We are seeking an experienced Product Validation Manager to lead global product validation, certification, and compliance efforts across OEM and Aftermarket product development programs. This role is responsible for defining validation strategies, driving execution across cross-functional engineering teams, and ensuring products meet performance, reliability, regulatory, and customer requirements. The Product Validation Manager will oversee all validation activities from planning through launch, maintain ownership of Design Verification Plan & Reports (DVP&R), manage relationships with external test laboratories and certification agencies, and serve as the primary validation interface with OEM customers. Key Responsibilities Validation Leadership Lead end-to-end product validation activities across electrical, mechanical, acoustic, software, embedded systems, and complete product-level testing. Provide technical leadership and direction to validation and test engineering teams. Ensure validation plans align with product development milestones, quality standards, and launch objectives. Establish and track key validation metrics related to coverage, execution, quality, and timing. DVP&R Strategy and Management Develop, review, and maintain comprehensive DVP&R documentation for amplifiers, infotainment systems, electronics, and audio products. Ensure traceability between customer requirements, DFMEA outputs, validation plans, and test results. Drive consistency and standardization across validation processes and documentation. Partner with engineering teams to identify and close validation gaps throughout the product lifecycle. Test Planning and ExecutionAutomated Test Equipment (ATE) and Production ReadinessCompliance and CertificationCustomer and Stakeholder EngagementProcess Improvement and Supplier Management Create and manage validation schedules to support program deliverables and launch timelines. Coordinate testing activities across internal laboratories, engineering teams, and third-party testing facilities. Oversee test preparation, including sample build readiness, fixtures, software, harnesses, and required documentation. Review and approve test results, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and audit readiness. Lead teams responsible for automated test equipment (ATE) hardware and software used in manufacturing environments. Ensure alignment between product validation requirements and end-of-line production testing. Support production readiness activities, including DV, PV, and manufacturing launch events. Drive implementation of validated test limits and functional criteria into production systems. Lead global regulatory compliance and certification activities across product portfolios. Interpret regulatory and customer requirements and translate them into validation and testing strategies. Review technical documentation, certification packages, and compliance reports. Identify potential compliance risks and develop mitigation plans. Serve as the primary validation and certification contact for OEM customers. Lead technical reviews, validation updates, and audit support activities. Communicate program status, risks, and mitigation plans to customers, leadership teams, and key stakeholders. Develop and maintain validation standards, procedures, and best practices. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, repeatability, and testing effectiveness. Manage external laboratories and validation partners, including capability assessments and performance reviews. Support supplier quality initiatives through audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement efforts.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Acoustics, or a related technical field. 5+ years of experience in product validation, verification, testing, or certification within a technical product development environment. Strong experience developing and managing DVP&R documentation. Experience coordinating internal and external validation programs. Working knowledge of global regulatory and compliance requirements. Demonstrated leadership, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
NICE TO HAVE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Experience within the automotive, powersports, consumer electronics, or related industries. Familiarity with quality and compliance standards such as ISO 9001 and
ISO 14001.
Experience with automated test equipment (ATE) and manufacturing test systems. Background managing external laboratories, certification partners, or supplier audits. Knowledge of reliability, environmental, EMC, acoustic, and system-level validation testing.
