Product Validation Engineer

As the leading transit bus manufacturer in the United States, GILLIG buses play a critical role in the environmental and social initiatives in communities across our nation.  GILLIG is on the forefront in the transition to zero-emission vehicles and has an unmatched reputation in the industry for quality, reliability, durability, service, and support.  From initial design through final assembly, each GILLIG bus is designed and built in Livermore, CA.  WHY GILLIG Leader in environmentally friendly mobility solutions including battery electric, hybrid electric, near-zero CNG and clean diesel transit buses Renowned for its inclusive team/family-oriented culture Stable, successful, and growing organization – a Bay Area business for over 132 years! Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs) Excellent compensation including company paid medical premiums, generous retirement plan and other comprehensive benefits DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW GILLIG Engineering is responsible for the development, customization, and configuration of GILLIG’s clean technology heavy-duty transit buses.  We are committed to developing the most reliable buses that connect communities, eliminates congestion, and contributes to a greener environment.  Our engineers are engaged in designing, analyzing, testing, launching, and problem solving across a wide range of technical areas.  Validation Engineering is responsible for the testing, simulation, and evaluation of systems, components and vehicle platforms for GILLIG’s continuously evolving product line.  It is instrumental in ensuring design requirements are met and overall performance meets the harsh demands of the heavy-duty transit bus duty-cycle. ABOUT THE ROLE The Validation Engineer will be guided by technical requirements to conduct system and vehicle level design verification (DV) and production validation (PV) tests to confirm achievement of these requirements within established program timelines. The role also provides opportunities, with the creation of tools and processes, for traceability of DFMEA to DVP&R to final reports. This is a hands-on, on-site role at our Livermore, CA plant and reports to the Manager of Validation but may also receive direction and guidance from senior engineers. IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL Utilize program targets, system requirements and various control documents to develop and release comprehensive DV/PV plans, reports, recommendations Create and execute test plans for associated vehicle systems and the entire vehicle.  Report results, document non-conformances and collaborate with related design, systems and controls engineers to identify root cause of any failures, recommendations for improved specifications and opportunities for refinement Design and configure test methods, scripts and/or simulations to develop and validate system capabilities prior to vehicle integration Work closely with the Engineering teams to develop and deploy instrumentation and data acquisition strategies, data analysis methodologies and best practices for planning and conducting effective and timely testing activities Coordinate and document requirements, design verification and validation with component/subsystem/system suppliers or external testing resources/facilities to support overall program validation plan Gather and refine complex data sets into useable information and reports Support the maintenance and calibration of test equipment and instrumentation Support the development and deployment of engineering standards Support the development and management or requirements along with the associated design verification (DV) and production validation (PV) plans, including traceability between requirements, test results and test reports SCOPE OF THE ROLE Autonomy: Ability to work with little instruction on day-to-day work, receiving general instruction on new assignments from senior engineers or manager. Technically Minded: Apply industry practices and standards (NFPA, NEC, APTA, etc.). Exhibit professional expertise, applying company policies and procedures to resolve a variety of issues. Determine a course of action based on guidelines and modify processes and methods as required. Time Management:  Work productively with all stakeholders to deliver projects on schedule and on budget. Communication:  Collaborate up, down and across the organization to resolve mutual problems. Focus on providing standard professional advice and creating initial reports/analysis for review by experienced team members. Complexity:  Responsible for a certain set of DV/PV plans within the team. Work on problems of moderate to more-complex scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. Applies learned techniques and contributes to analysis and investigation to solve problems. Quality & Standards:  Verification and validation documentation is comprehensive, traceable to requirements & objectives, and complete.  Released test plans and reports are thorough, clear and concise, with a high attention to detail. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Minimum 2 years of experience within the Engineering industry Experience in automotive and/or heavy-duty vehicle testing/validation Experience working with internal and external customers, engineering service suppliers, and supervising 3 rd party test facilities Knowledge of FMVSS, ADA, APTA Bus Procurement Guidelines, SAE HD vehicle standards, NFPA Experience with “hands-on” troubleshooting, product assembly, prototyping, testing, and validation activities (on site and at remote locations) Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with team members, customers, internal and external suppliers Familiarity with testing processes, including creating and executing test plans on vehicles supporting program tim