Engineering Test and Validation Manager

About Our Company

Diode Dynamics is a manufacturer of automotive LED lighting and accessories. Located in St. Charles, Missouri, our innovative products and superior service are rapidly making us one of the leading companies in the industry. To learn more, please visit our website at http://www.diodedynamics.com.

Job Description

As the Engineering Validation Manager at Diode Dynamics, you will lead all design and production validation activities for our automotive LED lighting products. You will own the Design Validation Plan (DVP) from the earliest stages of new product development, ensure engineering drawings and specifications correctly reference applicable test standards, and manage the end-to-end validation process, conducting testing in our in-house lab, on vehicles in our test garage, and through external laboratories when needed. You will manage the Test Engineering team and drive the lab toward ISO 17025 certification. You will become a key member of the engineering team in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead early involvement in new product projects: establish and approve the Design Validation Plan (DVP) from the start of each project, and ensure all engineering drawings and specifications properly reference the required test standards.
• Own design validation and production validation activities for new and existing products, covering environmental, photometric, and EMI/EMC performance.
• Manage the in-house Validation Lab, including equipment maintenance, calibration, logging, fixture/jig design and fabrication, scheduling, and day-to-day operations.
• Drive the laboratory toward ISO 17025 certification, establishing and maintaining the quality system, procedures, and documentation required for certification.
• Plan, execute, and oversee validation testing of prototypes, first articles, and production samples according to the DVP and applicable standards (SAE, DOT, ECE, ISO, ASTM, IEC, and customer-specific requirements).
• Analyze test data, write clear and professional validation reports, and support external compliance reporting (including DOT/SAE certification documentation).
• Coordinate and manage testing with external laboratories when internal capability or capacity is insufficient, ensuring timelines, data quality, and cost control.
• Work hands-on to test products on vehicles to ensure fitment and on-vehicle performance goals are achieved.
• Collaborate closely with Design Engineering throughout the product development cycle to provide validation support, interpret results, and drive design improvements.
• Develop and maintain standard test procedures, work instructions, and laboratory best practices.
• Support Marketing and Sales with product performance data, competitive testing, and data interpretation as needed.
• Manage and develop the Test Engineering team, providing technical guidance, prioritization, and professional growth.

Qualifications:

• BS in Electrical, Mechanical, Optical, or related Engineering field.
• 5+ years of experience in product validation, test engineering, or laboratory management, preferably with automotive lighting, LED products, or similar electromechanical components.
• Strong working knowledge of automotive validation processes, including environmental testing (thermal, vibration, humidity, corrosion, etc.), photometry, electrical performance, and EMI/EMC.
• Hands-on experience writing and executing Design Validation Plans (DVP/DVP&R) and production validation activities.
• Familiarity with relevant standards: SAE (including photometric and durability standards), DOT, ECE, ISO, MIL, ASTM, IEC, and customer-specific requirements.
• Experience managing or operating a test laboratory; prior involvement with ISO 17025 accreditation is a strong plus.
• Ability to design fixtures/jigs, operate laboratory equipment, and interpret complex test data.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills for clear validation reports and cross-functional collaboration.
• Self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, with strong organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Experience coordinating external lab testing and managing vendor relationships preferred.
• On-site attendance required. Working hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 am – 4 pm (with flexibility for critical test schedules as needed).
• U.S. citizenship required.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience ($90,000-120,000)
• 80% company-paid health, dental, and vision plans effective the 1st of the month after your start date.
• 100% company-paid life insurance and short-term disability plans.
• 401(k): Full match up to 4% salary, eligible after 90 days of employment.
• Student loan repayment program.
• Annual product allowance.
• Onsite fitness center, open 24/7.
• All major holidays off and paid (9 days per year).
• Paid time off and parental leave.
• Employee profit-sharing plan: Up to 5% of salary as bonus possible, based on financial performance.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.