Validation Lead

Position Summary

The Validation Lead is responsible for defining, planning, coordinating, and executing the machine-level validation strategy for Battery Electric Machines (BEM), including HEX, MWL, and WBT.

This role serves as the technical leader for prototype validation activities, ensuring machine performance, reliability, durability, safety, and functional requirements are verified before production release. The Validation Lead will work closely with cross-functional teams including Systems, Controls, ePowertrain, Mechanical Design, Software, Hydraulics, Vehicle Integration, Manufacturing, Product Support, and Suppliers to develop and execute comprehensive validation plans.

The successful candidate must possess strong machine-level knowledge and a solid understanding of electrified powertrain systems, including batteries, motors, inverters, charging systems, thermal management, and control strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Validation Strategy & Planning

• Develop and maintain machine-level validation strategies for HEX, MWL, and WBT electrification programs.
• Lead validation planning throughout NPI/NTI development phases.
• Define validation scope, objectives, acceptance criteria, and success metrics.
• Create and manage DVP&R (Design Verification Plan & Report).
• Ensure validation activities align with program milestones and gateway requirements.

Prototype Validation

• Lead validation of all prototype machines, including:
  • Engineering prototypes
  • Pilot builds
  • Production-intent machines
• Coordinate machine commissioning and validation readiness reviews.
• Perform verification of:
  • Functional performance
  • Vehicle operability
  • Energy consumption
  • Productivity
  • Reliability
  • Durability
  • Safety requirements
• Drive issue identification, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and closure.

Machine-Level System Validation

Validate integrated machine performance including:

ePowertrain

• Battery system
• Motor
• Inverter/X-in-1
• DC/DC converter
• On-board charger
• High-voltage architecture
• Energy management

Thermal Management

• Battery cooling
• Motor cooling
• Inverter cooling
• Hydraulic oil cooling
• System thermal performance

Machine Functions

• Digging performance
• Loading performance
• Hauling performance
• Regenerative braking
• Operator experience
• Ride and drivability

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Lead cross-functional validation reviews.
• Coordinate activities across:
  • Systems Engineering
  • ePowertrain Engineering
  • Controls & Software
  • Hydraulics
  • Mechanical Design
  • Product Performance
  • Manufacturing
  • Test & Validation
  • Purchasing
  • Suppliers
• Align validation requirements and test plans across all stakeholders.
• Communicate program status, risks, issues, and mitigation plans to leadership.

Testing & Data Analysis

• Develop test procedures and validation protocols.
• Support proving ground, field testing, customer trials, and laboratory testing.
• Review and analyze test data.
• Translate customer requirements into measurable validation targets.
• Generate test reports and validation summaries.

Risk Management

• Identify validation risks early in product development.
• Develop mitigation and contingency plans.
• Ensure critical issues are tracked, escalated, and resolved.
• Support product readiness reviews and production release decisions.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree or above in:
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Vehicle Engineering
  • Mechatronics
  • Related Engineering Discipline

Experience

• 8+ years of engineering experience in off-highway equipment, construction machinery, automotive, or electrification systems.
• 3+ years leading verification and validation activities.
• Experience with prototype development and NPI programs.
• Experience with machine-level testing and performance validation.