Senior HW Test Engineer

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

In this role, the Senior Hardware Test Engineer will lead efforts to ensure the quality,

reliability, and performance of cutting-edge mechatronic systems in current and

next-generation electric vehicle hardware. This person will collaborate closely with

cross-functional design engineering teams to architect test strategies, design advanced

fixtures, and execute complex validation plans across prototypes, sub-assemblies, and

production components. This position requires strong engineering fundamentals in

electrical and mechanical principles, deep technical leadership, and a proactive approach

to solving high-impact hardware challenges.

Responsibilities

• Architect, plan, and execute comprehensive hardware test plans including

functional, performance, environmental (thermal, vibration, humidity), durability,

and safety testing on complex vehicle systems and subsystems (e.g., ECUs,

high-voltage battery systems, steering systems, sensors, etc.).

• Lead the architectural design, development, configuration, and integration of

automated custom test benches, automated test equipment (ATE), high-fidelity

fixtures, and advanced instrumentation.

• Oversee hardware bring-up, signal integrity analysis, and advanced system-level

debugging of complex electronics assemblies and prototype test systems

(electrical/mechanical/software).

• Partner with cross-functional engineering leads, system architects, and lab

technicians to provide technical direction and establish testing methodologies.

• Implement test set-ups, perform tests, collect results, and maintain appropriate

logs.

• Provide deep technical expertise in root cause analysis, utilizing advanced

laboratory equipment, DAQ systems, and diagnostic software toolchains.

• Maintain detailed records of all work performed, Creating documentation for

evolving test and assembly processes

• Rework printed circuit boards in accordance with engineering specifications,

standards, and/or test procedures

• Analyze failures using strong problem-solving skills & root cause analysis
• Perform other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the position

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a

related technical discipline with 5+ years (or BS + 7+ years) of direct experience as a

Hardware Test Engineer in automotive, aerospace, or high-reliability product

development labs.

• Strong understanding of electrical and electronic circuits, components, and

troubleshooting techniques.

• Experience designing and building mechanical fixtures and DUT holders in 3D CAD

tool (eg, SolidWorks)

• Ability to read and understand electrical and mechanical engineering drawings,

including schematics, layouts, wiring diagrams, and other technical documents.

• Strong Verbal and written communication skills - able to understand and record

reports, procedures, and status updates

• Familiarity with embedded programming (C/C++, Python) for microcontrollers,

automated test sequences, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test setups.

• Familiarity with test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, spectrum

analyzers, power supplies, signal generators

• Hands-on experience with vehicle bus tools and communication protocols, including

CAN/CAN-FD, LIN, Automotive Ethernet, and diagnostic stack tools (e.g., Vector

CANoe/CANalyzer).

• Experience with environmental testing (e.g., thermal chambers, vibration tables).
• Experience with Google Suite or MS office tools

(Outlook/Excel/Word/PowerPoint/Project), familiarity with Jira a plus

• IPC-610, IPC-620, IPC-7711, IPC-7721 or J-STD-001 certifications are a plus
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a methodical approach to debugging and root

cause analysis.

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, accurate

work.

• Light travel may be required. (20%)

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $132,100 - $165,100 for Palo Alto, CA-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 and Technology

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.

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