Validation Engineer - Interior & Mechatronics

About RivianRivian 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 SummaryRivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. In this hybrid role you will splityour time between interior hardware and mechatronics validation, ensuring our interiorsystems and electromechanical content meet performance, durability, and safety targets acrossvehicle programs.ResponsibilitiesValidation planningDevelop and maintain DVPs for interior and mechatronic subsystems acrossED/DV/PV; align plans with DFMEAs, requirements, and program timing.Define verification criteria (sample size, test type, acceptance limits) and updateplans as designs or requirements change.Interior hardware & mechatronics testingPlan 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 drivestructured root-cause resolution with DREs, systems, and software.Vendors, fixtures, and proceduresCoordinate with external test labs to quote, schedule, and execute tests to Rivianstandards, program budgets, and milestones.Create and review test procedures, setups, and fixtures (including CAD-basedfixture concepts) to ensure safe, repeatable, and representative loading andboundary conditions.Data, analysis, and reportingOwn 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 toanalyze data, summarize results, and prepare decision-ready test reports.Catalog and archive internal and external reports in accordance withrecord-retention and compliance requirements.Continuous improvement & standardsIncorporate 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 balancescope, risk, and cost across parallel validation activities.QualificationsEducation: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics Engineering orrelated field.Experience: 3+ years in automotive testing/validation, spanning both hardware (e.g.,interior, chassis, closures, structures) and mechatronic systems.Technical skillsHands-on with environmental chambers, mechanical actuators, power supplies,and custom validation fixtures.Strong experience with DAQ, instrumentation, and sensor integration fordurability and functional validation.Proficient with CAN-based tools (Vector CANalyzer/CANape) and familiar withCAN/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 andvisualization.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 skillsAble to manage multiple validation activities in parallel and deliver against tightprogram 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, evolvingenvironmentPay DisclosureThe 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 OpportunityRivian 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 atCandidate Data PrivacyRivian 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.