Sr. Diagnostic Engineer, Low Voltage, Energy Distribution

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

As a key member of the Diagnostic Engineering team within Service Operations, you’ll be responsible for developing and providing subject matter expertise in Vehicle Low Voltage Systems on Electric Vehicles, including 12V Batteries, DCDC Converters, and Wiring. You will be responsible for coordinating and prioritizing software development for diagnostics, evaluating and designing electrical architecture, developing requirements for complex diagnostic systems, utilizing AI tools to assist in diagnostics, and monitoring and evaluating vehicle telemetry.

Responsibilities

Domain Experience

• Act as service engineering’s subject matter expert in BEV energy distribution, including DCDC/DCAC converters, 12V batteries, wiring, power mode control, and the system physical and digital architecture.

Software & Diagnostics Development

• Translate complex software code and requirements into clear technician diagnostic information and vehicle repair procedures.
• Represent Service as the primary liaison to the software domain, developing a working understanding of the codebase deep enough to partner effectively with Software Development; ensure software teams deliver the tools, processes, features, and bug fixes Service needs.
• Set field strategy based on DTCs to increase diagnostic accuracy and reduce repair time.
• Design software requirements for new DTCs to close gaps in issue detection.
• Use AI coding tools to build and modify skills files or generate small applications that support diagnosis of complex vehicle issues.
• Develop and continuously improve diagnostic content, testing procedures, evaluation logic, and automated scripts within Rivian's onboard and offboard diagnostic ecosystem.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Software Development, Requirements Engineering, and Quality/Failure Analysis to design, develop, and refine onboard diagnostic software solutions that root-cause individual vehicle issues.
• Create database queries and dashboards and convert this information into closed-loop feedback for hardware, software, and manufacturing design teams to drive continuous improvement.
• Consult with design engineers to resolve vehicle issues field teams and first-level escalation support cannot solve with available diagnostic resources, and feed learnings back into future diagnostics.

Vehicle Validation & Testing

• Design test plans for diagnostic procedures, service calibration, and IT applications covering both expected success paths and failure/fault conditions, in coordination with software, hardware, and field technicians.
• Flash test assets to execute validation on target vehicles.
• Debug issues uncovered during test execution and drive them to root cause.
• Capture and analyze logs to verify diagnostic behavior and identify gaps in coverage.

Documentation & Field Support

• Produce and maintain technical documentation that maximizes diagnostic and service efficiency for the Service team.
• Monitor hardware performance across the fleet, initiating individual vehicle repairs, adjusting maintenance schedules, and defining software improvements to enhance product performance.

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in a relevant engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of experience with Low Voltage Systems in the automotive or comparable industry, combining theoretical and practical engineering experience.
• Experience with C++, Python, SQL, Linux, or similar technologies at a comprehension level required; synthesis-level experience preferred.
• Experience with AI coding tools such as Claude, Devin, or Cursor.
• Experience with vehicle CAN and Ethernet tools such as Vector CANalyzer and Wireshark.
• Demonstrated knowledge of foundational engineering topics (e.g., mechanics, physics, metallurgy, manufacturing methods, electronics, software, control systems) within a job-related area.
• Automotive diagnostics development experience strongly preferred.
• Proven track record driving service and field requirements in a complex, design-focused environment.
• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills, with an aptitude for unusual and complex problems.
• Track record working closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders in a technology environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the interpersonal range to work effectively with internal and external partners across a wide range of backgrounds and expectations.
• Ability to work with extreme attention to detail while stepping back to consider the big picture when necessary.
• Occasional travel may be required (10%).

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $107,000 to $133,800 for Hayward, California based applicants and $98,500 to $123,100 for Irvine 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 Plan 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.

You can apply for this role through careers.rivian.com (or through internal-careers-rivian.icims.com if you are a current employee). This job is not expected to be closed any sooner than November 13th, 2026.

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.

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