Vehicle Hardware Validation Engineer | Exterior Systems

Rivian Automotive; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Insurance benefits

401(k) plan

Employee Stock Purchase

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a Vehicle Hardware Validation Engineer in California to own exterior, interior, closures, structures, and chassis validation activities. You will partner with Exterior and Vehicle Hardware Engineering to ensure robust real‑world performance.

This role emphasizes DFMEA‑driven validation plans, data‑driven criteria, and collaboration with CAE, DREs, TPMs, suppliers, and test labs to deliver safe, reliable components on time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 1–2+ years automotive validation experience, with exposure to strength, fatigue and durability testing.
• Experience developing DVP&R and DFMEA-driven validation plans.

Responsibilities

• Own vehicle hardware validation plans and DVPs across exterior components.
• Define verification strategies at system, subsystem, and component levels.
• Develop data-driven criteria and link validation to analytical predictions.
• Improve test methods and develop Rivian Testing Standards (RTS).
• Collaborate with labs, plan tests, and manage budgets/timelines.
• Document results, ensure traceability to DVP items and parts.

Skills

Vehicle hardware validation

DFMEA-driven validation plans

DVP&R experience

Statistical methods

CAD for fixtures/tools

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Jama

Flow

Enovia

Jira

Microsoft Office/Google Workspace

Job description

Rivian is seeking a Vehicle Hardware Validation Engineer in California to own exterior, interior, closures, structures, and chassis validation activities. You will partner with Exterior and Vehicle Hardware Engineering to ensure robust real‑world performance.

This role emphasizes DFMEA‑driven validation plans, data‑driven criteria, and collaboration with CAE, DREs, TPMs, suppliers, and test labs to deliver safe, reliable components on time.