Validation Engineer - Vehicle Hardware

Rivian•Irvine, CA

About The Position

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever — through emissions‑free Electric Adventure Vehicles and a community of curious, courageous people who challenge what’s possible. You’ll join the Vehicle Hardware Validation team, partnering with Exterior and broader Vehicle Hardware Engineering to ensure our interior, closures, structures, and chassis systems perform robustly in the real world.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; advanced degree a plus.
1-2+ years of experience in automotive (or closely related) requirements, validation, and/or mechanical system design, with significant exposure to strength, fatigue, and durability testing for structural and/or Exterior components.
Deep familiarity with vehicle hardware validation (Exterior, Interior, Closures, Structures, and/or Chassis): environmental, durability, mechanical, and functional tests; BSR/NVH and craftsmanship a plus.
Experience developing and interpreting DVP&R, test standards (OEM or industry), and DFMEA‑driven validation plans.
Strong command of statistical methods for validation (sample size, reliability/confidence intervals, attribute vs. variable data).
Practical experience designing, commissioning, or improving test fixtures and tooling using CAD.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace; comfort working in Jira and other lifecycle/requirements tools (e.g., Jama, Flow, Enovia) is a plus.
Proven ability to self‑direct in a fast‑changing program environment, while keeping stakeholders aligned on priorities and risks.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to synthesize complex test results into clear recommendations for engineers, TPMs, and leadership.
Collaborative mindset and a track record of building trust with design, validation, supplier, and lab partners.

Nice To Haves

advanced degree a plus
BSR/NVH and craftsmanship a plus
comfort working in Jira and other lifecycle/requirements tools (e.g., Jama, Flow, Enovia) is a plus

Responsibilities

Own vehicle hardware validation plans
Develop and manage comprehensive subsystem validation plans (DVPs) for Exteriors across specific vehicle programs, aligned to DFMEA and requirements.
Define verification strategies at system, subsystem, and component level, including ED/DV/MV coverage and build‑phase alignment.
Define clear, data‑driven criteria
Partner with CAE and DREs to link physical validation to analytical predictions and regulatory/certification requirements.
Continuously improve test methods and coverage
Research and benchmark new industry validation methods; identify gaps in Rivian’s current portfolio and introduce new tests needed to achieve target vehicle performance for Exteriors and vehicle hardware.
Develop and revise Rivian Testing Standards (RTS), capturing lessons learned from previous test programs.
Lead vendor collaboration and on‑site execution
Work closely with external test labs to quote, source, plan, and schedule validation testing to meet program budgets, maturity needs, and timing milestones (SVP/IVP/CVP/FVP).
Provide hands-on support at labs (Rivian and external) for setup, shakedown, debug, and first‑time or complex tests; ensure fixtures, tooling, and procedures are safe, robust, and compliant with RTS and RPS guidance.
Troubleshoot issues and drive closure
Assist in troubleshooting issues identified during validation (performance, durability, BSR/NVH, fit/finish, or safety concerns), working with DREs, CAE, reliability and suppliers to identify root cause, define corrective actions, and document outcomes.
Use DFMEA, test data, and field/quality feedback to refine validation plans and requirements.
Own test documentation and compliance
Receive, catalog, and archive external test reports and Rivian test reports in accordance with record retention and data‑management policies; ensure traceability to DVP line items and parts/maturity.
Develop tools, fixtures, and cost models
Design or review validation‑specific tools and fixtures in CAD (e.g., durability rigs, impact fixtures, environmental setups) to ensure repeatable, representative loading and boundary conditions.
Own and continuously improve the test cost estimator for vehicle hardware validation: generate cost estimates, challenge supplier quotes, and highlight trade‑offs between scope, timing, risk, and budget.
Collaborate across teams
Partner daily with Product Engineering (DREs), CAE, TPMs, supplier quality, lab technicians, and external partners to align on priorities, risks, and trade‑offs.