Manager, Electrical Systems Validation Test

Rivian•Palo Alto, CA

12d

About The Position

This role will lead the Electrical Systems Validation Test team responsible for system-level testing on labcars, Hardware Validation Build vehicles, and other validation platforms. These platforms support a broad range of system-level test objectives throughout the vehicle development cycle. As the people leader for the team, you will set direction, establish priorities, and ensure testing is executed with rigor, efficiency, and clear accountability. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires strong technical judgment and regular interaction with vehicle hardware and software. You will guide the team through test planning, procedure development, execution, data review, troubleshooting, and issue closure. You will also own the readiness, configuration, and operational effectiveness of Hardware Validation Build vehicles used by the team. Success in this role requires deep electrical systems expertise, data-driven execution, strong cross-functional influence, and a commitment to developing a high-performing team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Systems, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
6+ years of experience with electrical system design, integration, validation, or testing in automotive, aerospace, marine, or related industries, including experience leading technical work or teams.
Experience managing, mentoring, or developing engineers and/or technicians, with a demonstrated ability to drive performance through feedback and coaching.
Deep understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals and vehicle-level electrical systems.
Demonstrated ability to lead validation programs or projects involving diverse cross-functional stakeholders.
Experience developing validation strategies, test plans, procedures, schedules, and metrics for complex hardware and software systems.
Strong data analysis and technical problem-solving skills, with a disciplined methodology for identifying root cause and driving issues to closure.
Hands-on experience with electrical test equipment and data-acquisition tools, including multimeters, power supplies, oscilloscopes, CANalyzer, Wireshark, and other analog and digital dataloggers.
Ability to read and interpret wiring schematics and interact with CAD and configuration-management tools.
Familiarity with software version-control systems such as Git.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate expectations, progress, risks, and technical decisions.
Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment and maintain accountability for quality, schedule, and team results.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop a team of electrical systems validation test engineers and technicians; clarify expectations, provide ongoing feedback, and support individual growth.
Build and manage the team’s validation strategy, priorities, staffing plans, schedules, and execution processes in alignment with broader vehicle and sub-functional goals.
Lead system-level testing on lab cars and Hardware Validation Build vehicles, while enabling partner engineering teams to perform their own testing effectively.
Translate electrical system requirements and program objectives into comprehensive validation plans, test methods, and measurable completion criteria.
Guide the development and execution of test procedures to verify electrical system requirements across power distribution, network communication, sensor behavior, diagnostics, and related vehicle functions.
Review test results to confirm requirements are met or identify off-nominal behavior.
Drive issue tracking, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and corrective-action planning in partnership with engineering and program stakeholders.
Establish and maintain processes for managing hardware and software configuration, readiness, changes, and issue status on labcars and Hardware Validation Build vehicles.
Plan and implement hardware and software changes with development and vehicle operations teams to protect test execution and schedule.
Lead projects and validation programs involving diverse stakeholders; communicate progress, risks, dependencies, and decisions clearly to keep work on track.
Identify opportunities to improve test coverage, data quality, laboratory and vehicle utilization, issue turnaround time, and overall team efficiency.
Build strong partnerships across the function, resolve conflicts by understanding differing perspectives, and secure early stakeholder alignment for changes in direction or process.
Recognize recruiting needs, participate in hiring, and build the team capabilities required to support current and future vehicle programs.