Vehicle Development Engineer

Lucid Motors; Newark (CA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 161,000; Full time

Job summary

Lucid Motors in Newark, California, is seeking a Vehicle Development Engineer I for our Vehicle Development Test team. You will lead planning and execution of vehicle-level development tests across early prototypes and production vehicles, ensuring alignment with customer needs and project schedules.

The role requires 0–3 years in automotive/EV, hands-on problem-solving, and strong collaboration. Expect extensive travel—domestically and internationally—throughout the vehicle testing lifecycle

Qualifications

• 0-3 years of experience in the Automotive/EV or relevant industry.
• Detail-oriented mindset with strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and resources at the same time.
• Self-starter with high levels of motivation and strong desire to continue learning.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills coupled with a strong work ethic.
• Understanding of vehicle systems and system interactions.
• Interest in the vehicle development process.

Responsibilities

• Be the single point of contact responsible for the assigned test vehicle(s), maintain HW and SW configurations, service and utilization history of those vehicles.
• Support required HW upfits, SW flashing and diagnosis through CAN, LIN and Ethernet communication.
• Review test plans assigned by engineering teams and understand test requirements.
• Vehicle preparation (HW/SW updates, install of instrumentation and data acquisition equipment) to meet test requirements.
• Support planning for parts, people, logistics and facilities to execute vehicle-level testing including risk assessments.
• Work within vehicle development and with cross-functional teams for supporting test requirements and keep all relevant stakeholders updated on progress.
• Execute vehicle-level test plans in lab, proving grounds and public road settings.
• Collect accurate vehicle data per test requirements, to troubleshoot issues and provide feedback to the relevant stakeholders.
• Document all test results in a clear and concise manner.
• Identify and document all issues with the relevant details, data and test logs.
• Support issue investigation with re-testing and drive towards resolution.
• Extensive domestic and international travel to test sites and fleet drives.
• Develop autonomy to ensure all vehicle development activities are completed with minimal disruption to the scope and schedule requirements.
• Recommend organizational or procedural improvements identified through various activities.

Skills

Problem-solving

Detail-oriented

Organizational skills

Self-starter

Interpersonal skills

Vehicle systems understanding

Interest in vehicle development

Education

Bachelor of Science minimum in a relevant science or engineering field

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.

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.

We are currently seeking a Vehicle Development Engineer I for our growing Vehicle Development Test team. Our mission is to lead the planning and execution of all vehicle level development tests to ensure we are delivering a quality product that meets customer needs. This role will be involved with testing early-stage vehicle prototypes as well as production ready vehicles. Our ideal candidate exhibits a strong drive, outstanding teamwork and collaboration within a startup environment, and has a keen interest in the vehicle development and test lifecycle across all function groups and attributes. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate excellence in their respective fields, to possess the ability to learn quickY and to strive for perfection within a fast‑paced environment. This is an exciting time to join the team as we continue development on the Lucid Gravity and all future products.

Responsibilities

Vehicle(s) Ownership

• Be the single point of contact responsible for the assigned test vehicle(s), maintain HW and SW configurations, service and utilization history of those vehicles.
• Support required HW upfits, SW flashing and diagnosis through CAN, LIN and Ethernet communication.

Test Planning & Scheduling

• Review test plans assigned by engineering teams and understand test requirements.
• Vehicle preparation (HW/SW updates, install of instrumentation and data acquisition equipment) to meet test requirements.
• Support planning for parts, people, logistics and facilities to execute vehicle-level testing including risk assessments.

Vehicle Testing & Issue Reporting

• Work within vehicle development and with cross-functional teams for supporting test requirements and keep all relevant stakeholders updated on progress.
• Execute vehicle-level test plans in lab, proving grounds and public road settings.
• Collect accurate vehicle data per test requirements, to troubleshoot issues and provide feedback to the relevant stakeholders.
• Document all test results in a clear and concise manner.
• Identify and document all issues with the relevant details, data and test logs.
• Support issue investigation with re-testing and drive towards resolution.
• Extensive domestic and international travel to test sites and fleet drives.

Other

• Develop autonomy to ensure all vehicle development activities are completed with minimal disruption to the scope and schedule requirements.
• Recommend organizational or procedural improvements identified through various activities.

Required Qualifications

• 0-3 years of experience in the Automotive/EV or relevant industry.
• Good problem-solver with hands‑on abilities.
• Detail‑oriented mindset with strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and resources at the same time.
• Self‑starter with high levels of motivation and strong desire to continue learning.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills coupled with a strong work ethic.
• Understanding of vehicle systems and system interactions.
• Interest in the vehicle development process.

Advantageous Experience

• Experience with FSAE, Baja or other DIY activities is a plus.
• Any automotive industry experience is a plus.

Education

Bachelor of Science minimum in a relevant science or engineering field

At Lucid, we don’t just welcome diversity - we celebrate it! Lucid Motors is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, and any other characteristic protected under applicable State or Federal laws and regulations.

Salary Range

The compensation range for this position is specific to the locations listed below and is the range Lucid reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including job-related knowledge; skillset; experience, education and training; certifications; and other relevant business and organizational factors.

Base Pay Range (Annual)

$117,100—$161,040 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 a 401(k) retirement plan. Hourly/non-exempt employees accrue up to 120 hours paid time off, and salaried/exempt employee 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.

Candidate Data Privacy

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