Staff Product Launch Test 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.

As a Staff Product Launch Test Engineer, you will independently lead the production launch process across multiple ECU programs, applying wide-ranging expertise in test engineering and manufacturing to resolve complex problems through creative, multi-variable analysis. You will define testing strategies, drive cross-functional alignment with key contacts outside your immediate area, and coordinate the activities of other engineers and contract manufacturer teams as needed.

Your contributions will directly impact the performance and quality of RVTech's cutting-edge electronic modules, ensuring successful transitions from Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) to high-volume manufacturing at contract manufacturer locations.

• Independently define and own production testing specifications for feasibility and scalability across multiple ECU programs, applying in-depth evaluation of variable factors to select optimal methods and techniques.

• Drive the full industrialization of ECU flashing processes, from protocol selection (JTAG/DAP/ISP) through volume qualification, with minimal direction from senior staff.

• Lead DFT analysis with contract manufacturers and internal stakeholders, making independent judgments on methods and evaluation criteria to optimize test coverage and throughput.

• Proactively identify high-risk areas in the production and engineering design cycle, proposing and evaluating new or improved manufacturing test approaches without waiting for direction.

• Serve as the primary test engineering point of contact for cross-functional teams including Design Engineering, Product Launch, Supplier Excellence, and VWG governance stakeholders.

• Coordinate test engineering activities across contract manufacturer sites (e.g., USI, Pegatron, Inventec, Flex), aligning capacity plans, tester deployment schedules, and commissioning milestones.

• May coordinate the activities of junior test engineers or CM technicians, acting as Team Lead for tester bring-up and production readiness activities.

• Drive completion of PFMEA and PPAP with main stakeholders, ensuring test coverage is aligned with quality gate requirements at each MLA milestone.

• Independently identify, root cause, and track production test failures, working closely with Design Engineers to implement design changes during launch and early production.

• Lead failure analysis of complex electronic module issues, applying in-depth evaluation of variable factors and exercising independent judgment in selecting investigation techniques.

• Drive corrective action processes through to verified closure, maintaining strong documentation practices aligned with IATF/VDA quality system requirements.

• Establish and monitor production testing KPIs (FPY, OEE, installed vs. planned capacity) and present findings to program leadership.

• 6+ years of experience in the development, build, and commissioning of test equipment for electronic modules, including ICT, EOL testers, and programming stations — demonstrating wide-ranging expertise across multiple platforms or programs.

• Bachelor's in Electrical, Electronics, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, or a related engineering field plus 6 years of relevant experience; or Master's plus 4 years; or PhD plus 3 years; or equivalent experience.

• Demonstrated experience independently resolving complex test engineering challenges in high-volume production environments,…