Battery Test and Validation Engineer II, Dynamics and Structural

Rivian Automotive; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a Battery Test and Validation Engineer II, Dynamics and Structural, to evaluate safety, durability, and performance of next-generation energy storage systems spanning modules to packs. Lead mechanical tests, collaborate with design and CAE teams, and own test streams to accelerate hardware feedback in a fast-paced Rivian environment.

You will apply first-principles mechanics and operate shock, vibration, and data-instrumentation workflows, delivering evidence-based reports to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 2 to 4+ years in mechanical testing or structural dynamics.
• Strong first-principles understanding of mechanics of materials and vibration theory.
• Hands-on with mechanical test equipment: shakers, tables, Instron/MTS.
• Proficiency with DAQ hardware and sensor instrumentation.
• Ability to plan and document structured test procedures independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with data-driven recommendations.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute structural and mechanical validation tests on battery modules, packs, and subsystems, specializing in shock and vibration and other loading conditions.
• Perform tests to characterize structural dynamics and vibrational responses using modal hammers, shaker tables, drop towers, and load frames.
• Design, review, and procure robust mechanical test fixtures meeting stiffness requirements.
• Formulate and implement sensor instrumentation strategies across strain gauges, accelerometers, load cells, displacements, and high-speed cameras.
• Post-process time-series and frequency-domain data, extracting critical structural metrics.
• Collaborate with CAE teams to provide empirical data for correlation activities.
• Compile comprehensive test reports and recommendations to design owners.
• Adopt internal standards for test planning, procedures, and acceptance criteria.
• Drive continuous improvement in test methodologies and data quality.
• Maintain safe, organized lab environment; comply with HV safety and 5S.

Skills

First-principles mechanics

Vibrations and structural dynamics

Data acquisition (DAQ)

Test planning and documentation

Scientific communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Electrodynamic shakers

Hydraulic shakers

Vibration tables

Instron

MTS

DAQ hardware

Sensors & instrumentation

Job description

About Rivian

Rivianis 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.

Role Summary

As a Battery Test and Validation Engineer II, Dynamics and Structural within Rivian's Battery Test and Validation team, you will specialize in evaluating the physical safety, durability, and structural performance of our next-generation energy storage systems (ESS) spanning from modules to high-voltage battery packs. Operating on the Test & Validation team, you will act as a key technical contributor, developing and executing experiments that characterize battery assemblies under complex mechanical loading conditions. Your experimental insights will directly inform design changes, validate hardware structural integrity, and provide empirical data for advanced CAE model correlation.

In this role, you will apply solid first-principles knowledge of mechanics of materials and structural dynamics to solve difficult design challenges. You will assume ownership of specific mechanical test streams, collaborate cross-functionally with design and simulation engineers, and identify process improvements to accelerate our hardware development loop. A successful candidate in this role will be vital in ensuring Rivian's battery packs are built safe, robust, and performance-optimized.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute diverse structural and mechanical validation tests on battery modules, packs, and subsystems, specializing in shock and vibration and other loading conditions.
• Perform tests to characterize the structural dynamics and vibrational responses of the unit under test utilizing modal hammers, shaker tables, drop towers, and load frames
• Design, review, and procure robust mechanical test fixtures, ensuring they meet structural stiffness requirements
• Formulate and implement precise sensor instrumentation strategies, overseeing the layout, installation, and of strain gauges, accelerometers, load cells, displacement transducers, and high-speed cameras.
• Post-process and interpret time-series and frequency-domain experimental data using advanced analysis tools, extracting critical structural metrics
• Collaborate closely with Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) modeling teams to provide high-quality empirical data for correlation activities
• Compile comprehensive, evidence-based test reports, data summary packages, and post-test review findings, clearly articulating results and technical recommendations to design owners and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Adopt and champion internal standards for test planning, experimental procedures, and acceptance criteria in alignment with regulatory requirements or Rivian internal specifications.
• Drive continuous improvement in mechanical test methodologies, laboratory efficiency, and data quality tracking to shorten hardware feedback turnaround times.
• Maintain an exceptionally safe, organized, and clean working environment, strictly observing all high-voltage (HV) electrical safety guidelines, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols, and 5S housekeeping standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Typically requires a minimum of 2 to 4+ years of hands-on engineering experience in mechanical testing, experimental structural mechanics, vibration validation, or aerospace/automotive testing environments.
• Strong first-principles understanding of mechanics of materials, vibration theory, and structural dynamics.
• Hands-on experience operating mechanical test equipment, including electrodynamic or hydraulic shakers, multi-axis vibration tables, and tensile/compression testing machines (e.g., Instron, MTS).
• Proficiency with data acquisition (DAQ) hardware and standard laboratory instrumentation including strain gauges, accelerometers, load cells, and displacement sensors.
• Proven ability to plan, document, and execute structured test procedures independently while knowing when to seek technical guidance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of compiling polished technical test reports and presenting data-driven recommendations.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and high learning agility.
• Ability to safely perform laboratory operations, handle heavy mechanical equipment, and strictly adhere to personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel as needed (up to 20% domestic and international travel may be required).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience testing (e.g., mechanical crush, dynamic impact, shock, random vibration) on electric vehicle (EV) high-voltage battery packs, modules, or lithium-ion cells.
• Experience in correlating physical mechanical tests with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) predictions (using LS-DYNA, Abaqus, ANSYS, or OptiStruct) and working alongside CAE simulation engineers.
• Advanced proficiency in signal processing (such as FFT, power spectral density (PSD), and transfer functions) and data processing/scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, LabView, or JMP).
• Formal electrical safety training or certification (e.g., NFPA 70E, OSHA high-voltage qualification, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with failure modes of adhesive joints, plastics, composite materials, and metal structures under static and high-g dynamic loading.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is USD 77,800 - 97,300 for California based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs.

The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian’s 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.

Equal Opportunity

Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. 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.

Rivian 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 [e-mail].

Candidate Data Privacy and Technology

Rivian 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 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 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 affiliates; and (iii) Rivian’s service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.

Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, 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.

How We Use AI in Our Hiring Process: To ensure transparency, we want candidates to know that Rivian uses iCIMS Talent Cloud Artificial Intelligence (TCAI) and AI-enabled tools to assist with screening, reviewing, organizing and highlighting profiles and applications that match the key requirements for each role.

AI does not make hiring decisions: Qualified candidate applications are reviewed by a member of our team, and all decisions throughout the process are made by humans. We use AI to support efficiency and consistency, not to replace human judgment. We are committed to a fair, thoughtful, and equitable experience for every candidate.

Participation in AI profile matching is entirely voluntary. If you prefer that your profile not be used in this process, you can opt out at any time. Opting out means your profile will be excluded from automated matching and will not be surfaced for additional roles through this system. Your current application remains active and will not be affected in any way.

Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.