Senior Manager, Vehicle Validation

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

5d • Onsite

About The Position

At Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America (MBRDNA), the US Vehicle Integration team is crucial for maintaining the brand's technological leadership in the US luxury vehicle market. This team collaborates to drive innovation by translating US customer feedback into impactful propositions, focusing on software-defined vehicles and comprehensive 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 that upholds Mercedes-Benz's high standards.

MBRDNA is seeking a dynamic and inspiring leader to serve as Senior Manager, responsible for the complete scope of overall vehicle validation, with a specific focus on Electrics/Electronics Integration, OTA, and Vehicle Durability Testing. This high-impact role involves leading a skilled vehicle testing team with the mission of delivering innovative, high-quality, and mature vehicles to U.S. customers, fully aligned with Mercedes-Benz brand, performance, and quality standards.

On the overall vehicle E/E and OTA front, this role provides strategic and technical oversight for people leadership, testing operations, and defect management. The E/E Integration and OTA Validation team's objective is to update, test, validate, and perform an integrated release for the US market as an integral partner within the global R&D Team.

On the Vehicle Durability front, the leader will oversee the team responsible for all Mercedes-Benz conventional and electric powertrain durability testing in the US Market, evaluating full vehicle quality.

The role requires integration with various system functions (Telematics, ADAS, Body, etc.) to drive closure of the most relevant defects, improving vehicle maturity in the US market within a unified team. This position ensures US Market requirements are aligned with all stakeholders to deliver a seamless and high-quality customer journey, focusing on Mercedes-Benz's goal of a "best-in-class Customer Experience."

Beyond project delivery, the Senior Manager will collaborate with Senior Management and department leaders to shape and evolve project management methodology, champion continuous improvement, and empower engineers in their career and technical growth. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact by pushing boundaries, fostering team excellence, and shaping the next generation of software-defined vehicles.

Upon hire, this position will initially be based at the MBRDNA Technical Center in Long Beach, CA, with a planned relocation to Atlanta, GA in July 2026. This role offers the chance to lead the US vehicle validation team and shape the future of automotive innovation for Mercedes-Benz US customers.

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
• Internal applicant must be PV44 Confirmed

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 that directly impact the quality and readiness of Mercedes-Benz vehicles delivered to U.S. customers.
• Ensure vehicles reach the market with strong technical maturity, high robustness, and uncompromising quality, while enabling innovation in a software-defined and electrified vehicle landscape.
• Lead and grow a high-performing engineering team, setting clear vision and priorities while fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Coach leaders and engineers, guide career development, and shape a team culture that balances technical excellence with sustainable ways of working.
• Operate at the intersection of people leadership, program execution, and strategic alignment, regularly engaging with project plans, staffing and budget outlooks, test scope expansions, and program risks.
• Work closely with project management and senior stakeholders to anticipate challenges and drive solutions.
• Provide transparent updates to leadership on vehicle maturity, testing progress, risks, and resource needs to support informed decision-making.
• Participate in and oversee E/E integration and durability test drives, review defect status and maturity reports, and 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, including E/E updating, E/E testing, OV-, OTA- and Durability testing.
• 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