Sr. Validation Engineer, Wire Harness

We are seeking an experienced validation engineer with expertise in wire harness systems for the automotive industry. In this role you will define requirements and lead testing efforts for reliability, safety, and performance of wire harnesses that are critical to our vehicles. You will collaborate within a team of design engineers to oversee the validation and testing processes for wire harness designs, ensuring compliance with rigorous automotive industry standards. The ideal candidate is resourceful – able to leverage support across teams and equipment and navigate ambiguity to find the best path forward. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate excellence in their respective fields, to possess the ability to learn quickly and to strive for perfection within a fast-paced environment.

The Role:

• Specify and document requirements for wire harness systems and components—including corrosion resistance, durability, and ingress protection—to ensure compliance with vehicle standards and regulations.
• Test Planning: Develop detailed validation plans outlining test methods, equipment, and resource needs.
• Design and Fabricate Test Fixtures: Build custom fixtures for accurate, repeatable wire harness testing.
• Test Execution: Conduct functional, durability, thermal, and environmental tests to ensure wire harnesses meet performance and safety standards.
• Electrical Testing: Perform continuity, short circuit, overcurrent, insulation resistance, and signal integrity tests to verify electrical integrity.
• EMC Testing: Execute electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests to ensure that the wire harnesses do not interfere with or are susceptible to interference from other electronic systems in the vehicle.
• Environmental Testing: Subject wire harnesses to environmental stressors, such as temperature, humidity, vibration, and chemical exposure, to assess their performance under real-world conditions.
• Safety Compliance: Ensure that wire harness designs comply with safety standards and regulations, including those related to crash safety and fire resistance.
• Data Analysis: Collect and analyze test data, generate reports, and provide recommendations for improvements or modifications to wire harness designs.
• Root Cause Analysis: Investigate and troubleshoot any issues or failures that occur during testing, identifying root causes and propose corrective actions.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of all validation tests, test results, and related documentation.
• Supplier Collaboration: Work with suppliers to ensure that their components meet the required validation criteria.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay current with industry trends and propose process enhancements.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Validation or Test Engineer, with specific experience in wire harness validation within the automotive industry.
• Knowledge of automotive industry standards and regulations, such as ISO 26262, ISO 16750, USCAR, and applicable safety standards.
• Proficiency in testing equipment and tools. Preferably with thermal and vibration chambers, power supplies, pneumatic controls and data acquisition.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented and capable of accurately documenting and reporting test results.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Automotive Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.