Battery Test and Validation Engineer II, Dynamics and Structural

Rivian•Tustin, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Battery Test and Validation Engineer II, Dynamics and Structural within Rivian's Battery Test and Validation team, you will specialize in evaluating the physical safety, durability, and structural performance of our next-generation energy storage systems (ESS) spanning from modules to high-voltage battery packs. Operating on the Test & Validation team, you will act as a key technical contributor, developing and executing experiments that characterize battery assemblies under complex mechanical loading conditions. Your experimental insights will directly inform design changes, validate hardware structural integrity, and provide empirical data for advanced CAE model correlation. In this role, you will apply solid first-principles knowledge of mechanics of materials and structural dynamics to solve difficult design challenges. You will assume ownership of specific mechanical test streams, collaborate cross-functionally with design and simulation engineers, and identify process improvements to accelerate our hardware development loop. A successful candidate in this role will be vital in ensuring Rivian's battery packs are built safe, robust, and performance-optimized.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
Typically requires a minimum of 2 to 4+ years of hands-on engineering experience in mechanical testing, experimental structural mechanics, vibration validation, or aerospace/automotive testing environments.
Strong first-principles understanding of mechanics of materials, vibration theory, and structural dynamics.
Hands-on experience operating mechanical test equipment, including electrodynamic or hydraulic shakers, multi-axis vibration tables, and tensile/compression testing machines (e.g., Instron, MTS).
Proficiency with data acquisition (DAQ) hardware and standard laboratory instrumentation including strain gauges, accelerometers, load cells, and displacement sensors.
Proven ability to plan, document, and execute structured test procedures independently while knowing when to seek technical guidance.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of compiling polished technical test reports and presenting data-driven recommendations.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and high learning agility.
Ability to safely perform laboratory operations, handle heavy mechanical equipment, and strictly adhere to personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
Willingness to work flexible hours and travel as needed (up to 20% domestic and international travel may be required).

Nice To Haves

Experience testing (e.g., mechanical crush, dynamic impact, shock, random vibration) on electric vehicle (EV) high-voltage battery packs, modules, or lithium-ion cells.
Experience in correlating physical mechanical tests with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) predictions (using LS-DYNA, Abaqus, ANSYS, or OptiStruct) and working alongside CAE simulation engineers.
Advanced proficiency in signal processing (such as FFT, power spectral density (PSD), and transfer functions) and data processing/scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, LabView, or JMP).
Formal electrical safety training or certification (e.g., NFPA 70E, OSHA high-voltage qualification, or equivalent).
Familiarity with failure modes of adhesive joints, plastics, composite materials, and metal structures under static and high-g dynamic loading

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and execute diverse structural and mechanical validation tests on battery modules, packs, and subsystems, specializing in shock and vibration and other loading conditions.
Perform tests to characterize the structural dynamics and vibrational responses of the unit under test utilizing modal hammers, shaker tables, drop towers, and load frames
Design, review, and procure robust mechanical test fixtures, ensuring they meet structural stiffness requirements
Formulate and implement precise sensor instrumentation strategies, overseeing the layout, installation, and of strain gauges, accelerometers, load cells, displacement transducers, and high-speed cameras.
Post-process and interpret time-series and frequency-domain experimental data using advanced analysis tools, extracting critical structural metrics
Collaborate closely with Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) modeling teams to provide high-quality empirical data for correlation activities
Compile comprehensive, evidence-based test reports, data summary packages, and post-test review findings, clearly articulating results and technical recommendations to design owners and cross-functional stakeholders.
Adopt and champion internal standards for test planning, experimental procedures, and acceptance criteria in alignment with regulatory requirements or Rivian internal specifications.
Drive continuous improvement in mechanical test methodologies, laboratory efficiency, and data quality tracking to shorten hardware feedback turnaround times.
Maintain an exceptionally safe, organized, and clean working environment, strictly observing all high-voltage (HV) electrical safety guidelines, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols, and 5S housekeeping standards.