Validation Engineer - Powertrain

Rivian Powertrain Engineering Role

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.

In this role, you will join the Powertrain Engineering team to design, track, and execute robust validation strategies for our next-generation electric vehicle drive units. You will serve as the technical bridge between initial concepts, rig/dyno/vehicle testing, and full production launch. Operating in a fast-paced environment, you will be responsible for ensuring our electric propulsion systems meet the highest industry standards for durability, performance, and reliability.

• Test Planning & Strategy
• Own the DVP&R:
  Develop, maintain, and track end-to-end validation testing plans (DVP&R) for the electric powertrain system.
• Define Engineering Requirements:
  Formulate clear validation methods and technical requirements; leverage engineering calculations and simulations to establish baseline test parameters.
• Standardize Testing Procedures:
  Define highly detailed, specific test instructions for internal Test Operations, review complex test profiles, and serve as the final approval authority for all tests.
• Test Execution & Lab Operations
• Drive Testing Milestones:
  Collaborate daily with the Test Operations group to schedule, prioritize, and perform testing to meet aggressive vehicle program milestones.
• Manage External & Supplier Labs:
  Support external validation efforts, including hands-on management at supplier facilities and safely operating Rivian driveline systems.
• Teardown & Diagnostics:
  Guide the physical teardown of post-test parts and ensure rigorous visual and technical documentation.
• Define Infrastructure:
  Deliver comprehensive validation procedures that specify necessary test equipment, specialized apparatus, and physical testing locations.
• Analysis, Lifecycle & Continuous Improvement
• Root Cause Analysis:
  Lead thorough troubleshooting and failure investigations using structured Rivian methodologies; perform life and stress calculations on components to implement corrective design actions.
• Data Analytics & Reporting:
  Author professional, data-driven test reports to communicate analytics, capture results, and outline clear next steps for the engineering organization.
• Lifecycle Management:
  Utilize standard Rivian product lifecycle tools to manage and trace vehicle features seamlessly from initial design through to launch, steady-state production, and post-sales over-the-air (OTA) software updates.

Education:

B.S. in Engineering (Mechanical, Automotive, or a related technical discipline) or similar.

Experience:

2+ years of relevant engineering experience within the automotive or electric vehicle sector, preferred. 1–5 years of hands-on experience developing and implementing EV requirements and validation strategies, preferred.

Technical Domain Expertise:
Deep, fundamental understanding of electric powertrains, driveline systems, and high-voltage vehicle components. Full lifecycle mastery of system-level powertrain Design Validation (DV) and Production Validation (PV) environments. Proven experience working with full-service testing vendors, advanced dynamo meters, and dyno-related data acquisition equipment. Familiarity with modern product lifecycle and tracking tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Jama, or equivalent) to monitor features and software updates.

Core Competencies:

Excellent problem-solving habits with a data-first approach to component diagnostics and failure analysis. High degree of flexibility and adaptability; comfortable operating under ambiguity in a highly dynamic, fast-paced work culture.

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 posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs.

The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees.

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