Sr. Power Electronics Validation Engineer

Rivian • Torrance, CA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.
As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.

Join the product development team to drive the production launch of Rivian's future high-voltage power electronics (Propulsion Inverters, On-Board Chargers, DC-DC and DC-AC Converters). This role requires developing and directing comprehensive validation test plans to rigorously demonstrate component compliance across electrical, mechanical, environmental, and durability standards. Based in Torrance, CA, you will be a vital link reporting to the Department Director.

Requirements

• Education: B.S. or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Validation & Test Engineering: Proficiency in setting up and executing standard validation tests, including thermal, mechanical (vibration/shock), and electrical testing.
• Data Acquisition & Analysis: Strong ability to use measurement equipment and analyze large datasets to draw conclusions and identify failure modes.
• Power Electronics Knowledge: Knowledge of the product being tested (power converters, inverters, on-board chargers, etc.).
• Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis: Excellent problem-solving skills to drive root cause analysis and issue resolution.
• Familiarity with automotive industry validation standards.
• Experience using instrumentation (thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, pressure gauges, flow meters)
• Working knowledge of automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN)
• Experience with collaboration tools like JIRA, Confluence, & Requirements Management tools.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Ability to clearly communicate technical findings to diverse teams (hardware, software, manufacturing, and management).
• Ability to adapt to change in a fast-paced development environment.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Planning & Development (Test Strategy): This involves the initial planning stages, ensuring the validation process aligns with the product's design and requirements.
• Requirements Interpretation: Working with software and hardware teams to comprehend product requirements and develop test cases. This requires a strong understanding of power electronics design and system-level performance.
• Test Equipment Definition: Collaborating with the Test Equipment design group to define the Special Test Equipment (STE) capabilities needed for validation.
• Procedure Creation: Developing detailed test procedures that define specific test setup requirements and instructions.
• Test Execution & Setup: This covers the hands-on aspects of setting up, leading, and executing the physical testing.
• Fixture Design: Designing test fixtures specifically required for rigorous vibration and environmental testing.
• Lab Leadership: Providing direction to lab technicians (both in-house and at 3rd party labs) on setting up and executing validation tests.
• Specialized Surveys: Leading crucial validation efforts, such as hardware thermal and vibration surveys.
• Reporting, Analysis, and Documentation: A significant portion of the role involves analyzing results, reporting status, and driving the resolution of problems found during testing.
• Data Analysis: Creating summary reports and providing data analytics on the data collected during testing.
• Issue Management: Documenting validation test failures in the problem resolution database and supporting technical root cause analysis and issue resolution
• Status Reporting: Regularly reporting out the Validation status to the product development and vehicle teams.
• Cross-Functional and Supplier Management: The engineer acts as a critical link between design, quality, and external partners.
• Design Participation: Actively participating in design reviews, requirement reviews, and DFMEAs (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) to influence design for reliability and testability.
• Supplier Oversight: Managing supplier-sourced sub-component validation efforts and ensuring all reported defects are addressed and closed.

Benefits

• Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26.
• Coverage is effective on the first day of employment, and Rivian covers most of the premiums.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees