Sr. Electronics Characterization Engineer

About Us

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world.

The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone.

The Electronics Test and Validation team owns the module-level validation testing for all RV Tech electronic control units (ECUs). It is our responsibility to make sure RV Tech electronics are designed and manufactured correctly. With this goal in mind, we develop scalable tools, processes, hardware, and software solutions deployed for characterization, validation, and manufacturing.

In this role, you’ll be an individual contributor with a crucial role owning the design verification and characterization of vehicle electronics, with a particular focus on Zonal ECUs. You’ll work cross functionally to ensure that our electronics are designed to meet module-level requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Develop detailed design verification, characterization test plans and test requirements for all phases of ECU programs with input from reliability, design, and firmware teams
• Execution of characterization testing plans according to project milestones
• Own test coverage reports and analysis
• Perform bench‑level characterization at IC and PCBA levels
• Provide early feedback to design engineers regarding design decisions and testability
• Support creation and present Design for Testability (DFT) reports for ECU designs
• Lead the electronic fuse testing efforts for Zonal ECUs
• Follow characterization schedules and communicate status with upper management and cross‑functional teams
• Write basic automation scripts and instrumentation drivers to speed up characterization testing using Python
• Work with software engineers to flash, test, and troubleshoot firmware
• Participate in the cross‑functional effort to root cause non‑compliance test results during testing by leveraging data analysis

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/MS or equivalent work experience in Electrical Engineering or related field
• 7+ years of experience in electronics characterization and validation testing
• Experience using lab instrumentation like oscilloscopes, power supplies, electronic loads, digital multimeters, DAQ, etc
• Strong understanding of Electrical Engineering fundamentals
• Experience in scripting and data analysis using Python

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiar with low‑level firmware and C programming
• Experience with Altium Designer
• Working knowledge of vehicle electrical systems and communication buses (Ethernet, SPI, CAN, LIN, etc)
• Experience in developing automated test setups
• Experience in Databricks or similar environment

Total compensation packages for full‑time positions include base salary, eligibility for an annual performance bonus, and eligibility for equity.

In addition, our benefits package has been designed to support the health and wellness of our employees. Benefit offerings include Flex Time Off, retirement savings plans as well as medical, vision and dental coverage.

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citizenship and immigration status.

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to ensuring that…