VP, Automotive Verification & Validation_UCN

As Vice President, Verification & Validation, you will lead the transformation from document-centric V&V to an AI-enabled, model-based continuous validation ecosystem leveraging digital twins, fleet data, and an end-to-end digital thread.

You will define and drive the enterprise strategy for verification and validation across vehicle systems, ensuring safety, compliance, robustness, and speed of execution across the full product lifecycle. This strategic leadership role requires deep expertise in automotive engineering, MBSE, SysML v2, requirements traceability end-to-end, AI-enabled validation methods, and data-driven decision-making, combined with exceptional leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.

The ideal candidate has done whole-vehicle validation and launched multiple vehicle programs in their career, and is tech-forward — actively thinking about opportunities to leverage AI/automation in the field.

• Location: Charlotte, NC
• Employment:Full-time
• Industry: Automotive

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field
• 15+ years of experience in automotive engineering, including senior leadership responsibility in verification and validation of complex vehicle systems, software-defined vehicles, and/or electric vehicles
• Proven track record of transforming validation organizations, processes, and tool chains toward model-based, software-centric, AI-enabled, and data-driven approaches
• Deep expertise in MBSE, SysML v2, digital thread, digital twin, continuous validation, virtual verification, simulation environments, and test automation frameworks
• Strong knowledge of requirements traceability (end-to-end), HiL, SiL, MiL, scenario-based testing, CI/CD validation, automated regression testing, and validation tool chains across hardware, software, and systems integration
• Experience leveraging fleet data, telemetry, connected vehicle data, AI-assisted test generation, AI-based coverage analysis, machine learning for defect prediction, and GenAI for requirements and test review
• Strong understanding of automotive safety, cybersecurity, regulatory, and quality standards, including ISO 26262, SOTIF, and safety case development in modern validation organizations
• Demonstrated experience building and leading high-performing technical teams, driving cross-functional alignment, and influencing executive stakeholders
• Strategic mindset with the ability to define long-term roadmaps, prioritize investments, and scale digital validation capabilities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex technical issues into clear decisions and actions
• Validated and launched multiple full vehicle programs across a career, with a track record spanning whole-vehicle validation

• You're not located in or willing to relocate to Charlotte, NC
• You lack a hands-on automotive background or experience validating and launching multiple vehicle programs