Validation Engineer - Interior & Mechat… at Rivian

What you'd actually do

Develop and maintain DVPs for interior and mechatronic subsystems across ED/DV/PV; align plans with DFMEAs, requirements, and program timing.

Plan and execute validation for interior hardware (durability, environmental, BSR/NVH, functional) and mechatronic components/subsystems (sensors, actuators, ECUs, smart mechanisms).

Coordinate with external test labs to quote, schedule, and execute tests to Rivian standards, program budgets, and milestones.

Own test instrumentation and DAQ setup (environmental, mechanical, electrical, CAN/LIN); configure logging and traceability to DVP line items.

Use tools such as Vector CANalyzer/CANape, MATLAB and/or Python to analyze data, summarize results, and prepare decision‑ready test reports.

Skills

Required

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics Engineering or related field.
3+ years in automotive testing/validation, spanning both hardware (e.g., interior, chassis, closures, structures) and mechatronic systems.
Hands‑on with environmental chambers, mechanical actuators, power supplies, and custom validation fixtures.
Strong experience with DAQ, instrumentation, and sensor integration for durability and functional validation.
Proficient with CAN‑based tools (Vector CANalyzer/CANape) and familiar with CAN/LIN communication, diagnostics (UDS), and ECU interaction.
Demonstrated troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical issues (wiring, ECUs, sensors, actuators) using structured root‑cause methods.
Comfortable with MATLAB and/or Python for test data processing and visualization.
Working knowledge of CAD (e.g., CATIA) for reviewing and defining test fixtures; experience with Jira, Jama, and Confluence for requirements and test tracking.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
Able to manage multiple validation activities in parallel and deliver against tight program timelines.
Strong cross‑functional communication skills; effective working with design, systems, software, reliability, suppliers, and test labs.
High ownership mindset and comfort operating in a fast‑paced, evolving environment

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 Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. In this hybrid role you will split your time between interior hardware and mechatronics validation, ensuring our interior systems and electromechanical content meet performance, durability, and safety targets across vehicle programs. Responsibilities Validation planning ○ Develop and maintain DVPs for interior and mechatronic subsystems across ED/DV/PV; align plans with DFMEAs, requirements, and program timing. ○ Define verification criteria (sample size, test type, acceptance limits) and update plans as designs or requirements change. ● Interior hardware & mechatronics testing ○ Plan and execute validation for interior hardware (durability, environmental, BSR/NVH, functional) and mechatronic components/subsystems (sensors, actuators, ECUs, smart mechanisms). ○ Control and monitor systems during tests; identify abnormal behavior and drive structured root‑cause resolution with DREs, systems, and software. ● Vendors, fixtures, and procedures ○ Coordinate with external test labs to quote, schedule, and execute tests to Rivian standards, program budgets, and milestones. ○ Create and review test procedures, setups, and fixtures (including CAD‑based fixture concepts) to ensure safe, repeatable, and representative loading and boundary conditions. ● Data, analysis, and reporting ○ Own test instrumentation and DAQ setup (environmental, mechanical, electrical, CAN/LIN); configure logging and traceability to DVP line items. ○ Use tools such as Vector CANalyzer/CANape, MATLAB and/or Python to analyze data, summarize results, and prepare decision‑ready test reports. ○ Catalog and archive internal and external reports in accordance with record‑retention and compliance requirements. ● Continuous improvement & standards ○ Incorporate lessons learned into DVPs, Rivian Testing Standards (RTS), methods, and fixtures to improve coverage, efficiency, and robustness. ○ Collaborate with TPM, reliability, supplier quality, and lab teams to balance scope, risk, and cost across parallel validation activities. Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics Engineering or related field. ● Experience: 3+ years in automotive testing/validation, spanning both hardware (e.g., interior, chassis, closures, structures) and mechatronic systems. ● Technical skills ○ Hands‑on with environmental chambers, mechanical actuators, power supplies, and custom validation fixtures. ○ Strong experience with DAQ, instrumentation, and sensor integration for durability and functional validation. ○ Proficient with CAN‑based tools (Vector CANalyzer/CANape) and familiar with CAN/LIN communication, diagnostics (UDS), and ECU interaction. ○ Demonstrated troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical issues (wiring, ECUs, sensors, actuators) using structured root‑cause methods. ○ Comfortable with MATLAB and/or Python for test data processing and visualization. ○ Working knowledge of CAD (e.g., CATIA) for reviewing and defining test fixtures; experience with Jira, Jama, and Confluence for requirements and test tracking. ○ Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. ● Soft skills ○ Able to manage multiple validation activities in parallel and deliver against tight program timelines. ○ Strong cross‑functional communication skills; effective working with design, systems, software, reliability, suppliers, and test labs. ○ High ownership mindset and comfort operating in a fast‑paced, evolving environment Pay Disclosure The salary range for this role is $85,600 - $107,000 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 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.