Senior Vehicle Crash Test Technician

Rivian; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 84,594 - 105,747; Full time

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a Senior Vehicle Test Technician in New York to lead end-to-end preparation, teardown and analysis of safety assets for crash tests, vehicle tests, and complex sub-system evaluations. You will bridge theory and hands-on validation in a busy Rivian workshop.

Collaborate with Test Engineers to perform full-vehicle crash tests, sled tests, and component safety assessments; assist with LV/HV installations and repairs, and operate heavy equipment while maintaining strict safety

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Engineering/Technology or equivalent Automotive Test Technician certification/work experience.
• Strong working knowledge of automotive safety components (airbags, body crash components, electrical architecture).
• Proven ability to work with both mechanical assemblies and electrical systems (LV/HV).
• High level of comfort with heavy machinery, fabrication tools, and vehicle diagnostic equipment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for incident reporting and documentation.
• Must be an effective communicator across all levels (verbal, email, and digital messaging) to ensure test accuracy and team safety.
• Willingness to work extended hours/night sessions during critical vehicle prep windows and travel out-of-state as project needs dictate.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert hands-on support for vehicle rebuilds, retrofits, and complex teardown activities following high-energy test events.
• Collaborate directly with Test Engineers to execute full-vehicle crash tests, sled testing, and component-level safety evaluations.
• Support the installation, extraction, and shipment of critical safety components including airbags, seats, and active safety sensors.
• Maintain the Rivian onsite workshops; manage tool inventory, equipment calibration, and vehicle setup stations to ensure test-ready status at all times.
• Assist in the design, fabrication, and assembly of custom test fixtures; maintain an organized fixture repository for recurring DVP requirements.
• Support electrical teams in the installation and repair of both Low Voltage (LV) and High Voltage (HV) vehicle content (training provided).
• Coordinate the organization and secure storage/recycling of pre‑ and post‑test parts; assist engineering teams in the initial analysis of physical test outcomes.
• Operate heavy machinery (forklifts, Stringos, vehicle lifts) and maintain a rigorous safety standard for all personnel within the test environment.

Skills

Automotive safety knowledge

Electrical systems

Heavy machinery operation

MS Office proficiency

Test reporting

Interpersonal communication

Travel readiness

Education

Associate degree in Engineering/Technology

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

Job description

Rivian is seeking a Senior Vehicle Test Technician in New York to lead end-to-end preparation, teardown and analysis of safety assets for crash tests, vehicle tests, and complex sub-system evaluations. You will bridge theory and hands-on validation in a busy Rivian workshop.

Collaborate with Test Engineers to perform full-vehicle crash tests, sled tests, and component safety assessments; assist with LV/HV installations and repairs, and operate heavy equipment while maintaining strict safety