Vehicle Access Validation Lead

Stellantis•Auburn Hills, MI

About The Position

Stellantis is seeking a Vehicle Access Validation Lead to lead validation of Vehicle Access components against E/E and Access validation test plans and procedures. The role ensures that software modules, electronic parts, and components function correctly and meet design requirements and quality standards. It involves extensive collaboration with suppliers, DREs, and cross-functional teams to manage issues, develop manual and automated test procedures, track software updates, validate component test benches, and review test execution. The position also involves using CAN testing tools and electrical testing equipment in a lab environment to test and troubleshoot vehicles. The lead manages a Test & Validation (T&V) team based in metro Detroit and India, collaborating with feature owners, engineering teams, extended teams, and suppliers. The role supports early defect identification and evidence of defect elimination, and drives continuous improvement of test plans, issue replication, and testing procedures. Responsibilities include developing core electrical system test procedures, harmonizing global test norms, improving vehicle testing approaches, supporting supplier, plant, and vehicle issues, and coordinating compliance activities. The lead reviews and approves test plans, procedures, and reports for coverage and compliance with system requirements and Stellantis expectations, establishes validation objectives and key results with team members, and works with the T&V team to troubleshoot ECUs, System HIL, and test environments.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
At least 10 years of experience in electrical systems design, development, or test engineering.
Demonstrated experience with DFMEA and DVP&R processes; training in DVP and DFMEA.
Experience validating complex systems.
Experience with environmental simulation test equipment, such as temperature test chambers and vibration systems.
Knowledge of CAN bus and experience using Vector CAN tools, including CANoe and CANalyzer.
Knowledge of communication bus operation, including ETH, CAN, LIN, or other buses, and experience using diagnostic tools.
Experience with electrical debugging tools such as digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, current probes, and other diagnostic equipment.
Experience performing vehicle- and system-level validation.
Strong leadership skills without micromanagement.
Strong communication and presentation skills.
Certified problem-solving skills, such as DFSS or Reactive Quality Green Belt or Black Belt.
Ability to multitask across assignments and coordinate testing for numerous Validation Test Engineers and programs at global sites.
Experience designing system- or component-level automated bench testing, including knowledge of programming languages such as CAPL script or Python.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent from an ABET-accredited university.
Electrical system design and manufacturing knowledge.
Experience troubleshooting electrical systems and determining root causes.
Ability to present concepts, strategies, and project status to large groups.
DFSS Green Belt.

Responsibilities

Lead a T&V team in developing core documents, including core electrical system test procedures, and support global harmonization of test norms.
Develop more efficient and comprehensive ways to test vehicles and develop team members to support issues with suppliers, at plants, and on vehicles.
Work with regulatory teams on domestic compliance and with Homologation and Witness agencies on global compliance of EE components where applicable.
Review and approve test plans, procedures, and reports to ensure complete test coverage and that systems meet requirements and Stellantis expectations.
Establish scale validation objectives and key results with individual team members.
Work with the T&V team to troubleshoot ECUs, System HIL, and test environment functionality to minimize false-positive incident reports.
Collaborate with suppliers, DREs, feature owners, engineering, and cross-functional teams on issue management and defect identification and elimination.
Track software updates for fixes, validate component test benches, and review test executions.
Drive continuous improvements in test plans, issue replication, and testing procedures.
Coordinate testing for multiple Validation Test Engineers and programs at global sites.