Validation Engineer II

About Us

Sunco is one of the largest and fastest-growing online lighting retailers in the U.S., headquartered in sunny Valencia, CA. We specialize in energy-efficient LED lighting, delivering top-tier solutions with a commitment to quality, value, and customer care. Our mission is to provide innovative lighting products for both residential and commercial projects while promoting eco-conscious impact.

Overview

As a Validation Engineer II in the lighting industry, you will develop, validate, and support innovative lighting products from concept through production. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure new lighting solutions meet performance, safety, reliability, and compliance standards. This role emphasizes validation, reliability testing, and continuous improvement, ideal for an engineer with hands-on hardware and testing experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop products that meet UL-certified safety standards, customer specifications, and internal quality requirements while ensuring on-time launch and adherence to budget.
• Manage projects and programs with accurate forecasting of timelines, resources, and deliverables.
• Maintain daily communication with suppliers to ensure objectives are clearly understood and consistently met.

Validation & Reliability Testing

• Plan, design, and execute validation protocols for lighting products (LED, drivers, controls, fixtures).
• Perform electrical, thermal, photometric, mechanical, and environmental tests to ensure compliance with performance specifications and applicable safety standards.
• Apply accelerated life testing (ALT) and highly accelerated stress testing (HAST) to validate long-term reliability.

Test Method Development & Automation

• Create test setups, fixtures, and automated procedures to improve efficiency and repeatability of validation processes.
• Implement data acquisition and analysis tools to monitor performance and identify failure modes.
• Maintain calibration and integrity of testing equipment.

Failure Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct root cause analysis for test failures and field returns, applying methods such as FMEA, 8D, and DOE.
• Translate findings into actionable design, process, or supplier changes to enhance product quality and reliability.
• Track KPIs for validation cycles, yield, and reliability performance, driving continuous improvement in testing processes.

Documentation & Reporting

• Create installation manuals, product labels, and verify engineering specifications on retail packaging.
• Prepare comprehensive validation reports, summarizing methodology, results, risks, and recommendations.
• Maintain test databases and ensure traceability of all validation activities for internal and external audits.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 3-6 years of experience in hardware product engineering, validation, or reliability testing, ideally in the lighting industry or related electronics sector.
• Hands-on experience with lighting test equipment (e.g., integrating spheres, goniophotometers, thermal chambers, oscilloscopes).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with expertise in root-cause analysis methods.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo, or similar); circuit/PCB exposure a plus.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with multiple active projects.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Excellent teamwork, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to understand technical concepts, interpret schematics, and provide informed design recommendations.
• Proficiency with Project Management tools and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrates responsibility, initiative, problem-solving ability, and critical thinking.
• Quick learner with a proactive approach to challenges.

Essential Physical Demands

• Ability to sit or stand at a computer workstation for extended periods.
• Comfortable performing hands-on testing of prototype products.
• Ability to lift and carry over 50 pounds.
• Ability to push and pull heavy objects as needed.
• Capable of performing essential physical tasks including standing, bending, kneeling, sitting, and reaching.
• Comfortable working independently or as part of a team.
• Able to use protective equipment during physical tasks.
• Maintains a safe and clean working environment.

Benefits & Perks

• Comprehensive Health and Wellness Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) with Company Match: Competitive company match to help save for retirement.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Manage out-of-pocket healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Time Off Policy: Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.
• Team Building Activities: Weekly challenges, wellness walks, regular team-building activities, and quarterly company outings.

Pay

$90,000 - $100,000

Schedule

Full-time, Exempt (Non-Exempt)