Engineering Technician, Prototypes

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies • Palo Alto, CA

17d

About The Position

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Electrical Engineering Technician to support prototype and small-batch builds for test labs across multiple programs. The role focuses on building and installing wire harnesses, cable assemblies, and rack hardware to support program development goals and timely delivery. The technician will help ensure build documentation is accurate and clear for downstream batch builds and collaborate across development teams to resolve challenges.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of automotive, aerospace, or industrial harness assembly build experience to IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 2, or equivalent experience building and troubleshooting complex electromechanical systems in early development stages.
• At least 2 years of light fabrication experience, such as drilling and cutting sheet metal.
• Strong electrical system troubleshooting skills.
• Methodical planning and build hygiene, including kitting and verifying against a bill of materials and tracking deviations from drawings.
• Ability to thrive under pressure and use creative and critical thinking to deliver results.
• Teamwork and excellent communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Technical or vocational certificate in vehicle systems or a related field.
• Experience closely collaborating with engineering teams.
• Familiarity with prototype manufacturing techniques and their application.
• Experience with basic mechanical design and CAD.

Responsibilities

• Build prototype and small-batch harnesses and cable assemblies from drawings and wire lists, verifying kitted components against the bill of materials.
• Crimp, strip, and solder to IPC standards and meet high quality assurance targets.
• Install rack infrastructure according to layout drawings, including shelves, chassis, power distribution, copper and fiber patching, airflow management, and remote management bring-up.
• Participate in design reviews to identify drawing-to-build discrepancies and recommend build optimizations.
• Collaborate with engineers and lab technicians on safety checks, software loading, system-level functional checks, and hands-on debugging and repair of live test assets.
• Work with relevant engineers and technicians to solve challenges collaboratively.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Eligibility for an annual company performance bonus program for full-time positions; payments are discretionary and not guaranteed.
• Eligibility for equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units, subject to board approval and applicable plan terms and vesting requirements.
• Comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including health coverage, retirement savings, time off, and family planning programs; offerings vary by country.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed