Sr. Manager, Vehicle Testing

Role Summary

In the Sr. Manager, Test & Development Vehicle Testing role, you will oversee the operation of test operations focused on validating various attributes that are inherent to Rivian’s vehicles. You will manage a team that operates and maintains the test vehicles, working both at proving grounds and various remote locations around the country, all while delivering actionable test data to internal customers.

Focus in this position will be placed on ensuring testing efficiency, data quality, and the continuous advancement of testing capabilities. This role requires a high level of motivation, as well as an understanding of the vehicle development cycle, test planning, vehicle level instrumentation, and testing methodology in a fast-paced development environment.

• Manage a team that performs full vehicle and sub-system development and validation testing; interacting with multiple engineering teams, such as Dynamics, Benchmarking, Powertrain, NVH, Body Controls, Chassis Durability, and others from the beginning of a program through production launch
• Conduct vehicle test planning, manage high level timing plans and budgets, software and calibration updates, data analysis, and control system data collection
• Supervise team execution and documentation of specific portions of the vehicle and component DVP&R using Jira, Jama, and Rivian proprietary tool set
• Create and modify test documentation including test work instructions, Rivian test specifications, and summary reports from vehicle testing projects
• Manage vehicle tests on-site in-lab, on public roads, at a proving ground or other off-site public/private test location that may include specific conditions such as extreme weather condition areas, off-road, remote, urban, overseas, etc.
• Perform subjective and objective evaluations in one or more areas of personal expertise for remote design and engineering teams
• Continually develop the overall DVP plan for each new program within FLOW; report on specific and overall progress to leadership teams
• Lead initial root cause analysis to solve issues found on vehicles under test; liaison across multiple engineering departments and multiple cross‑functional teams
• Collaborate with Program and domain / department teams to optimize vehicle usage across limited assets. Advocate for priority where required to meet test timing
• Develop and refine reporting and tracking tools to continually improve overall department and team efficiency; focusing on integration of emerging AI applications and in‑vehicle utilities

• 10+ years in a vehicle testing environment
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related science from an accredited university or equivalent experience
• Proven experience running and maintaining a variety of vehicle level and component level tests from early prototypes to the launch of the vehicle program
• Detailed experience working hands‑on with in‑vehicle test equipment including installation, use, and data analysis
• Understand instrumentation of test articles, including installation of thermocouples, video cameras, strain gauges, accelerometers, load transducers, etc.
• Be knowledgeable of sensors and systems for all aspects of vehicle measurement (Thermal, NVH, and others) and CAN, LIN, and Ethernet vehicle data networks
• Proving ground and on‑road / on‑track experience required
• Willing to travel up to 25% of the time
• Excellent problem‑solving skills with an eye for detail and a focus on quality where the customer is internal to Rivian, Rivian leadership, and homologation teams. Present big picture direction with backup technical detail and understanding.
• Proven experience with at least 2 major vehicle systems (ie. Electric Powertrain, Chassis / Suspension, HVAC, Braking, etc.)
• Team first mentality - working within the site, the Test & Development org, Validation, Engineering, and Special Projects org and Rivian overall (BIG PICTURE/COME TOGETHER)
• Innate curiosity about all things automotive
• Ability to work independently

The salary range for this role is $159,200 - $199,000 for California based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe…