Manager, Test and Development Workshop

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.

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Workshop Manager to oversee the daily operations of our Irvine vehicle and machine shops within a fast-paced R&D environment. In this role, you will be responsible for facility design, budgeting, and the end-to-end management of a high-performing technical team—from hiring and mentoring to tracking performance via OKRs and KPIs. Acting as the bridge between technician and engineering teams, you will leverage your extensive background in high-voltage diagnostics and vehicle systems to ensure safety, efficiency, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Responsible for overseeing the operations of an engineering workshop
• Support the staff and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
• Oversee the vehicle workshop, and machine shop, ensure standards are met and parts stocked.
• Develop OKRs (goals and objectives) for the department and track the team's performance using KPIs.
• Hire, train, mentor and motivate team performance, including development of training programs and support systems to keep the team operating at its peak.
• Serve as point of contact with technician and engineering teams and manage on-site and remote support.
• Develop and follow an operating budget.
• Lead facility design, operation and organization and maintain a safe, clean and organized work area.
• Identify new methods to increase team capability and efficiency.
• Build relationships and trust with stakeholders and promote teamwork with cross-functional engineering teams.
• Attend manager meetings and lead team meetings.

• 10+ years' experience as a vehicle technician.
• 4+ years' experience as a shop manager/lead.
• 2+ years' experience in an automotive research/development environment.
• Thrive in a rapidly changing and evolving environment, ambiguity, work independently and with cross-functional teams.
• Excellent analytical problem solving, inter-personal, verbal and written communication skills, including ability to efficiently and effectively present information to management / leadership.
• Extensive diagnostic troubleshooting experience with High Voltage systems, vehicle networks (CAN, Flexray, LIN), embedded modules, sensor stacks, mechanical issues and general repairs. Ability to meet the physical demands of this role, including lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs, crouching, kneeling, reaching overhead and at and below waist level.
• Must be willing and able to travel on short notice up to 30% of the time.
• Minimum age of 21
• No driving related suspensions or revocation of Driver License (within a 3-5 year period)
• No drug or alcohol related driving incidents in the last 3 years
• No more than 1 serious moving violation in the last 3 years
• Must have a valid driver's license in the state of residence that you will be driving/operating a vehicle
• Will be subject to continuous Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) monitoring
• B.A., B.S. or equivalent experience.
• Background in Vehicle or Lab Testing is a plus
• Experience with instrumentation equipment is a plus
• Master Technician certification, ASE certification and/or manufacturer certification a plus
• Lean Six Sigma certification a plus

Salary Range/Hourly Rate range for California Based Applicants: $125,000-$156,200 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).

Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment, and Rivian covers most of the premiums.

Rivian is an equal opportunity…