Staff Engineer, Powertrain Reliability

Lucid Motors USA, Inc.; Newark (CA); On-site; USD 167,000 - 244,000; Full time

Job summary

Lucid Motors is seeking a Staff Engineer – Reliability & Test Methods to lead reliability strategy for drive unit systems across development, validation, production, and field. You will govern test methods, diagnose durability issues, and collaborate with design, manufacturing, quality, and suppliers to ensure ultimate product reliability and safety across current and future programs.

This role requires 8+ years in reliability engineering, a strong background in FMEA and Weibull analysis, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years in reliability engineering, test methods, or durability validation for electromechanical systems.
• Deep understanding of Drive Unit subsystems: Motors, Inverter, Power Electronics, and Gearboxes.
• Proven experience defining and executing reliability test strategies at the system level.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in FMEA, Weibull analysis, ALT, and field data correlation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional technical initiatives and influence without authority.
• Excellent communication skills for presenting complex topics to varied audiences.

Responsibilities

• Own and define the reliability strategy for drive unit systems across development, validation, production, and field.
• Govern test methods, mission profiles, damage models, and reliability metrics.
• Serve as technical authority for Drive Unit reliability and durability performance.
• Develop and standardize test methodologies for mechanical, thermal, environmental, and endurance validation.
• Guide accelerated life testing, power cycling, and system-level durability assessments.
• Lead analysis of test, field, and warranty data to identify trends and risks.
• Mentor engineers and drive continuous improvement of reliability processes.
• Collaborate with Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, and Suppliers to influence design decisions.
• Represent reliability in governance forums and reviews.

Skills

Reliability engineering

Test methods

Durability validation

Drive unit subsystems

FMEA

Weibull analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Job description

About Lucid

At Lucid, we are creating exceptional mobility experiences through innovation to drive the world forward. Built on Lucid’s proprietary technology and software-defined vehicle architecture, our award-winning vehicles bring our “Compromise Nothing™” approach to the global automotive market. That means refusing to choose between performance and sustainability, design and engineering, ambition and integrity. In Lucid Air and Lucid Gravity, we have designed and built vehicles that have redefined their segments, combining exceptional range, performance, design, and expansive space in a single experience.

We achieve this through deep vertical integration, with design, engineering, and production happening in-house across our global offices and manufacturing facilities. Our teams come from industries around the world, united by a shared commitment to excellence. By refusing to settle, you can help redefine what’s possible and shape the future of mobility.

Lucid Motors is seeking a Staff Engineer – Reliability & Test Methods to provide technical leadership and system‑level ownership for reliability engineering of motor gearboxes, inverters and drive units. This role is critical to ensuring durability, functional safety, and field reliability across current production and future vehicle programs.

At the Staff level, this position goes beyond execution and is responsible for defining reliability strategy, governing test methodologies, influencing design decisions, and driving alignment across engineering, quality, manufacturing, suppliers, and program leadership.

At Lucid, we don’t just welcome diversity - we celebrate it! Lucid Motors is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

Key Responsibilities

Reliability Strategy & Technical Leadership

• Own and define the reliability strategy for drive unit systems across development, validation, production, and field.
• Establish and govern test methods, mission profiles, damage models, and reliability metrics aligned with real‑world duty cycles.
• Serve as a technical authority for Drive Unit reliability, failure mechanisms, and durability performance.

Test Methods & Validation

• Develop, standardize, and continuously improve test methodologies for mechanical, thermal, environmental, and endurance validation.
• Ensure test coverage is sufficient to demonstrate reliability targets for DV/PV, SOP, and sustained production.
• Guide accelerated life testing, power cycling, and system‑level durability assessments.

Data Analysis & Failure Investigation

• Lead analysis of test, field, and warranty data to identify trends, failure modes, and systemic risks.
• Drive root cause investigations for critical field issues and QUALs, including support for Product Working Safety Group and functional safety reviews.
• Apply advanced reliability techniques such as FMEA, Weibull/statistical analysis, and physics‑of‑failure methods.

Cross‑Functional & Supplier Engagement

• Partner closely with Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, and Suppliers to influence robust design and validation decisions.
• Provide reliability guidance during DFMEA, DRs, and change control processes.
• Engage suppliers and external test labs to align on assumptions, inputs, and validation approaches.

Governance, Mentorship & Continuous Improvement

• Represent reliability in Reliability Council, drive unit governance forums, and technical reviews.
• Mentor senior and junior engineers; elevate reliability capability across the organization.
• Drive continuous improvement of reliability processes, test efficiency, and knowledge reuse.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in reliability engineering, test methods, or durability validation for electromechanical systems.
• Deep understanding of Drive Unit sub systems, Motors, Inverter, Power Electronics and Gearboxes
• Proven experience defining and executing reliability test strategies at the system level.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in FMEA, Weibull analysis, ALT, and field data correlation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional technical initiatives and influence without authority.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical topics to varied audiences.

Preferred

• Experience in electric vehicle powertrains, drive units, or high‑performance automotive systems.
• Familiarity with automotive reliability standards, validation practices, and functional safety interfaces

Salary Range

Base Pay Range (Annual)

$166,500 — $244,200 USD

Compensation & Benefits:

Lucid offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and disability coverage; paid time off; paid holidays, paid sick leave; and a401(k) retirementplan. Hourly/non-exempt employees accrue up to 120 hours paid time off, and salaried/exempt employees accrue up to 160 hours paid time off. Eligible employees may also participate in Lucid’s equity program and/or a discretionary annual cash incentive program. Incentive and equity awards, if applicable, are determined based on individual performance, role scope, market considerations, and overall company results, in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Equal Opportunity:

At Lucid, we believe diversity strengthens everything we build. Lucid Motors is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive workplace for all. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal laws and regulations.

Accessibility:

Lucid Motors is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need any accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at TA-Operations <@> lucidmotors.com. This email address is designated solely for accommodation requests and is not monitored for job applications or resume submissions. To be considered for employment, all applications must be submitted through the Lucid Motors Careers website.

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