Mechatronics Validation Engineer - Vehicle Hardware

Rivian Rivian · Auto · Palo Alto, CA · Mechanical & Electrical Engineering

This role focuses on the validation of mechatronic systems and sub-systems for Rivian's vehicles. Responsibilities include developing validation plans, creating detailed test specifications, performing component and system validation, collaborating with engineers and vendors, logging and analyzing test data, and reporting findings. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field and at least 3 years of experience in automotive testing and validation, with proficiency in CAN-based tools, data acquisition systems, and analytical tools like MATLAB and Python.

What you'd actually do

  1. Support development and execution of validation plan for mechatronic systems and sub-systems, ensuring all design and performance requirements are met.
  2. Create detailed test specifications and plans for validating automotive mechatronic systems.
  3. Perform validation testing on mechatronic components (sensors, actuators, controllers) and sub-systems.
  4. Set up data logging systems to collect relevant test data and manage test reports according to record retention policies.
  5. Analyze test data to identify performance metrics, deviations, and potential failures, providing recommendations for improvement.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics Engineering or a related field
  • 3+ years of experience in automotive testing and validation, mainly focusing on mechatronics systems
  • Hands-on experience with mechanical and electrical lab equipment
  • Strong experience with data acquisition systems (DAQ), sensor integration, signal conditioning, and instrumentation setup
  • Proficient in CAN-based tools such as Vector CANalyzer and Vector CANape
  • working knowledge of CAN/LIN communication, diagnostics (UDS), and ECU interaction
  • Demonstrated expertise in diagnosing electrical and mechanical system issues
  • Strong analytical skills using tools such as MATLAB, and Python for day-to-day data processing, visualization, and interpretation
  • Solid foundation in mechatronic systems
  • Working knowledge of CAD tools (e.g., CATIA)
  • Eperience with engineering lifecycle and tracking tools such as Jira, Jama, and Confluence