Validation Engineer

The Validation Engineer is responsible for planning, executing, and reporting test and validation activities for electric vehicle (EV) systems and components. This role supports functional, durability, safety, and compliance testing with respect to regulatory and internal standards. The engineer will work closely with cross‑functional and international teams to validate performance and reliability of vehicle subsystems, ensure compliance with FMVSS, EPA, and CARB requirements, and support homologation documentation.

In addition, the engineer will mentor and support junior developers while working closely with cross‑functional teams and external partners to drive the development and implementation of new electrical solutions. Maintaining clean, well‑documented engineering documents while adhering to best practices in electrical engineering quality, security, and performance is essential.

The list of essential duties for this position is not exhaustive and may be expanded to include additional responsibilities as deemed necessary by management. Team members are expected to perform each of the essential duties listed below satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of this position, unless doing so would cause undue hardship.

• Define, execute, and manage DVP&R (Design Verification Plan and Report) for vehicle systems and components.
• Plan and conduct validation activities including functional, durability, thermal, vibration, NVH, and environmental testing.
• Coordinate with homologation and regulatory teams to ensure FMVSS, EPA, CARB, and other regulatory test compliance.
• Develop and maintain validation related documents (e.g., requirements test procedures, validation reports).
• Analyze test results, identify deviations, and lead root cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Interface with design, mechanical, electrical, and software teams to support issue resolution and design iteration.
• Manage test requests with internal and external labs, including international test facilities.
• Maintain validation records and documentation traceable to program milestones.
• Support vehicle builds and instrumentation activities for test readiness.
• Participate in business travel for engineering purposes, including international trips (e.g., to China) as needed.

Validation & Testing:

• Strong knowledge of vehicle validation methodologies and test cycles.
• Skills with data acquisition systems (e.g., NI, Vector), test instrumentation, and sensors.
• Familiarity with thermal, structural, environmental, EMC, and durability testing.
• Knowledge in test automation, particularly for electric vehicles (EV) and the components.

Standards & Compliance:

• Understanding of FMVSS, EPA, CARB, and other regulatory test requirements.
• Familiarity with ISO 26262 and functional safety (a plus).

Problem‑Solving & Reporting:

• Ability to perform root cause analysis and define countermeasures.
• Strong analytical skills and experience generating technical reports and presentations.

Project Coordination:

• Effective communication and coordination with design, homologation, and suppliers.
• Ability to manage multiple test campaigns under time constraints.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive Engineering or related field.

Experience:

• 5+ years of validation or test engineering experience in automotive industry, ideally in EV.
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience in system or vehicle‑level testing.
• 2+ years of hands‑on experience with Matlab/Simulink, ideally Simulink Test.
• Validation of EV‑specific systems such as battery, eAxle, VCU, and BMS.
• Familiarity with cross‑functional development and regulatory validation programs.

ElDorado National California Inc. (ENC) is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected class under applicable federal, state, and local laws. We…