What you'd actually do

Operate and maintain large dynamometers for vehicle- and powertrain-level testing.

Build and set up test rigs and dynamometers for mechanical and/or electrical tests in collaboration with Powertrain, NVH, and Thermal engineering teams.

Select, install, and verify instrumentation needed to collect response data from products under test (e.g., accelerometers, strain gauges, pressure sensors, thermocouples, thermistors, hygrometers, voltage drop sense leads).

Perform first-line fault finding and diagnosis for operational issues that arise on systems under test and associated test equipment.

Perform routine maintenance as well as complex mechanical and electrical repairs on test rigs, dynos, and related systems.

Skills

Required

5+ years of hands-on technician experience working directly in test cells and/or with large dynamometer systems.
2+ years of experience working with electrified vehicles or electrified powertrain systems.
Strong experience with test instrumentation, including thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, hygrometers, pressure transducers, and flow meters.
Demonstrated expertise in powertrain test setup, including alignment, fixturing, and test error-proofing.
Proficiency with mechanical tooling, general fabrication, and assembly of test fixtures and rigs.
Hands-on experience with electrical wiring, instrumentation, and lab test equipment.
Knowledge of electric motor, inverter, and gearbox concepts and their integration in propulsion systems.
Knowledge of electric vehicle safety practices and high-voltage system handling.
Experience operating scan tools, diagnostic equipment, and common automotive test equipment.
Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills applied to powertrain and vehicle system issues.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment, with clear verbal and written communication across engineering and technician teams.
Demonstrated pride in workmanship and attention to detail in a fast-paced development environment.

Nice to have

Experience with the design and build of custom mechanical fixtures and test hardware.
Knowledge of propulsion systems and associated thermal management systems (coolant and refrigerant).
Experience supporting test equipment upgrade projects and commissioning new test capabilities.
Familiarity with structured problem-solving methods and basic data analysis tools for interpreting test results.

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. Role Summary The Test Technician, Powertrain is responsible for operating and maintaining dynamometer and associated test systems used for the development and validation of electrified powertrain systems (drive units, gearboxes, and related components). This role works closely with Powertrain Test and Validation Engineers to install, configure, and maintain test properties across a variety of complex powertrain test equipment, ensuring safe, reliable operation and high-quality test data. Supported by the broader engineering team, the technician provides first-line troubleshooting of operational issues and helps deliver test results that support Rivian's product development and validation plans. Responsibilities Test Operations & Setup Operate and maintain large dynamometers for vehicle- and powertrain-level testing. Build and set up test rigs and dynamometers for mechanical and/or electrical tests in collaboration with Powertrain, NVH, and Thermal engineering teams. Select, install, and verify instrumentation needed to collect response data from products under test (e.g., accelerometers, strain gauges, pressure sensors, thermocouples, thermistors, hygrometers, voltage drop sense leads). Support Test and Validation Engineers in executing test plans and implementing test equipment upgrades and modifications to systems under test. Troubleshooting, Diagnosis & Repair Perform first-line fault finding and diagnosis for operational issues that arise on systems under test and associated test equipment. Perform routine maintenance as well as complex mechanical and electrical repairs on test rigs, dynos, and related systems. Diagnose and repair prototype vehicle electrical, mechanical, and software systems using scan tools, diagnostic equipment, and common automotive test tools. Safety & Compliance Take an active role in Environmental Health & Safety within the laboratory, including contributing to risk assessments and maintaining a safe, well-organized work environment. Follow and promote electric vehicle safety procedures, lockout/tagout practices, and appropriate use of PPE in all test activities. Documentation, Communication & Continuous Improvement Document test setups, procedures, issues, and findings using established processes and systems, including timely escalation when appropriate. Generate and maintain process documentation and standard work for test rigs and associated test equipment. Provide feedback and implement suggestions to improve workshop standards, protocols, and processes, with a focus on test error-proofing and repeatability. Work effectively in a team environment and communicate clearly with fellow technicians, engineers, and cross-functional partners. Physical & Work Environment Requirements Physical Agility: Ability to work under strenuous or awkward positions throughout the workday when building, installing, or servicing test hardware. Lifting: Ability to lift, move, and assemble components and test fixtures as required in a laboratory environment. Hazards: Comfortable working around high-voltage systems, rotating machinery, and other hazards in a controlled test cell environment while following all safety protocols. Flexibility: Willingness to work occasional extended hours, off-shift coverage, or weekends as needed to support critical test activities and program milestones. Qualifications Basic Qualifications 5+ years of hands-on technician experience working directly in test cells and/or with large dynamometer systems. 2+ years of experience working with electrified vehicles or electrified powertrain systems. Strong experience with test instrumentation, including thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, hygrometers, pressure transducers, and flow meters. Demonstrated expertise in powertrain test setup, including alignment, fixturing, and test error-proofing. Proficiency with mechanical tooling, general fabrication, and assembly of test fixtures and rigs. Hands-on experience with electrical wiring, instrumentation, and lab test equipment. Knowledge of electric motor, inverter, and gearbox concepts and their integration in propulsion systems. Knowledge of electric vehicle safety practices and high-voltage system handling. Experience operating scan tools, diagnostic equipment, and common automotive test equipment. Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills applied to powertrain and vehicle system issues. Ability to work effectively in a team environment, with clear verbal and written communication across engineering and technician teams. Demonstrated pride in workmanship and attention to detail in a fast-paced development environment. Preferred Qualifications Design & Build: Experience with the design and build of custom mechanical fixtures and test hardware. Thermal Systems: Knowledge of propulsion systems and associated thermal management systems (coolant and refrigerant). Project Support: Experience supporting test equipment upgrade projects and commissioning new test capabilities. Problem Solving: Familiarity with structured problem-solving methods and basic data analysis tools for interpreting test results. Pay Disclosure Salary Range Tustin-Based Applicants: $37.42-$46.77/hour (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, and other factors permitted by law). Benefits Summary: 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. 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 candidateaccommodations@rivian.com. 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, analyzing 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) recordkeeping; (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.

Sr. Test Technician Ii, Powertrain

What you'd actually do

Skills

Required

Nice to have

What the JD emphasized