Sr. Hardware Test Engineer, Cleaning Systems

Rivian • Palo Alto, CA

20h

About The Position

As a member of Rivian’s Electrical Hardware mechanical team, the Sr. Hardware Test Engineer will help shape new products from concept through volume production, driving the creation of innovative, impactful, and high-performing parts. The role leads testing and performance evaluation for the sensor cleaning system on Rivian’s L4 autonomous program, from bench characterization through vehicle-level validation. It owns the sensor cleaning lab, test development and automation, and cross-functional follow-through on test findings. The position also supports low-voltage integration of sensor cleaning actuators and system- and vehicle-level functional testing.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of industry experience in automotive or other industries.
• Bachelor’s degree or above in mechanical engineering, or relevant equivalent experience.
• Solid fundamentals in fluid mechanics and aerodynamics.
• Strong data acquisition skills, including instrumentation and sensor selection, DAQ hardware, LabVIEW or equivalent, CAN logging, and high-speed video.
• Ability to define a test from a requirement rather than merely execute a written procedure.
• Proficiency in Python for test automation and data analysis.
• Working knowledge of DOE and statistical methods.
• CAD proficiency for fixtures and prototype parts.
• Comfort with 3D printing and basic machining.
• Working knowledge of DVP&R and DFMEA.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in autonomy, with priority given to experience in sensor cleaning systems.
• Catia proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead test and performance evaluation for the sensor cleaning system on the L4 autonomous program, from bench characterization through vehicle-level validation.
• Own and operate the sensor cleaning lab, including equipment specification, procurement, capability roadmap, and test scheduling.
• Develop test plans and component-level performance requirements with acceptance criteria tied to sensor cleanliness and perception availability.
• Design, build, and instrument test benches, fixtures, and rapid-prototype hardware to support design iteration and test execution.
• Own data acquisition and test automation, including instrumentation, DAQ setup, data logging, and post-processing.
• Lead root cause investigations of test failures and drive findings into design changes and DFMEA.
• Coordinate cross-functional scheduling and follow-through on post-test decisions with design, ADAS, EE, and supplier teams, turning test findings into agreed actions and closure dates.
• Support low-voltage electrical integration of sensor cleaning actuators, including actuator characterization, harness definition, and diagnostic verification.
• Support system- and vehicle-level sensor cleaning functional testing and feature validation.
• Communicate test data clearly to engineering and leadership audiences and drive decisions based on results.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the position.

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 Program, subject to eligibility requirements
• Annual performance bonus and equity awards may be available to the successful candidate.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior