Engineering Technician, Prototypes

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies • Palo Alto, CA

7h • $93,000 - $123,290

About The Position

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Electrical Engineering Technician to support prototype development in ambiguous, fast-changing situations. The technician will build and install wire harnesses, cable assemblies, and rack hardware for test labs across multiple programs, delivering equipment on schedule to support program development. The role also advocates for clear, accurate build documentation to enable downstream batch builds and requires close collaboration across development teams.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of automotive, aerospace, or industrial harness assembly 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 components against a bill of materials and tracking drawing deviations.
• Ability to thrive under pressure and use creative and critical thinking to deliver results.
• Good teamwork and excellent communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Technical or vocational certificate in vehicle systems or a related field.
• Experience collaborating closely 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, with components kitted and verified against the bill of materials.
• Crimp, strip, and solder to IPC standards while meeting high quality-assurance targets.
• Install rack infrastructure to layout drawings, including shelves, chassis, power distribution, copper and fiber patching, airflow management, and remote management bring-up.
• Participate in design reviews, identify drawing-to-build discrepancies, and suggest build optimizations.
• Work with engineers and lab technicians on safety checks, software loading, system-level functional checks, and hands-on debugging and repair of live test assets.
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians to solve challenges as a team.
• Track deviations from drawings and maintain methodical build planning and documentation.

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: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed