Sr. Diagnostic Engineer, Low Voltage, Energy Distribution

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 low-voltage systems for electric vehicles, including 12V batteries, DC-DC converters, and wiring. The role coordinates and prioritizes diagnostic software development; evaluates and designs electrical architecture; develops requirements for complex diagnostic systems; uses AI tools to assist with diagnostics; and monitors and evaluates vehicle telemetry. The engineer works closely with Software Development, Requirements Engineering, Quality/Failure Analysis, design engineers, and field teams to create and improve diagnostic software, repair procedures, testing, and technical documentation. The role also validates diagnostic behavior on target vehicles, investigates issues to root cause, and uses fleet performance data to improve repairs, maintenance schedules, and vehicle design.

Requirements

BSc or MSc in a relevant engineering discipline.
At least 3 years of experience with low-voltage systems in the automotive or a comparable industry, combining theoretical and practical engineering experience.
Comprehension-level experience with C++, Python, SQL, Linux, or similar technologies.
Experience with AI coding tools such as Claude, Devin, or Cursor.
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 an aptitude for unusual and complex problems.
Track record working closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders in a technology environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and the interpersonal range to work effectively with internal and external partners from varied backgrounds and with varied expectations.
Ability to work with extreme attention to detail while also considering the big picture when necessary.

Nice To Haves

Synthesis-level experience with C++, Python, SQL, Linux, or similar technologies.
Automotive diagnostics development experience.

Responsibilities

Act as Service Engineering’s subject matter expert in BEV energy distribution, including DC-DC/DC-AC converters, 12V batteries, wiring, power mode control, and the system’s physical and digital architecture.
Translate complex software code and requirements into clear technician diagnostic information and vehicle repair procedures.
Serve as Service’s primary liaison to the software domain and partner with Software Development to ensure delivery of the tools, processes, features, and bug fixes Service needs.
Set field strategy based on diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) to increase diagnostic accuracy and reduce repair time.
Design software requirements for new DTCs to address 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 within Rivian’s onboard and offboard diagnostic ecosystem.
Partner with Software Development, Requirements Engineering, and Quality/Failure Analysis to design, develop, and refine onboard diagnostic software solutions for identifying root causes of individual vehicle issues.
Create database queries and dashboards and turn findings into closed-loop feedback for 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 learnings 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 to validate systems 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.