Job Description

About Us Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world. The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone. Role Summary In this role, you’ll be part of the team that develops automated test solutions for Rivian and Volkswagen Group’s electronic control units (ECUs) including Level 3+ ADAS, telematics, infotainment, battery management, and vehicle control systems. Our team’s solutions include internal-facing software, low-level firmware, data management platforms, and custom electromechanical hardware. These solutions get deployed internally within Rivian and at external labs and contract manufacturing facilities. You’ll be an individual contributor with a crucial role designing mechanical test systems for vehicle electronics. You’ll work on developing mechanical solutions for design characterization, validation, and manufacturing. Responsibilities ● Mechanical design modular and reusable mechanical fixtures during the lifetime of vehicle electronics. This will start with manual bench-top setups and will evolve to fully automated systems for volume production ● Work with cross-functional engineering groups to define mechanical test requirements for electronics and drive design decisions that help with the testability of ECUs. ● Design custom mechanical interfaces to connect to ECUs. This can range from pogo-pin connections to bed-of-nails style probing ● Design rack-based test systems that reduce complexity and improve build time when replicating at scale ● Create well documented diagrams, bills of materials, and standard operating procedures for test automation systems ● Develop and release drawings, BOM and specifications. ● Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors during purchasing, station build, integration and final commissioning ● Lead the interaction with vendors for manufacturing of mechanical components and systems ● Work with technicians to communicate requirements and ensure proper implementation Qualifications ● BS/MS or equivalent work experience in Mechanical Engineering or related fields ● 7+ years of relevant working experience designing modular mechanical hardware for test automation systems that range from R&D to high-volume manufacturing ● Expert at using 3D CAD design software like Autodesk Inventor,, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ProE, etc ● Ability to read electrical circuits and schematics, navigating PCB layouts and understand manufacturer’s product data sheets ● Experience working in the automotive, semiconductor, or aerospace industries ● Experience with electronics testing/probing/harnessing technologies like mass interconnect solutions (VPC), specialty probes (Ingun), etc ● Experience supporting deployment automated test equipment in manufacturing environments ● Hands-on hardware integration experience with automated test equipment Nice To Have ● Familiarity with vehicle communication protocols (CAN, CANFD, DoIP, Automotive Ethernet, LIN, etc.) ● Familiarity with Python ● Experience with automation instrumentation such as programmable power supplies, multiplexers, DMMs, signal analyzers, signal generators, multifunction devices (digital and analog) Pay Disclosure Salary Range/Hourly Rate for Palo Alto, California Based Applicants: $107,000.00 - $133,800.00 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law). Benefits Summary: Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies 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. Equal Opportunity Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citizenship and immigration status. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at [email protected]. Candidate Data Privacy Rivian and VW Group Technologies (“Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies”) may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies affiliates; and (iii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies’ service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions. Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.