Sr. Power Electronics Validation Engineer

Role Summary

Join the product development team to drive the production launch of Rivian's future high-voltage power electronics (Propulsion Inverters, On-Board Chargers, DC-DC and DC-AC Converters). This role requires developing and directing comprehensive validation test plans to rigorously demonstrate component compliance across electrical, mechanical, environmental, and durability standards. Based in Torrance, CA, you will be a vital link reporting to the Department Director.

• Planning & Development (Test Strategy)
  • Requirements Interpretation:
    Working with software and hardware teams to comprehend product requirements and develop test cases. Requires a strong understanding of power electronics design and system-level performance.
  • Test Equipment Definition:
    Collaborating with the Test Equipment design group to define the Special Test Equipment (STE) capabilities needed for validation.
  • Procedure Creation:
    Developing detailed test procedures that define specific test setup requirements and instructions.
• Test Execution & Setup
  • Fixture Design:
    Designing test fixtures required for rigorous vibration and environmental testing.
  • Lab Leadership:
    Providing direction to lab technicians (both in-house and at third‑party labs) on setting up and executing validation tests.
  • Specialized Surveys:
    Leading crucial validation efforts, such as hardware thermal and vibration surveys.
• Reporting, Analysis, and Documentation
  • Data Analysis:
    Creating summary reports and providing data analytics on the data collected during testing.
  • Issue Management:
    Documenting validation test failures in the problem resolution database and supporting technical root cause analysis and issue resolution.
  • Status Reporting:
    Regularly reporting the Validation status to the product development and vehicle teams.
• Cross‑Functional and Supplier Management
  • Design Participation:
    Actively participating in design reviews, requirement reviews, and DFMEAs to influence design for reliability and testability.
  • Supplier Oversight:
    Managing supplier‑sourced sub‑component validation efforts and ensuring all reported defects are addressed and closed.

• Education:
  
  B.S. or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Validation & Test Engineering:
  Proficiency in setting up and executing standard validation tests, including thermal, mechanical (vibration/shock), and electrical testing.
• Data Acquisition & Analysis:
  Strong ability to use measurement equipment and analyze large datasets to draw conclusions and identify failure modes.
• Power Electronics Knowledge:
  Knowledge of the product being tested (power converters, inverters, on‑board chargers, etc.).
• Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis:
  Excellent problem‑solving skills to drive root cause analysis and issue resolution.
• Familiarity with automotive industry validation standards.
• Experience using instrumentation (thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, pressure gauges, flow meters).
• Working knowledge of automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN).
• Experience with collaboration tools like JIRA, Confluence, and requirements management tools.
• Cross‑Functional Communication:
  Ability to clearly communicate technical findings to diverse teams (hardware, software, manufacturing, and management).
• Adaptability:
  Ability to adapt to change in a fast‑paced development environment.
• Travel:
  Ability to travel as needed.

The salary range for this role is USD 98, for Southern California based applicants. 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 paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short‑term…