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HW Test Engineering Technician

Rivian

Rivian

Quality Assurance
Palo Alto, CA, USA · United States
USD 36.2-45.25 / hour
Posted on Jul 11, 2025

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

In this role, the Hardware Test Engineering Technician will ensure the quality, reliability, and performance of cutting-edge mechatronic systems in current and next-generation electric vehicle hardware. This person will work closely with our design engineering teams to design fixtures and execute a wide range of tests on prototypes, sub-assemblies, and production components. This is a hands-on position requiring a strong understanding of electrical and mechanical principles, meticulous attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.


Responsibilities

  • Execute a variety of hardware tests including functional, performance, environmental (thermal, vibration, humidity), durability, and safety tests on vehicle components and subsystems (e.g., ECUs, battery systems, steering systems, sensors, etc.).
  • Design, build, configure, and maintain custom test equipment, fixtures, and instrumentation
  • Perform build, bring up, and troubleshooting of electronics and electronic assemblies, including prototypes for upcoming products and test systems (electrical/mechanical/software)
  • Communicate directly with engineers, manager, and other technicians to ensure a high level of technical support
    • Implement test set-ups, perform tests, collect results, and maintain appropriate logs.
    • Provide technical expertise in problem analysis and solutions utilizing complex instrumentation and software.
  • Maintain detailed records of all work performed, Creating documentation for evolving test and assembly processes
  • Rework printed circuit boards in accordance with engineering specifications, standards, and/or test procedures
  • Analyze failures using strong problem-solving skills & root cause analysis
  • Perform other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the position


Qualifications

  • AS+ in Engineering and 9+ years of related experience working as an HW test engineer or electrical technician in a product development lab.
  • Strong understanding of electrical and electronic circuits, components, and troubleshooting techniques.
  • Experience designing and building mechanical fixtures and DUT holders in 3D CAD tool (eg, SolidWorks)
  • Ability to read and understand electrical and mechanical engineering drawings, including schematics, layouts, wiring diagrams, and other technical documents.
  • Strong Verbal and written communication skills - able to understand and record reports, procedures, and status updates
  • Familiarity with programing different types of microcontrollers
  • Familiar with test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, power supplies, signal generators
  • Familiarity with various communication protocols (e.g., CAN, LIN, Ethernet) is a plus.
  • Experience with environmental testing (e.g., thermal chambers, vibration tables).
  • Experience with Google Suite or MS office tools (Outlook/Excel/Word/PowerPoint/Project), familiarity with Jira a plus
  • IPC-610, IPC-620, IPC-7711, IPC-7721 or J-STD-001 certifications are a plus
  • Excellent problem-solving skills with a methodical approach to debugging and root cause analysis.
  • Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, accurate work.
  • Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.
  • Light travel may be required. (20%)

Pay Disclosure

Salary Range for California Based Applicants: $36.20 - $45.25 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law)




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. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.

Candidate Data Privacy

Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.

Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian’s service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.

Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.

Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.