Sr. Safety 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

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

The Senior Vehicle Test Technician at Rivian plays a key role in the physical execution of our safety and performance programs. This is a hands‑on role within the workshop, responsible for the end‑to‑end preparation, teardown, and analysis of vehicle safety assets, for full vehicle crash test, component or assembly testing and complex sub system tests. You will work as the bridge between theoretical engineering and physical validation, ensuring every test asset is built & prepared to precise specifications and that the testing environment remains safe and efficient.

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.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Engineering/Technology or equivalent Automotive Test Technician certification/work experience.
• A strong working level foundational understanding of Automotive Safety components (Airbags, body crash components, electrical architecture) is required.
• 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.

Desired Attributes

• Collaborative Mindset: A team‑first attitude is essential; thrive in high‑pressure environments where coordination is key.
• Detail‑Oriented: Precision is non‑negotiable when preparing safety assets; notice small discrepancies that could impact test data.
• Problem Solver: Proactive in identifying workshop inefficiencies and suggesting improvements to fixture designs or workflows.
• Resilient: Comfortable working in a physically demanding environment that requires heavy lifting and standing for extended periods.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $40.67‑$50.84/hour for New York 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.

Benefits

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.