Interior & Mechatronics Validation Engineer

About Rivian

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions‑free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.

As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. In this hybrid role you will split your time between interior hardware and mechatronics validation, ensuring our interior systems and electromechanical content meet performance, durability, and safety targets across vehicle programs.

• Validation planning
  • Develop and maintain DVPs for interior and mechatronic subsystems across ED/DV/PV; align plans with DFMEAs, requirements, and program timing.
  • Define verification criteria (sample size, test type, acceptance limits) and update plans as designs or requirements change.
• Interior hardware & mechatronics testing
  • Plan and execute validation for interior hardware (durability, environmental, BSR/NVH, functional) and mechatronic components/subsystems (sensors, actuators, ECUs, smart mechanisms).
  • Control and monitor systems during tests; identify abnormal behavior and drive structured root‑cause resolution with DREs, systems, and software.
• Vendors, fixtures, and procedures
  • Coordinate with external test labs to quote, schedule, and execute tests to Rivian standards, program budgets, and milestones.
  • Create and review test procedures, setups, and fixtures (including CAD‑based fixture concepts) to ensure safe, repeatable, and representative loading and boundary conditions.
• Data, analysis, and reporting
  • Own test instrumentation and DAQ setup (environmental, mechanical, electrical, CAN/LIN); configure logging and traceability to DVP line items.
  • Use tools such as Vector CANalyzer/CANape, MATLAB and/or Python to analyze data, summarize results, and prepare decision‑ready test reports.
  • Catalog and archive internal and external reports in accordance with record‑retention and compliance requirements.
• Continuous improvement & standards
  • Incorporate lessons learned into DVPs, Rivian Testing Standards (RTS), methods, and fixtures to improve coverage, efficiency, and robustness.
  • Collaborate with TPM, reliability, supplier quality, and lab teams to balance scope, risk, and cost across parallel validation activities.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics Engineering or related field.
• Experience: 3+ years in automotive testing/validation, spanning both hardware (e.g., interior, chassis, closures, structures) and mechatronic systems.
• Technical skills:
  • Hands‑on with environmental chambers, mechanical actuators, power supplies, and custom validation fixtures.
  • Strong experience with DAQ, instrumentation, and sensor integration for durability and functional validation.
  • Proficient with CAN‑based tools (Vector CANalyzer/CANape); familiar with CAN/LIN communication, diagnostics (UDS), and ECU interaction.
  • Demonstrated troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical issues (wiring, ECUs, sensors, actuators) using structured root‑cause methods.
  • Comfortable with MATLAB and/or Python for test data processing and visualization.
  • Working knowledge of CAD (e.g., CATIA) for reviewing and defining test fixtures; experience with Jira, Jama, and Confluence for requirements and test tracking.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Soft skills:
  • Able to manage multiple validation activities in parallel and deliver against tight program timelines.
  • Strong cross‑functional communication skills; effective working with design, systems, software, reliability, suppliers, and test labs.
  • High ownership mindset and comfort operating in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.

The salary range for this role is $85,600 - $107,000 for California based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this…