Lead Validation Engineer

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$90,000.00/yr - $/yr

Lead Validation Engineer

Our manufacturing client is looking for a Lead Validation Engineer to own validation strategy and execution for new electronic products. This role sits at the center of design, test, and certification, turning validation into a true driver of product quality, speed to market, and customer confidence.

This is not a pure execution role. You’ll be the person defining what gets validated, why, and how, while leading validation activities across multiple new product development programs.

• Own validation strategy and execution for new electronic products from concept through launch
• Lead Product Validation (PV) activities for embedded electronic systems, including ECUs, telematics modules, and sensor-based products
• Develop and maintain validation plans, protocols, and reports aligned with customer, regulatory, and internal requirements
• Define test coverage based on system requirements, DFMEAs, and design risk assessments
• Coordinate environmental, EMC, reliability, and functional performance testing
• Partner closely with design and certification teams to resolve test failures and drive corrective actions
• Translate validation results into clear, actionable recommendations for engineering and leadership
• Manage validation timelines and resources across multiple concurrent programs
• Interface with customers and suppliers on validation requirements, test results, and compliance evidence
• Continuously improve validation processes, tools, and documentation standards

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in validation or test engineering for electronic or electromechanical products
• Proven experience owning validation strategy, not just executing test plans
• Strong understanding of PV processes, reliability testing, and risk-based validation
• Experience working within ISO and/or IATF quality systems
• Comfort representing validation in cross‑functional and customer‑facing discussions
• Hands‑on experience with test instrumentation (oscilloscopes, CAN tools, power analyzers, DAQ systems)
• Strong communication skills and the ability to lead without formal authority

• Experience in automotive, heavy equipment, or industrial electronics
• Exposure to DFMEA, DVP&R, and PPAP processes
• Familiarity with LabVIEW, Python, or MATLAB for test automation
• Mentorship or technical leadership experience within engineering teams

• High‑impact position with ownership and visibility
• Opportunity to shape validation strategy and processes
• Stable manufacturing environment with complex, real‑world products
• Competitive salary ($90k–$120k) plus full benefits

At Next Play Jobs, we believe great recruiting is personal, not transactional. We connect high‑performing talent with companies where they can make the biggest impact — and grow along the way.

Holland, MI

Mid‑Senior level

Full-time

Manufacturing