Principal Engineer Sr - EOL Hardware Testing

We are CARIAD, an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group. Our mission is to make the automotive experience safer, more sustainable, more comfortable, more digital, and more fun. To achieve that we are building the leading tech stack for the automotive industry and creating a unified software platform for over 10 million new vehicles per year. We’re looking for talented, digital minds like you to help us create code that moves the world. Together with you, we’ll build outstanding digital experiences and products for all Volkswagen Group brands that will transform mobility. Join us as we shape the future of the car and everyone around it.

Role Summary

The Principal Engineer Sr – End of Line will lead the end-of-line testing and quality assurance efforts for our hardware platform products. Reporting to the Director Test System & Automation, you will oversee the implementation of rigorous testing procedures to ensure the reliability, performance, and quality of finished products. Your expertise will be instrumental in identifying defects, optimizing manufacturing processes, and enhancing product quality standards. The Principal Engineer Sr – End of Line will report to the Director Test System & Automation, who supports the hardware platform development department. 

Role Responsibilities 

 Testing, Validation, and Compliance

• Lead the end-of-line testing and quality assurance activities for hardware platform products, including functional tests, performance evaluations, and reliability assessments
• Define and implement testing procedures, protocols, and standards to ensure adherence to product specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing teams to integrate testing processes seamlessly into the production line and optimize manufacturing efficiency
• Analyze test data, identify trends, and implement corrective actions to address quality issues and improve product reliability.
• Develop and maintain documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality control protocols for end-of-line testing processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance testing methodologies, tools, and procedures.

 Product Development

• Provide valuable feedback to the product development team regarding manufacturing issues, quality concerns, and potential design improvements observed during the testing and inspection of finished products
• Collaborate with product development teams to address recurring issues identified during end-of-line testing and suggest design modifications or process improvements to enhance product quality and reliability
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in end-of-line testing

 Team Collaboration 

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers, software developers, and quality assurance specialists
• Collaborate with external suppliers and vendors to ensure the quality and reliability of components and materials used in the manufacturing process
• Act as a subject matter expert in end-of-line-testing, providing guidance and support to team members
• Foster a collaborative working environment by actively engaging with different teams to address and solve problems
• Collaborate with team members abroad in Europe and Asia
• Work closely with software, hardware, and mechanical teams to bridge technical gaps, contribute insights, and facilitate effective communication

Years of Experience

•  12+ years of relevant experience in end-of-line testing, quality assurance, or related disciplines in a manufacturing environment

Required Education

•  Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

Desired Education

• Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field 

 Skills:

• Analytical and conceptual thinking
• Communication skills - interpersonal, presentation and written
• Integration - joining people, processes, or systems
• Influencing and negotiation skills
• Strategic/visionary minded
• Resource management

Required Skills:

• Expertise in developing and implementing testing procedures, protocols, and standards for finished products
• Demonstrated expertise in end-of-line testing methodologies, equipment, and procedures
• Excellent communication and interpersonal sk