Validation Engineer - Vehicle Hardware

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. Responsibilities Own vehicle hardware validation plans. Develop and manage comprehensive subsystem validation plans (DVPs) for Exteriors across specific vehicle programs, aligned to DFMEA and requirements. Define verification strategies at system, subsystem, and component level, including ED/DV/MV coverage and build‑phase alignment. Define clear, data‑driven criteria. Partner with CAE and DREs to link physical validation to analytical predictions and regulatory/certification requirements. Continuously improve test methods and coverage. Research and benchmark new industry validation methods; identify gaps in Rivian’s current portfolio and introduce new tests needed to achieve target vehicle performance for Exteriors and vehicle hardware. Develop and revise Rivian Testing Standards (RTS), capturing lessons learned from previous test programs. Lead vendor collaboration and on‑site execution. Work closely with external test labs to quote, source, plan, and schedule validation testing to meet program budgets, maturity needs, and timing milestones (SVP/IVP/CVP/FVP). Provide hands‑on support at labs (Rivian and external) for setup, shakedown, debug, and first‑time or complex tests; ensure fixtures, tooling, and procedures are safe, robust, and compliant with RTS and RPS guidance. Troubleshoot issues and drive closure. Assist in troubleshooting issues identified during validation (performance, durability, BSR/NVH, fit/finish, or safety concerns), working with DREs, CAE, reliability and suppliers to identify root cause, define corrective actions, and document outcomes. Use DFMEA, test data, and field/quality feedback to refine validation plans and requirements. Own test documentation and compliance. Receive, catalog, and archive external test reports and Rivian test reports in accordance with record retention and data‑management policies; ensure traceability to DVP line items and parts/maturity. Develop tools, fixtures, and cost models. Design or review validation‑specific tools and fixtures in CAD (e.g., durability rigs, impact fixtures, environmental setups) to ensure repeatable, representative loading and boundary conditions. Own and continuously improve the test cost estimator for vehicle hardware validation: generate cost estimates, challenge supplier quotes, and highlight trade‑offs between scope, timing, risk, and budget. Collaborate across teams. Partner daily with Product Engineering (DREs), CAE, TPMs, supplier quality, lab technicians, and external partners to align on priorities, risks, and trade‑offs. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; advanced degree a plus. 1+ years of experience in automotive (or closely related) requirements, validation, and/or mechanical system design, with significant exposure to strength, fatigue, and durability testing for structural and/or Exterior components. Deep familiarity with vehicle hardware validation (Exterior, Interior, Closures, Structures, and/or Chassis): environmental, durability, mechanical, and functional tests; BSR/NVH and craftsmanship a plus. Experience developing and interpreting DVP&R, test standards (OEM or industry), and DFMEA‑driven validation plans. Strong command of statistical methods for validation (sample size, reliability/confidence intervals, attribute vs. variable data). Practical experience designing, commissioning, or improving test fixtures and tooling using CAD. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace; comfort working in Jira and other lifecycle/requirements tools (e.g., Jama, Flow, Enovia) is a plus. Soft skills Proven ability to self‑direct in a fast‑changing program environment, while keeping stakeholders aligned on priorities and risks. Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to synthesize complex test results into clear recommendations for engineers, TPMs, and leadership. Collaborative mindset and a track record of building trust with design, validation, supplier, and lab partners. Pay Disclosure The salary range for this role is $85,400 - $94,900 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. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian’s 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full‑time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part‑time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com. Equal Opportunity Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition or any other characteristic protected by law. Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Candidate Data Privacy Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analysing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) record‑keeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law. Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian’s service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services. Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions. Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services. #J-18808-Ljbffr