Validation Engineer - Propulsion

SWJ Technology specializes in providing engineering, planning, and project management services across various industries. We are currently seeking a Validation Engineer – Propulsion for a client in the automotive industry, specializing in car manufacturing. This is a long-term Contractor role based in Novi, MI that requires onsite presence . If you’re eager to grow your career and make a meaningful impact on exciting projects, we look forward to your application.

PURPOSE:
The Validation Engineer – Propulsion is responsible for planning, executing, and documenting vehicle-level validation activities related to propulsion systems. This role ensures end-to-end traceability from customer and system requirements through test execution, analysis, and final sign-off. The position plays a key role in closing validation gaps from a DVP perspective and supports localization of test execution, documentation integrity, and coordination of validation campaigns.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, maintain, and execute detailed test cases covering:

• Propulsion system behavior
• On-road drive modes
• Gradability performance
• Towing performance
• Representative and extreme drive cycles

• Translate propulsion- and towing-related requirements into executable vehicle-level test procedures and validation plans.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and system architects to define and deliver a complete requirements roadmap from definition through validation and release (Voice of the Customer).
• Lead and coordinate validation trips and test campaigns at proving grounds and on public roads.
• Drive test execution and data collection, including:

• Vehicle preconditioning
• Route and scenario design
• Logging strategies
• Environmental controls

• Ensure strong traceability between requirements and test cases using tools such as Codebeamer or Jira.
• Analyze vehicle behavior related to torque delivery, drive mode transitions, grade capability, and towing dynamics.
• Identify deviations, risks, and performance gaps and support issue triage and resolution.
• Document validation results and support release and sign-off decisions through reports, anomaly tracking, and sign-off matrices.
• Support logistics and planning for test trips, including vehicle readiness, equipment, schedules, and external site coordination.
• Promote and integrate a systems engineering mindset and structured working methods.
• Partner with concept and systems architecture teams to solve engineering and functional challenges.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience in technical requirements management or vehicle validation, preferably in the automotive industry.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Experience writing requirements and managing change requests.
• Hands-on experience with requirements and validation tools (e.g., Jama, Polarion, DOORS, MagicDraw, Codebeamer).
• Solid understanding of vehicle development processes and automotive-grade requirements.
• Knowledge of U.S. legal, regulatory, and governance frameworks related to automotive safety and compliance.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work in a cross-functional, global engineering environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work is normally performed in an office, laboratory, manufacturing floor, or machine shop setting where physical work includes, but is not limited to sitting, standing, reaching, kneeling, bending, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to understand and comply with all relevant safety practices.

FLSA STATUS/WORKING SCHEDULE :

• Location: Novi, Michigan
• Schedule: Mon-Fri, 40 hours/week
• Overtime: As required
• Assignment Start: ASAP, long-term contract position

DISCLAIMER:
This job description is a high-level overview of general expectations of this position. It is not intended to list every responsibility of the position, nor does it represent an employment contract of any kind.

SWJ TECHNOLOGY and all of its subsidiaries (i.e., NGE EQUIPMENT and ProjectOne US) are Equal Opportunity Employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.