Automotive Validation Engineer

Company Description SARACA is a global engineering R&D services company serving more than 25 Fortune 500 clients across industries including MedTech, Automotive, Aerospace, Rail, Semiconductor, Defense, and Farm equipment. The company is ISO 13485 certified and has strong capabilities in embedded software, UI/UX, mechanical engineering, systems, and product testing. With over 400 engineers and management consultants worldwide, SARACA delivers complex projects both onsite and offsite for customers around the globe. The leadership team brings deep experience in product engineering services and regulatory standards, especially in MedTech. SARACA fosters an inclusive, innovation-driven work culture and is an equal-opportunity employer committed to supporting customer growth and industry leadership.Role Description This is an on-site contract role for an Automotive Validation Engineer based in Dearborn, MI. The Automotive Validation Engineer will plan, execute, and document validation and functional verification activities for automotive systems and components, ensuring that designs meet performance, safety, and regulatory requirements. Daily responsibilities include developing validation plans and test cases, preparing test setups, running tests on vehicles, benches, or rigs, and analyzing results to identify defects or non-conformances. The role involves collaborating closely with design, systems, and manufacturing teams to debug issues, support root-cause analysis, and recommend design or process improvements. The engineer will also prepare clear technical reports, maintain test records in line with quality and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements, and participate in reviews with internal teams and customers. Key Responsibilities:✅ Develop and execute Feature Validation Plans✅ Coordinate functional, performance, cybersecurity, safety, and regulatory validation activities✅ Support feature testing using HiL, Breadboards, and Vehicle environments✅ Lead defect triage, root cause analysis, and issue resolution✅ Create and maintain Jira tickets, dashboards, and issue tracking reports✅ Review validation results and prepare sign-off documentation✅ Support Vehicle Specific Configuration Specification (VSCS) reviews and approvals✅ Drive Voice of Customer (VOC) and field issue resolution✅ Develop negative test cases, stress testing, and edge-case validation scenarios✅ Collaborate with Feature System Engineers (FSEs), testers, and cross-functional teamsRequired Qualifications:✔ BS or MS in Engineering✔ 3+ years of Automotive Industry experience✔ Feature Assurance, Validation, Testing, or DRE experience✔ Experience with Jira, defect management, and issue tracking✔ CAN Logs, Bus Queries, Diagnostic Trace Analysis✔ Strong root cause analysis and troubleshooting skills✔ Experience creating validation reports and sign-off documentation✔ Excellent communication and stakeholder management skillsPreferred Domain Experience:Battery Management & ChargingClimate Control / HVACInfotainment & Instrument ClustersPowertrain & DrivelineConnectivityDigital KeysEnclosuresSeats & RestraintsThis is an excellent opportunity to work with a global automotive leader on next-generation vehicle feature development and validation programs.