Early Career - Validation Engineer, Vehicle Hardware

Watershed Ventures; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a Vehicle Hardware Validation professional to own validation plans for Exteriors, working with CAE, DREs and vendors to ensure robust performance. You will define verification strategies, oversee test execution at Rivian and external labs, and help translate test results into actionable improvements.

The role focuses on durability, strength, and functionality tests for exterior and chassis systems, with hands-on lab support and ongoing standards development.

Qualifications

• DVP&RV validation plans and DFMEA-driven approach.

Responsibilities

• Own vehicle hardware validation plans.
• Develop and manage subsystem validation plans for Exteriors.
• Define verification strategies at system, subsystem and component levels.
• Collaborate with CAE and DREs to link physical validation to predictions.
• Lead vendor collaboration and on-site validation testing.
• Develop and revise Rivian Testing Standards (RTS).
• Provide hands‑on support at labs for tests and debugging.
• Document test results and ensure traceability to DVP items.

Skills

DVP&R

DFMEA-driven validation

DFMEA & validation planning

test fixtures & tooling

CAD design & review

Jira/Jama/Flow/Enovia

statistical methods

Microsoft Office & Google Workspace

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Advanced degree a plus

Tools

CAD

Jira

Jama

Flow

Enovia

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

About Rivian

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.

Role Summary

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.

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.

Education & experience

Bachelor’s orMaster’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.

Technical skills

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, attributevs.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.

Soft skills

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.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $85,400 - $94,900 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.