, and Vehicle Durability Testing. The Senior Manager will lead a skilled vehicle testing team to deliver innovative, high-quality vehicles aligned with Mercedes-Benz brand, performance, and quality standards. Responsibilities include strategic and technical oversight for E/E Integration and OTA Validation, aiming to update, test, validate, and release for the US market. On the Vehicle Durability front, the role leads the team responsible for all Mercedes-Benz conventional and electric powertrain durability testing in the US, evaluating full vehicle quality and driving defect closure. The position will also involve working with Senior Management to shape project management methodology, champion continuous improvement, and empower engineers. This role is based in Long Beach, CA, with a relocation to Atlanta, GA in July 2026.

Requirements

• Bachelors of Science in Electrical, Computer, or Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field of study
• 10+ years of relevant work experience
• Experience as a manager in vehicle testing (Overall Vehicle, E/E or Powertrain) including exercise in wide latitude in determining objectives and approaches to critical assignments
• Previous Automotive OEM or Tier1 supplier work experience
• Excellent time management & communication skills both verbal and written including intercultural sensibility
• Ability to develop/plan projects from conceptualization to successful implementation including ability of analysis and problem assessment
• Ability to travel internationally and domestically for 20% of the time. This could include test trips that require overnight and/or weekend travel
• Valid Driver's License
• Selected internal candidate must be PV44 Confirmed at time of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the development or validation of embedded systems and/or off-board connected vehicle, or similar related experience
• Excellent presentation skills, including the ability to adapt content based on audience and interests
• Experience leading high performing teams with focus on inclusion and belonging

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, technical, and people leadership for vehicle integration and durability testing activities.
• Ensure vehicles reach the market with strong technical maturity, high robustness, and uncompromising quality.
• Enable innovation in a software-defined and electrified vehicle landscape.
• Lead and grow a high-performing engineering team, setting clear vision and priorities.
• Create an environment that encourages collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Coach leaders and engineers, guiding career development, and shaping team culture.
• Operate at the intersection of people leadership, program execution, and strategic alignment.
• Engage with project plans, staffing and budget outlooks, test scope expansions, and program risks.
• Provide transparent updates to leadership on vehicle maturity, testing progress, risks, and resource needs.
• Participate in and oversee E/E integration and durability test drives.
• Review defect status and maturity reports.
• Work with global research and development counterparts to drive timely resolution of issues.
• Ensure defects identified in U.S. testing are clearly prioritized, understood, and addressed before launch.
• Align with engineering leads on testing priorities, vehicle availability, and resource needs.
• Review program status, risks, and maturity assessments across multiple vehicle lines and projects.
• Engage with R&D and system owners to influence issue resolution and integration quality.
• Support defect management and quality discussions across E/E domains.
• Coach a team of engineers through performance reviews, feedback conversations, and development planning.
• Guide team decision making and behaviors with Company Core Values.
• Participate in strategic initiatives within U.S. Vehicle Integration and across Mercedes-Benz U.S. entities.
• Involve hands-on involvement with prototype vehicles, including driving as part of validation activities.
• Maintain close alignment with global partners and vehicle programs through domestic and international travel.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• 401(k) with employer match
• Up to 15 company-paid holidays
• Paid time off (flexible time off for salaried employees), sick time, and parental leave
• Tuition assistance program
• Wellness/Fitness reimbursement programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior