Validation Engineer

About the role

HireArt is helping an on-demand, autonomous ride-hailing company find a Validation Engineer to support interior trim and seating systems by developing and executing rigorous validation processes from requirements definition through final test reporting and approval. In this role, you’ll manage internal, external, and supplier-led validation activities to ensure interior systems meet durability, reliability, and safety targets. You’ll work closely with cross-functional engineering teams to evaluate test results, investigate failures, identify mitigation strategies, and incorporate validation learnings into future designs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage validation plans addressing mechanical, electrical, and environmental failure modes for interior trim and seating systems.
• Partner with design engineers to define requirements and ensure DFMEA‑identified failure modes are adequately addressed within validation plans.
• Identify appropriate test assets, data acquisition systems, sensors, and test fixtures to support accurate and effective validation.
• Analyze test data, document results, and support root‑cause analysis of failures throughout development, validation, and deployment.
• Manage validation schedules and coordinate internal, external, and supplier‑led testing resources, ensuring required test assets are available and critical‑path risks are identified.
• Travel occasionally to Kato and external test laboratories to support validation activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline.
• 2+ years of test or validation experience with automotive interior trim and seating systems.
• Experience developing and managing validation plans and test requirements.
• Experience with failure analysis and root‑cause investigation.
• Experience developing and managing DFMEAs.
• Knowledge of requirements management tools such as Polarion or equivalent platforms.
• Knowledge of automotive testing standards and validation methodologies.
• Ability to travel occasionally to Kato and external test laboratories.

Skills

• Familiarity with 3D design tools such as CATIA 3DX, CATIA V5, or SolidWorks (bonus qualification).
• Experience with passive safety systems (bonus qualification).

Benefits

• Pre‑tax commuter benefits.
• Employer (HireArt) subsidized healthcare benefits (eligibility begins on the first of the month following 60 days of service).
• Flexible Spending Account for healthcare‑related costs.
• HireArt covers all costs for short‑ and long‑term disability and life insurance.
• 401k package.

Pay

Expected compensation: 60.73 USD Per Hour

Schedule

Full-time, ongoing contract position; onsite; local to Foster City, CA area; occasional travel to Kato and external test laboratories required.