Sr. Diagnostic Engineer, Vehicle Dynamics

Rivian•Hayward, CA

About The Position

As a key member of Rivian’s Diagnostic Engineering team within Service Operations, the Sr. Diagnostic Engineer develops and provides subject matter expertise in vehicle dynamics, drive units, brakes, steering, chassis, and suspension. This individual contributor role coordinates and prioritizes software development for diagnostics, evaluates and designs electrical architecture, develops requirements for complex diagnostic systems, uses AI tools to assist in diagnostics, and monitors and evaluates vehicle telemetry. The role translates complex software requirements and vehicle behavior into diagnostic tools, service procedures, and technical documentation. It works closely with software, hardware, requirements engineering, quality, design, and field teams to improve diagnostic accuracy, root-cause vehicle issues, validate diagnostic solutions, and feed field learnings back into product development.

Requirements

BSc or MSc in a relevant engineering discipline.
At least 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.
Experience with vehicle CAN and Ethernet tools such as Vector CANalyzer and Wireshark.
Demonstrated knowledge of foundational engineering topics in a job-related area, such as mechanics, physics, metallurgy, manufacturing methods, electronics, software, or control systems.
Proven track record driving service and field requirements in a complex, design-focused environment.
Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills, including aptitude for unusual and complex problems.
Track record of working closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders in a technology environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively with internal and external partners from varied backgrounds and with varied expectations.
Ability to maintain extreme attention to detail while considering the big picture when necessary.

Nice To Haves

Synthesis-level experience with C++, Python, SQL, Linux, or similar technologies.
Experience with AI coding tools such as Claude, Devin, or Cursor.
Automotive diagnostics development experience.

Responsibilities

Act as Service Engineering’s subject matter expert in BEV dynamics, including drive units, high-voltage inverters, braking, steering, chassis, suspension, and the physical and digital architecture of the system.
Translate dynamics-related software code and requirements into clear technician diagnostic information and vehicle repair procedures.
Serve as the primary Service liaison to software teams, understand the codebase well enough to partner effectively, and ensure delivery of needed tools, processes, features, and bug fixes.
Set field strategy based on diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce repair time.
Design software requirements for new DTCs to close issue-detection gaps.
Use AI coding tools to build or modify skills files and generate small applications that support diagnosis of complex vehicle issues.
Develop and continuously improve diagnostic content, testing procedures, evaluation logic, and automated scripts in Rivian’s onboard and offboard diagnostic ecosystem.
Apply knowledge of electromechanical system operation and failure modes to diagnostic development.
Partner with Software Development, Requirements Engineering, and Quality/Failure Analysis to develop and refine onboard diagnostic software that identifies root causes of individual vehicle issues.
Create database queries and dashboards and use the results for closed-loop feedback to hardware, software, and manufacturing design teams.
Consult with design engineers to resolve vehicle issues that field teams and first-level escalation support cannot solve with available diagnostic resources, and feed findings into future diagnostics.
Design test plans for diagnostic procedures, service calibration, and IT applications, covering expected success paths and failure or fault conditions in coordination with software, hardware, and field technicians.
Flash test assets and validate them on target vehicles.
Debug issues found during testing and drive them to root cause.
Capture and analyze logs to verify diagnostic behavior and identify coverage gaps.
Produce and maintain technical documentation that improves diagnostic and service efficiency.
Monitor hardware performance across the fleet, initiate individual vehicle repairs, adjust maintenance schedules, and define software improvements to enhance product performance.

Benefits

Paid vacation
Paid sick leave
Life insurance
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Short-term disability insurance
Long-term disability insurance
401(k) Plan, subject to eligibility requirements
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, subject to eligibility requirements
Annual performance bonus and equity awards may be available to the successful candidate