Validation Engineer

Location: Clinton Township, Michigan Department: Product Engineering Reports To: Engineering Manager

Position Overview

We are seeking a Validation Engineer to support the development and launch of driver and passenger seating systems across OEM automotive, commercial vehicle, motorsports, and aftermarket applications.

This role is responsible for planning, executing, and documenting validation activities to ensure seat components and complete assemblies meet customer requirements, internal performance standards, and applicable regulatory and certification requirements-including OEM standards and FIA homologation where applicable.

The ideal candidate has experience in product validation or test engineering within automotive or related industries and is comfortable working in a hands-on, cross-functional engineering environment.

Key Responsibilities

Validation Planning & Coordination

• Develop and maintain Design Verification Plans and Reports (DVP&R) for seat components and complete seat systems


• Define test methods, acceptance criteria, and validation timing aligned with program milestones


• Interpret and apply applicable standards, including OEM specifications, FMVSS requirements, commercial vehicle standards, and FIA homologation requirements


• Coordinate validation activities with internal teams, suppliers, and external test laboratories

Test Execution & Analysis

• Support and oversee physical testing, including:




• Durability and fatigue testing


• Static and dynamic load testing


• Structural and crash-related performance validation


• Environmental exposure testing




• Analyze test data, identify failure modes, and provide clear technical recommendations


• Prepare validation reports and certification documentation as required

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Product Engineering, Design, Manufacturing, and Program Management to ensure validation aligns with design intent and customer expectations


• Provide validation input during design reviews and risk assessments


• Support customer and certification design reviews when required

Production & Change Management Support

• Support validation activities related to engineering changes, cost-reduction initiatives, and product improvements


• Assist with root cause investigations related to validation failures, production concerns, or field issues


• Recommend corrective actions and re-validation plans as needed

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline


• Experience in product validation, test engineering, durability engineering, or similar role


• Working knowledge of automotive validation processes (DVP&R)


• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical standards, and specifications


• Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills

Preferred

• Experience with automotive seating or interior systems


• Familiarity with FMVSS, OEM validation standards, commercial vehicle requirements, or FIA homologation standards


• Hands-on experience in a test lab environment


• Experience supporting product launch and production programs

Work Environment & Expectations

• Mix of office, lab, and manufacturing floor environments.


• Occasional travel to test labs, suppliers, or manufacturing locations.


• Collaboration with cross-functional and global teams.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on safety-critical seating systems across multiple markets


• Exposure to OEM, commercial, motorsports, and aftermarket product development


• Hands-on engineering role with full product lifecycle involvement


• Competitive compensation and benefits package

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Performance Seats Clinton Inc./ Performance Seats Spartanburg LLC will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa).