Staff Product Launch Test Engineer

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies•Palo Alto, CA

4h•$135,800 - $169,800•Onsite

About The Position

As a Staff Product Launch Test Engineer, you will independently lead the production launch process across multiple ECU programs, applying wide-ranging expertise in test engineering and manufacturing to resolve complex problems through creative, multi-variable analysis. You will define testing strategies, drive cross-functional alignment with key contacts outside your immediate area, and coordinate the activities of other engineers and contract manufacturer teams as needed. Your contributions will directly impact the performance and quality of RVTech's cutting-edge electronic modules, ensuring successful transitions from Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) to high-volume manufacturing at contract manufacturer locations.

Requirements

6+ years of experience in the development, build, and commissioning of test equipment for electronic modules, including ICT, EOL testers, and programming stations — demonstrating wide-ranging expertise across multiple platforms or programs.
Bachelor's in Electrical, Electronics, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, or a related engineering field plus 6 years of relevant experience; or Master's plus 4 years; or PhD plus 3 years; or equivalent experience.
Demonstrated experience independently resolving complex test engineering challenges in high-volume production environments, including multi-variable root cause analysis.
Experience working with communication protocols including CAN, TCP/IP, UDS, XCP; and programming interfaces including JTAG/DAP/ISP.
Hands-on experience with production testing capacity analysis (installed vs. planned capacity, OEE) and presenting recommendations to stakeholders.
Background in automotive, semiconductor, or consumer electronics industries, with experience operating across engineering and contract manufacturing interfaces.
Experience with HW cloud data products and storage data arrays (e.g., AWS or equivalent) for test data management.
Forward-thinking mindset with demonstrated ability to propose, evaluate, and implement new or improved manufacturing test methods without requiring detailed direction.
Strong leadership capability to drive and sustain supplier manufacturing test processes to the highest standards, including coordinating activities across CM partners.
Proven ability to manage ambiguity, run multiple concurrent programs, and create clarity for stakeholders in complex, fast-moving launch environments.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to network effectively with key contacts outside own area of expertise, including VWG governance and executive stakeholders.
Strong attention to detail; skilled at working across hardware, electrical, and software engineering disciplines to optimize PCBA test coverage.
Proficient in data analysis tools (CSV, TXT, Python) for performance tracking, capacity analysis, and issue resolution; strong documentation practices.
Deep expertise with automotive diagnostic protocols (UDS, XCP) and production programming protocols (JTAG, DAP, ISP).
Proficiency in LabVIEW and Python for test automation; familiarity with NI TestStand for automated test sequence management.
Experience with modular test instruments and I/O systems (PXI, cDAQ) and instrumentation over multiple buses and protocols (USB, VISA, GPIB, Ethernet, RS-485).
Deep understanding of automotive PPAP process and its application in production quality gates.
Experience in high-rate production environments, especially working with Contract Manufacturers on PCBA production quality and test optimization.
Solid understanding of technical documentation including datasheets, wiring diagrams, and system specifications.
Willingness and ability to travel to contract manufacturer locations (domestic and international) as needed to support test development, tester commissioning, and production activities.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt to changing priorities, and independently determine the best course of action on new and ambiguous assignments.

Responsibilities

Independently define and own production testing specifications for feasibility and scalability across multiple ECU programs, applying in-depth evaluation of variable factors to select optimal methods and techniques.
Drive the full industrialization of ECU flashing processes, from protocol selection (JTAG/DAP/ISP) through volume qualification, with minimal direction from senior staff.
Lead DFT analysis with contract manufacturers and internal stakeholders, making independent judgments on methods and evaluation criteria to optimize test coverage and throughput.
Proactively identify high-risk areas in the production and engineering design cycle, proposing and evaluating new or improved manufacturing test approaches without waiting for direction.
Serve as the primary test engineering point of contact for cross-functional teams including Design Engineering, Product Launch, Supplier Excellence, and VWG governance stakeholders.
Coordinate test engineering activities across contract manufacturer sites (e.g., USI, Pegatron, Inventec, Flex), aligning capacity plans, tester deployment schedules, and commissioning milestones.
May coordinate the activities of junior test engineers or CM technicians, acting as Team Lead for tester bring-up and production readiness activities.
Drive completion of PFMEA and PPAP with main stakeholders, ensuring test coverage is aligned with quality gate requirements at each MLA milestone.
Independently identify, root cause, and track production test failures, working closely with Design Engineers to implement design changes during launch and early production.
Lead failure analysis of complex electronic module issues, applying in-depth evaluation of variable factors and exercising independent judgment in selecting investigation techniques.
Drive corrective action processes through to verified closure, maintaining strong documentation practices aligned with IATF/VDA quality system requirements.
Establish and monitor production testing KPIs (FPY, OEE, installed vs. planned capacity) and present findings to program leadership.