Senior Validation Engineer – DCE

Ford Motor Company

. Develop validation requirements and DVP&R strategies across multiple product lines and mechanical-electrical modules .

Posted 10/14/2026full-timePalo Alto • California • United StatesSenior💰 $138,800 - $232,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in hardware validation and mechatronic system design, with a strong focus on developing validation requirements and optimizing test platforms. Proficient in automated test frameworks and compliance standards relevant to high-reliability hardware.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Hardware ValidationTest Equipment ArchitectureAutomated Test FrameworksFailure Mode AnalysisISO 26262 Compliance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Electrical EngineeringMechanical EngineeringMechatronicsTest Rig DesignAutomated TestingRoot-Cause DiagnosisTest Limits DefinitionModel-Based Systems EngineeringHigh-Reliability HardwareProduct Development

Soft Skills

Technical LeadershipProject ManagementCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

PythonLabVIEWC++Automotive EthernetCAN-FDPCIe

Industry Keywords

DVP&R StrategiesTest SpecificationsEMC/EMI ComplianceDesign for TestDesign for Manufacturing

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop validation requirements and DVP&R strategies across multiple product lines and mechanical-electrical modules
Approve complex test specifications and high-fidelity pass/fail criteria
Design scalable test platforms for multiple hardware variants
Lead bring-up of high-complexity test stations
Serve as the primary technical escalation point for challenging hardware/software integration issues
Partner with hardware design teams to influence PCB and mechanical designs for design for test and design for manufacturing
Optimize systems for validation and end-of-line production testing
Perform failure mode analysis to support root-cause diagnosis
Direct technical requirements for Tier 1 suppliers and independent test labs
Manage vendors implementing validation tools, plans, and infrastructure
Travel domestically and internationally up to 20% to support product development

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field
4+ years of experience in hardware validation, mechatronic system design, or product development
4+ years of experience in test equipment architecture, including the design of custom electrical/mechanical test rigs and automated stations
Proven track record of defining test limits and pass/fail criteria for high-reliability hardware
Experience leading technical projects spanning multiple product families or global platforms
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering (preferred)
Expert-level proficiency in automated test frameworks such as Python, LabVIEW, or C++ (preferred)
Experience with Automotive Ethernet, CAN-FD, and PCIe (preferred)
Understanding of ISO 26262, ISO 16750, and EMC/EMI compliance standards (preferred)
Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering and correlating physical test data with virtual simulations (preferred)
Up to 20% domestic and international business travel required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care days
Paid parental leave
New parent ramp-up programs
Subsidized back-up child care
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
Fertility treatments
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members
Management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
Generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Paid time off
Option to purchase additional vacation time
Visa sponsorship available