Vehicle Test, Validation & Homologation Lead

Location: Sheldon

At Tata Technologies we make product development dreams a reality by designing, engineering and validating the products of tomorrow for the world's leading manufacturers. Due to our continued growth we are now recruiting for a Vehicle Test, Validation & Homologation Lead to be based at our customer's site in Solihull. Our Engineering Research and Development department (ER&D) is a fast-growing function within Tata Technologies Limited that is assembled to work on exciting projects globally for multiple customers.

It comprises highly specialized engineers across Automotive, Aerospace and Industrial Heavy Machinery.

The Role:

Tata Technologies is looking for an experienced Vehicle Test, Validation & Homologation Lead to drive end-to-end Design Verification Planning (DVP) and programme delivery across Body, Electrical, Powertrain, Chassis and Vehicle Engineering. This role will lead all validation activities from strategy and planning through prototype fleet deployment, testing, regulatory approval, homologation and certification, ensuring successful delivery of vehicle programmes against quality, timing and legislative requirements.

Area of Responsibility
· Lead end-to-end Design Verification Planning (DVP) across Body, Electrical, Powertrain, Chassis and Vehicle Engineering programmes.
· Develop and maintain Design Verification (DV) Plans, ensuring alignment to programme targets, regulatory requirements and key milestones.
· Define and manage test assets including prototype vehicles, bucks, bodies and component spares to support validation and certification activities.
· Own vehicle configuration management, ensuring prototype and test vehicles are specified correctly for each programme phase.
· Define vehicle instrumentation, data acquisition and testing requirements to enable effective development and validation.
· Manage and optimise large-scale prototype fleets (200 vehicles), ensuring efficient allocation and utilisation across multiple stakeholders.
· Coordinate vehicle planning and deployment throughout the product development lifecycle.
· Manage external test facilities and suppliers, including SoW creation, RFQs, supplier selection, commercial negotiations and programme delivery.
· Evaluate and select global test facilities, balancing cost, quality, timing and technical capability.
· Develop and maintain programme delivery plans, identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
· Coordinate global logistics, customs and compliance activities for prototype and test asset movements.
· Lead system type approval, homologation and certification activities across global markets.
· Interface with regulatory authorities, certification bodies and technical partners to achieve compliance objectives.
· Support Product Assurance and Quality teams during witness testing activities and certification reviews.
· Monitor programme progress, report status, and drive resolution of technical and programme challenges.
· Mentor and develop engineers, supporting capability growth and knowledge sharing within the team. Knowledge / Experience
· Significant experience in Automotive Test & Validation, Vehicle Engineering, Prototype Operations, Homologation or Product Development within an OEM, engineering consultancy or testing environment.
· Proven expertise developing and delivering Design Verification Plans (DVPs) and Requirements Management processes.
· Background in prototype fleet management, vehicle planning, build configuration control and fleet optimisation.
· Experience delivering vehicle validation and certification programmes at component, system and full vehicle level.
· Experience managing external suppliers, test houses and validation programmes.
· Demonstrable understanding of…