Validation and Testing Engineering Manager

Position Summary:

The Validation and Testing Engineering Manager leads product validation activities supporting both new product development and production/sustaining programs for automotive and industrial sensor products. This role is responsible for defining and executing robust validation strategies, ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory and customer requirements, and delivering on time, high-quality test data to internal and external stakeholders. This is a hands-on, working manager position with direct responsibility for laboratory operations, people leadership, customer-facing validation activities, and capital and budget ownership. The role is a key member of the Engineering Leadership Team and collaborates closely with Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Customers, and Suppliers across North America, with support to global teams as needed.

Position Requirements:

1. Lead product validation and testing activities in support of Product Engineering, including Design Development, Design Validation (DV), and Production Validation (PV) for internal and customer developed sensor products.
2. Develop, review, approve, and maintain test strategies, equipment, validation plans, test protocols, and test reports.
3. Ensure validation activities meet internal requirements, customer specifications, and applicable regulatory standards, including CE and EMC compliance.
4. Provide technical oversight and hands-on support for complex or critical testing activities as required.
5. Analyze validation data and test results to draw conclusions, identify gaps or failures, and communicate technical recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
6. Support failure analysis and root cause investigations related to validation test issues, product performance concerns, and test escapes.
7. Develop quotations, cost estimates, and timelines for customer-funded validation and compliance testing.
8. Coordinate internal and external testing resources to meet program schedules and commitments. Coordinate and manage external test labs and suppliers when required.
9. Manage internal validation and testing lab equipment, including calibration, annual operating budgets, and capital planning.
10. Develop, qualify, and maintain test methods, fixtures, and supporting tools as needed to ensure accurate and repeatable results.
11. Maintain traceability between requirements, validation plans, test execution, results, and final approvals.
12. Provide direct leadership and development for a team of validation engineers and/or technicians.
13. Set clear expectations, performance goals, and development plans for team members.
14. Promote a culture of safety, technical rigor, continuous improvement, and customer focus.
15. Ensure validation laboratory operations comply with applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
16. Partner closely with Product Development Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program Management to align validation activities with program needs.
17. Support production and sustaining engineering efforts related to product changes, issue resolution, and reliability improvements.
18. Help define and improve validation processes, standards, and governance across the organization.
19. Define validation scope and approach based on product requirements, risk, intended use, and program priorities.
20. Support customer and supplier technical interfaces related to validation requirements, test results, corrective actions, and program commitments.
21. Support and align global validation activities and practices.
22. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
23. Individuals directed by management to operate a vehicle for work purposes will observe the requirements of the Fleet Safety Program.
24. Support, promote, and perform in a manner consistent with continuous improvement goals and the values of SSI Technologies, LLC. which includes following the policies, procedures, and requirements of our Quality Management and IS0 14001 Environmental Management Systems.
25. All other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Professional/Technical Experience, Skills and Education:

1. Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field, required.
2. One (1) to two (2) years of supervisory experience in a technical environment, required.
3. Five (5) plus years of experience in electronic and Electromechanical product validation and testing preferably in automotive testing environments, preferred.
4. Strong understanding of automotive quality standard (i.e. IATF 16949), preferred.
5. Familiar with ERP systems (PLEX, SAP, other), preferred.
6. Computer knowledge including programming languages (LabView, Visual Basic), preferred.
7. Hands-on with test setups and use of test measured instruments, preferred.
8. Proficient in Microsoft Office, required.

Key Attributes:

• Has a high degree of latitude/minor oversight
• Handles most complex of issues.
• Advanced level of knowledge.
• Acts as a leader.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.