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Validation Engineer

Tenneco Grass Lake, Michigan, United States

onsite
Posted Dec 8, 2025

Role: Validation Engineer (seniority: mid-level; experience-driven)

Stack/Tools

  • Design for Reliability (DFR/DFMEAs, FMRA)

  • Design Verification & Reporting (DVP&R)

  • Finite Element Analysis (structural durability, NVH)

  • Reliability statistics (Weibull analysis; accelerated testing)

  • Signal processing tools (e.g., GlyphWorks or equivalent)

  • CAE for stress/strain/vibration; field data analysis

  • DFMEAs, reliability risk assessment, DFMEA facilitation

  • Lean Six Sigma knowledge (plus)

Top 3 responsibilities

  • Manage the DVP&R program and develop/execute verification and validation plans (timing, test parts, builds).

  • Develop, manage, and execute FEA plans; apply physics of failure and accelerated test methods; support DFMEAs and design reviews.

  • Analyze field usage/environment data; define test boundary conditions; assess risk and optimize reliability targets across the program; facilitate root-cause analysis of failures.

Must-have skills

  • BS in Engineering, Science, or Statistics; 2+ years related experience

  • Strong communication (written/verbal) and cross-functional collaboration

  • Experience with FMEAs, DVP&R, DFMEA/DFR methodologies

  • Knowledge of durability, mechanical testing, CAE, stress/strain/vibration

  • Applied statistics/reliability stats; problem-solving tools; project management

Nice-to-haves

  • Weibel/Weibull analysis and reliability statistics packages

  • Experience with signal processing of acceleration, displacement, temperature, strain data

  • DFR

Full Description

Validation Engineer

Job Overview

  • The Validation Engineer is responsible for verifying after-treatment designs to meet system-level design specifications, and reliability targets. The position includes the implementation of Design for Reliability methodology, by developing and managing the DVP&R; and conducting analytical and physical activities to verify product performance, reliability, and conformance to requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Manage the program Design Verification & Reporting (DVP&R) document. Develop Verification & Validation plan inclusive of timing, test part allocation, and test part build. Develop, manage, and execute the Finite Element analysis plan for structural durability and NVH. Analyze usage and environmental conditions from the field to support and improve requirement setting and the definition of test boundary conditions. Support requirements cascade from the full system to components and subsystems. Influence reliability early in the design process by supporting DFMEAs and participating in design reviews. Estimate product reliability risk, and conduct trade-off exercises to optimize reliability targets with respect to warranty, product cost, development timing, and validation cost. Apply reliability methods and metrics to monitor product reliability risk throughout the product development cycle. Apply reliability allocation methods to help develop validation plans for components and subsystems. Provide guidance on sample size requirements and durations for reliability testing using reliability statistics. Apply the concepts of physics of failure and accelerated test methods to design, develop, execute and optimize tests, test methods and validation plans. Facilitate failure analysis to understand root cause and drive resolution of failures occurring during product development. By applying the Design for Reliability methodology, assess and clearly communicate risk at each phase of the program. Research and apply new innovative analytical methods, testing practices and reliability processes to build more robust verification & validation plans. Influence supplier selection for higher reliability and provide clear guidance on reliability requirements and demonstration to suppliers. Apply lessons learned from previous designs to new products. Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

  • EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Science, or Statistics with at least 2 years’ experience in a related field

EXPERIENCE

Strong written and verbal communication skills. Understanding of accelerated testing methods, governing equations, and physics of failure for different failure mechanisms Experience facilitating FMEAs and leading cross functional teams. Working knowledge of applied statistics and reliability statistics is a plus, including Weibull Analysis Project management skills in a dynamic and multi-tasking environment. Knowledge of durability, mechanical testing, CAE analysis applied to stress, strain and vibration. Must have demonstrated the ability to utilize problem solving tools and methods. Demonstrated experience to develop and manage DVP&R. Application of Design for Reliability (DFR) methodology including Failure Modes and Reliability Analysis (FMRA) a plus. Can apply signal processing methods and processes to review, compare and report on acceleration, displacement, temperature, and strain measured field data.  Experience using GlyphWorks or an equivalent signal-processing tool. Exhaust manufacturing experience and knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma principles a plus.

*Level of role depends on experience and qualifications

Physical Demands

Ability to sit frequently for extended periods of time. Ability to move about the plant in both the office and manufacturing areas. Ability to travel occasionally. Manual dexterity for computer work.

Ability to communicate in an effective manner

Work Environment

Office environment – includes, but not limited to, artificial lighting, computers, telephones, desks, temperature controlled. Manufacturing environment – includes, but not limited to, artificial lighting, machine/equipment noise, some welding exhaust, non-controlled temperatures, and PPE required. Some travel which could include an overnight stay.

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, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Validation EngineeringReliability TestingDesign for ReliabilityFinite Element AnalysisFMEA FacilitationApplied StatisticsProject ManagementDurability TestingSignal ProcessingWeibull AnalysisProblem SolvingReliability MetricsFailure AnalysisLean PrinciplesSix SigmaManufacturing Knowledgemulti-location

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