Testing & Validation Engineer

The RLE INTERNATIONAL Group is one of the world's leading providers in the fields of vehicle development, technology & consulting. On the basis of more than 40 years of development & consulting, we provide innovative & effective solutions for our UK customers in the area of Automotive Engineering. RLE INTERNATIONAL is represented at locations close to its customers in Europe, Asia & USA.

As a group, the non-driven attributes team are responsible for delivering the rid, handling NVH, aerodynamics, thermal, ergonomics & perceived quality attributes of the vehicle.

Job Description

This role focuses specialized expertise in conducting interior and exterior body validation testing for automotive applications. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in automotive engineering, particularly in the testing and validation processes. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, excellent problem-solving abilities and a commitment to ensuring the highest standards of quality and performance.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute interior and exterior body validation tests in accordance with project timelines and quality standards.

• Develop comprehensive test plans, procedures, and protocols to assess the functionality, durability, and performance of automotive components and systems.

• Conduct/Manage various types of validation tests, including but not limited to structural integrity, water and dust ingress, combined road and environmental testing, Key-Life Durability, thermal testing, and vibration testing.

• Analyse test results and data to identify issues, anomalies, or areas for improvement, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement necessary design or process modifications.

• Interrogate and develop accurate documentation of test procedures, results, and observations, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal standards.

• Ensure report documentation is in alignment with both internal and external customer expectation.

• Provide technical expertise and support to internal stakeholders, including commodity engineers, product development teams and manufacturing teams, to address validation-related challenges, root cause analysis and optimise product performance.

• Some intraday domestic travel may be required between customer sites and test facilities.

Knowledge, skills & experience

• Proven experience in conducting test and validation activities with a preference to interior and exterior body validation.

• Strong knowledge of testing methodologies, principles, and practices, particularly in the areas of trim fit and finish testing, materials testing, vibration testing and environmental testing.

• Proficiency in reviewing and analysing data.

• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulations governing automotive testing and validation (e.g., ISO, ASTM, SAE).

• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey technical information clearly and concisely.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple test property activities simultaneously across multiple facilities, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.

• Experience with attribute engineering (e.g. noise, vibration, and harshness – NVH, Durability) would be beneficial.

• Knowledge of Engineering Quality processes & tools such as D-FMEA, 6-sigma, 8D

• Day-to-day working with rig test houses & proving grounds.

• Experience with generating & updating timing plans.

• Knowledge of product development/creation systems like MISSION, GPDS, FPDS or AMPCS is preferred.

• Competent in all Microsoft Office applications.

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field is preferred, however demonstrated technical excellence will be considered equally.

Personal Attributes

Strong time management, accuracy, diligence, ability to balance & prioritise multiple tasks to meet customer needs.

A team player, who delivers with others towards the goal & is able to compromise in order to reach a common goal.

Strong verbal, written & graphical communication skills.

Planning & prioritising their own workload to meet department & wider business objectives.

Demonstrates flexibility & shows respect for different perspectives & embraces change.

Shows commitment by taking ownership, planning effectively & focuses on achieving tasks.

Constant improvement attitude adapts to change, able to reflect on past experiences & is open to constructive feedback.

Ambitious & self-reliant. Intrinsically self-motivated.

Delivery focused, with demonstrable track record of on-time delivery

An understanding & awareness of appropriate escalation.

Eligibility: Sponsorship is not offered on this role and you must have the right to work in the UK