Job#: 3018455
Job Description:
Product Validation / Test Engineer (Automotive Components)Overview
We are seeking an experienced Automotive Product Validation Engineer to lead the design verification and validation of mechanical components manufactured at new production sites. This role is responsible for coordinating with component suppliers, managing test execution, and delivering complete, accurate Design Verification Plans & Reports (DVP&R) in accordance with internal engineering standards.
The ideal candidate has strong hands-on experience with automotive validation processes, supplier coordination, test reporting, and change management, and is comfortable owning validation efforts from planning through final sign-off.
Key ResponsibilitiesValidation & Testing
- Own the end-to-end validation of assigned automotive components manufactured at new or transferred production sites
- Develop, execute, and complete Design Verification Plans (DVPs) and Design Verification Plan & Reports (DVP&Rs)
- Ensure all validation data, summaries, and pass/fail assessments are 100% accurate
- Review test results, identify discrepancies, and drive corrective actions as required
- Immediately escalate any in-process or completed test failures against acceptance criteria to engineering stakeholders
Supplier & Cross-Functional Coordination
- Act as the primary technical interface between internal engineering teams and external component suppliers
- Coordinate component testing across multiple manufacturing or test locations
- Ensure suppliers provide timely 5D / root cause analysis and corrective action reports for validation issues
- Maintain clear off-hours communication pathways with suppliers for test-critical events
- Support prompt sourcing and scheduling of external or internal test labs as required
Documentation & Reporting
- Deliver fully signed DVPs and DVP&Rs including all required supporting evidence
- Maintain real-time tracking of validation testing progress, timelines, and deliverables
- Store all validation documentation in the designated Engineering Document Management System (EDMS)
- Provide regular weekly status updates to engineering leadership and stakeholders
- Create and maintain detailed part inventories, including part number, program, quantity, and ownership
Project & Change Management
- Develop and manage a project plan (e.g., MS Project or Gantt chart) outlining milestones, dependencies, and delivery timing
- Communicate scope changes and manage validation impacts accordingly
- Support engineering leadership with validation timing forecasts and sign-off planning
- Ensure all work aligns with internal validation criteria, systems, and procedures
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Quality Engineering, or related discipline
- 4+ years of experience in automotive validation, test engineering, or component verification
- Demonstrated experience completing DVP&R documentation from plan through final sign-off
- Strong understanding of automotive component validation processes, test methods, and acceptance criteria
- Experience working with suppliers and external test laboratories
- Working knowledge of engineering document control systems (EDMS or equivalent)
- Proven ability to manage multiple validation activities in parallel
- Strong communication skills and ability to escalate issues clearly and professionally
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience validating components produced at new manufacturing sites
- Familiarity with automotive engineering systems (e.g., release, test tracking, or validation databases)
- Experience working in a supplier-facing or OEM-adjacent engineering environment
- Background in mechanical or systems-level validation
- Experience supporting long-term validation programs (multi-year)
Key Deliverables & Success Criteria
- Completed and approved Design Verification Plans
- Fully executed and signed DVP&Rs with all supporting evidence
- Accurate and timely documentation stored in EDMS
- Clear visibility into validation status and risks
- Successful validation sign-off for each assigned component
Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a retirement plan (401k or local country equivalent) program. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our ‘Welcome Packet’ as well, which an Apex team member can provide.
EEO Employer
Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.
