Prototype Engineer, System Prototypes

About Us Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software‑defined vehicles around the world. The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone. Role Summary At Rivian and Volkswagen Technologies, we are building the future of electric vehicles, and our System Prototypes team is at the forefront of this innovation. We are seeking a highly proactive and detail‑oriented Prototype Engineer who thrives in dynamic, ambiguous environments and is passionate about solving complex, real‑world engineering challenges. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in bridging the gap between cutting‑edge design and functional reality, shaping the next generation of our EV systems. You will collaborate closely with our Development and Validation teams, leading the design and commissioning of electrically representative system prototypes. Your work will directly support our aggressive program development goals, ensuring the seamless integration and rigorous validation of early prototype ECUs and their end‑devices. This is a highly centralized and impactful role where you will champion cross‑functional collaboration, driving solutions and ensuring technical readiness for critical program milestones. Responsibilities Drive System Prototyping: Support the end‑to‑end design and build completion of next‑generation prototype assets, focusing on the integration of early prototype ECUs and end‑devices to enable robust system‑level hardware and software validation. Your design scope will include harness design, light mechanical structure design, integration of off‑the‑shelf development boards, and light software development. Commission & Innovate: Spearhead the commissioning of early prototype systems, employing expert troubleshooting techniques to swiftly resolve issues. You'll maintain comprehensive logs, sharing critical insights with stakeholders to inform continuous improvement. Collaborate & Influence: Act as a central hub for technical collaboration, partnering across all development teams to diagnose and resolve complex system issues. You'll leverage existing knowledge while proposing innovative short‑term and long‑term design solutions as needed. Optimize System Performance: Support maximizing the uptime of high‑criticality assets by establishing proactive test procedures and providing rapid debugging support for system issues. Strategic Alignment: Perform thorough technical vetting of asset needs, aligning them with vehicle milestones across all programs, and proactively collaborating with development teams to prepare for and validate upcoming features. Pioneer Diagnostics: Provide full vehicle system diagnostics support during critical early pilot builds, meticulously tracking and communicating all findings to relevant stakeholders and development teams. Qualifications Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field. 1+ years of hands‑on experience designing and troubleshooting complex electrical systems within early development stages, ideally in an automotive or similar high‑tech domain. Strong electrical system troubleshooting skills are essential. Experience in reading technical drawings, electrical schematics. Familiarity with prototype manufacturing techniques and their practical application is a plus. Experience with basic mechanical design and CAD is preferred. Ability to thrive under pressure, applying creative and critical thinking to deliver exceptional results in a fast‑paced environment. A collaborative team player with excellent communication skills, capable of conveying both detailed technical explanations and high‑level status updates effectively. Pay Disclosure Salary Range for California Based Applicants $107,000 - $133,700 USD. The posted salary represents the lowest and highest ranges the company reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position. Actual starting pay is based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, skillset, qualifications, specific competencies, relevant education, and location. Total Rewards Total compensation packages for this position include base salary, eligibility for an annual performance bonus, and eligibility for equity. Benefits include Flex Time Off, retirement savings plans, and medical, vision and dental coverage. Equal Opportunity Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. 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. We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citizenship and immigration status. Candidate Data Privacy Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may collect, use and disclose your personal information when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes. This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. The company may use this data for purposes such as tracking interactions with our recruiting system, improving the application process, establishing an employment relationship, complying with legal obligations, recordkeeping, ensuring network and information security, preventing fraud, and as otherwise required by law. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may share your Candidate Personal Data with internal personnel, affiliates, and service providers. The company may transfer or store your data internationally, including to the United States, Canada, and the European Union. Please see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice for more information. Application Note Please note this job posting represents an open, active vacancy. 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