Find & Apply For Validation Engineer Jobs in Southfield, Michigan

Date:

Oct 21, 2026

Location:

Southfield, MI, US Company:

DRiV

JOB DESCRIPTION NACA-117 INTERNAL JOB TITLE

Engineer

EXTERNAL JOB TITLE

Product Engineer - Shocks & Struts

BUSINESS GROUP

Motorparts REGION:

US/CAN SITE LOCATION

Stakeholder decision required

JOB CODE/SECTION

HR will add

JOB LEVEL/FLSA STATUS

Entry Level / FLSA status to be confirmed

FUNCTION

Engineering

SUBFUNCTION

Product Design and Development Engineering

REPORTS TO

Jeffrey Schenkel, Engineering Manager

DIRECT REPORTS

None

JOB SUMMARY

The Product Engineer - Shocks & Struts is an entry-level engineering role that supports the development, validation, application, release, resourcing, and ongoing technical support of aftermarket ride-control products. Reporting to Jeffrey Schenkel, Engineering Manager, the role performs structured engineering analysis, supplier drawing review, test and product documentation, fitment support, and issue investigation under guidance while helping deliver products that meet approved performance, quality, appearance, fit, and timing requirements.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Support product engineering activities for shocks, struts, strut assemblies, mounts, springs, and related ride-control components. Perform supplier drawing and print reviews using approved specifications, checklists, benchmark data, and procedures; identify dimensional gaps, missing information, and nonconformances. Prepare and maintain review comments, RFQ inputs, technical checklists, test requests, DVP&R records, drawings, reports, engineering changes, and release support documents. Assist with design validation, PPAP readiness, sample inspection, dimensional review, vehicle fit checks, ride audits, test-data review, and comparison of supplier parts to requirements. Collect, organize, analyze, and communicate engineering data to support decisions, issue investigation, and closure of supplier actions. Participate in root-cause analysis for performance, durability, fitment, warranty, quality, and field concerns; document findings and support corrective-action verification. Work with Product Management, Quality, Purchasing, Operations, Customer Service, laboratories, manufacturing sites, and suppliers to support new product introductions and ongoing product-line needs. Maintain accurate, audit-ready engineering records and follow applicable company procedures, quality requirements, and approved product specifications. Track assigned projects, drawings, samples, tests, risks, and due dates; escalate roadblocks and technical questions. Follow established engineering standards, lessons learned, quality procedures, and document-control requirements. Build product knowledge through hands-on assignments, coaching, and formal learning.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. Recent graduates with relevant internships, co-op assignments, laboratory work, or project experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE

Zero to two years of engineering, automotive, testing, supplier, manufacturing, internship, co-op, or related experience. Final threshold requires HR and hiring-manager confirmation.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Foundational understanding of mechanical engineering principles, engineering drawings, dimensions and tolerances, test methods, and structured problem solving; ability to organize technical information, manage multiple assignments, document work accurately, and communicate clearly; attention to detail, learning agility, teamwork, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic engineering software or drawing-viewing tools.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Internship, co-op, academic project, or work experience involving automotive components, shocks and struts, suspension systems, product testing, CAD, GD&T, failure analysis, suppliers, APQP/PPAP, or quality systems. Familiarity with IATF 16949 or

ISO 9001

environments is a plus.

SCOPE / DECISION AUTHORITY

Entry-level individual contributor with no direct reports. Executes defined assignments using established procedures and receives guidance on complex, high-risk, safety-related, or nonstandard decisions. Recommends findings and corrective actions for review and approval by senior engineering staff or the Engineering Manager.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Primarily office and engineering-lab work using a computer and standard engineering tools. May include product handling, vehicle inspections, test-area activities, and supplier or plant visits. Any role-specific lifting, mobility, or accommodation requirements must be confirmed by HR and the hiring manager before posting.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Works in a collaborative engineering environment with regular interaction across Product Management, Quality, Purchasing, Operations, Customer Service, laboratories, manufacturing sites, and suppliers. Site location, work arrangement, schedule, and travel expectations require stakeholder confirmation.

Other Duties:

Additional duties, responsibilities, and activities may be required. An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. Additional duties, responsibilities, and activities may be assigned based on business needs.