Senior Validation Engineer, Suspension

Job description

The Component and System Hardware Validation team at Zoox is responsible for ensuring components and subsystems on the Zoox robotaxi meet all functional and reliability targets needed to facilitate our autonomous mobility service. Our team has an action-biased culture marked by integrity, humility, competence, and passion for the Zoox mission and the systems we design. We are building the future of public mobility and are looking for enthusiasts who would contribute to the cause. As a senior validation engineer, you will own and execute a robust, rigorous validation process from requirements development through report approval for our chassis suspension systems. You will lead validation of our suspension and its sub-components (struts, fluid and pneumatic systems, valves, lines, and actuators), as well as full system testing, working closely with design, vehicle dynamics, supplier partners, and third-party test houses. This is a deep, ownership level role spanning concurrent vehicle programs, where you will carry the design and failure history forward and represent suspension in cross-functional and program level decisions. You will help deliver a safe, well-tested, and robust product that contributes to our goal of making personal transportation safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable for everyone. ### In this role, you will: - Own and execute Design Verification Plans (DVP&R) for suspension components and systems, from requirements development through report approval, by collaborating with design and vehicle dynamics to ensure requirements (ride and handling, durability, NVH, kinematics, and compliance) are captured in the plan. - Create and review test plans, RFQs, and procedures; execute component, rig, and vehicle-level testing such as durability, characterization, and performance tests. - Manage supplier and third-party test-house execution, driving schedule, quality, reporting, and responsiveness, and holding partners accountable through supplier transitions. - Own in-house validation of applicable components: perform test setups, design fixtures, and develop any new test equipment needed to conduct tests. - Lead root cause analysis (8D, etc.) on DV and field failures, provide mitigation and design-improvement recommendations, and feed lessons learned forward across concurrent programs. ### Qualifications - BS or MS in Mechanical, Automotive, or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent experience. - 8+ years of test or validation experience with chassis or suspension components and systems. - Strong experience with DVP&R and with failure and root cause analysis (8D). - Demonstrated ability to manage external test houses and suppliers, including driving accountability with partners. - Excellent communication skills: able to represent suspension clearly across functions and up to program leadership, flagging risk early and driving alignment. ### Bonus Qualifications - Active or semi-active suspension experience (air suspension, active/adaptive dampers). - Vehicle dynamics/ride and handling, NVH, or kinematics and compliance (K&C) background. - Hands-on experience with lab, rig, and measurement equipment such as servo-hydraulic actuators / MAST / 4-poster / corner rigs, damper dynamometers, K&C rigs, DAQ, and associated sensors (load cells, accelerometers, LVDT, pressure transducers, thermocouples).